Rishabh Pant shuts outside noise, responds to critics after guiding LSG to victory: ‘I just let my bat do the talking’

Rishabh Pant's 68* was pivotal as Lucknow Super Giants defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by five wickets in their IPL 2026 fixture on Sunday.

Updated on: Apr 6, 2026, 06:12:17 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Rishabh Pant had the perfect answer for critics on Sunday after Lucknow Super Giants defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by five wickets. The LSG captain has been facing the heat lately due to his dip in form in T20s, which also saw him miss out on India's T20 World Cup squad.

Rishabh Pant's unbeaten knock was key as LSG got their first win of the campaign. (AFP)

With LSG chasing 157 runs, Pant (68*) didn't open the innings and arrived to bat at No. 3 when Mitchell Marsh (14) lost his wicket to Ehsan Malinga in the fifth over. On his arrival, LSG were at 37/1, and he started on a cautious note, letting Aiden Markram get the runs.

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But the LSG opener missed out on a half-century narrowly, departing for 45 off 27 balls in the 10th over. When Markram left, Pant was at 17* off 17 balls. Ayush Badoni (12) failed to stitch a partnership with him, leaving in the 13th over. Meanwhile, Nicholas Pooran (1) was dismissed in a bizarre run-out in the next over.

After Pooran, Abdul Samad tried to stick with Pant as he began to counter-attack in the 16th over, hitting pacer Jaydev Unadkat for two fours. Then Samad contributed in the next over, taking on Malinga with two fours.

But Samad (16) lost his wicket in the next over, followed by Pant getting his half-century off 43 balls. In the final over, LSG needed nine off six balls, and Pant began with back-to-back overs, once against Unadkat. The SRH bowler responded with back-to-back dots, and then Pant hit him for another four as LSG won by five wickets.

‘I just let my bat do the talking’: Rishabh Pant

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Pant said, “We feel like, you know, only thing is there is never a perfect match. You know, you've got to be critical as a management, but at the same time, you've got to appreciate what's happening inside. I think the only conversation is, you know, looking to, you know, execute the plan rather than feeling that I can do all this. Trust your preparation and just take on the game. You know, when you slack so well, like I said before, you've got to be critical, but at the same time, we are looking to learn as a team and get better every single match.”

Commenting on his batting, which has been criticised a lot lately in T20s, Pant revealed that he has been preparing well for the ongoing season. In the opener against DC, he opened the innings for LSG and was dismissed for seven off nine balls.

"You know, what has well is all well. You know, we always say that, but at the same time, you know, my focus personally, I've been preparing really well and giving my full commitment. You know, I just let my bat do the talking. I just don't want to talk about that. I've been with the team and my management. So, you know, working hard and that's all matters to me", he added.

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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