Rishabh Pant admits LSG finally 'came to the same page' as nightmare losing streak comes to an end vs RCB

With 20 runs needed off the final over, Rishabh Pant decided to go with Digvesh Rathi, and he delivered for his team.

Published on: May 8, 2026, 08:30:57 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Rishabh Pant and Lucknow Super Giants managed to keep their IPL 2026 playoff hopes alive with a narrow nine-run victory against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, courtesy of the DLS method. The result saw LSG's six-match losing streak come to an end. Also, their eight-match losing streak at the venue came to an end.

Lucknow Super Giants' captain Rishabh Pant, right, with teammates celebrates after beating RCB. (PTI)

The match saw rain breaks, but LSG managed to post 209/3 in 19 overs, courtesy of Mitchell Marsh's 56-ball 111. RCB failed to chase down the target, and with 20 runs needed off the final over, Pant decided to go with Digvesh Rathi, and he delivered for his team.

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‘Coming to the same page means a lot for us’

Speaking after the match, Pant said, “It was a good game for us for sure. For the whole team it means a lot. We have been trying lot of things. Coming to the same page means a lot for us. It's been a tough season but sometimes you have to go through the grind. Definitely we were trying to put together a perfect game where batting and bowling comes together. There has been some good luck and some bad luck but really happy to get a win.”

In the final over, Pant chose Rathi over Shahbaz Ahmed. Explaining his decision, Pant said, "It was a tough call."

“We were under pressure. But at the same time you've got to trust your bowler. Rathi was the right matchup for sure against Shepherd. He trusted himself and got the job done for the team.”

Marsh was in top form for LSG with the bat, striking at 198.21 and also clobbering nine fours and nine sixes. Other than Marsh's batting, the bowling department put in a collective effort. “We know that as a team we've been grinding hard. Our strength this season has been bowling, the way all the bowlers have put their heart out, especially Prince, Shami bhai, Rathi, all the bowlers.. Avesh, Mayank. There has been some good things as a bowling unit, and looking forward to that,” he said.

Chasing 210, RCB lost both their openers early. They did try to counterattack through Devdutt Padikkla and Rajat Patidar, who got a 95-run stand for the third wicket. But Prince Yadav broke that stand, and soon RCB slipped from 104/2 to 112/5. Tim David tried to stage a fightback, but it wasn't enough for RCB.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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