Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) began IPL 2025 with strong performances in their opening away matches. However, their first home game at Ekana Stadium saw them fall 20-25 runs short, according to captain Rishabh Pant. After being put in to bat, LSG posted 171 for 7, a total Punjab Kings (PBKS) comfortably chased down in just 16.2 overs, winning by eight wickets.
“Definitely [our total] wasn’t enough, we were like 20-25 runs short but that’s part and parcel of the game,” Pant admitted post-match. “It’s our first home game, so we’re still assessing the conditions.”
LSG’s Batting Struggles Continue
Opting for a slower pitch at home backfired for LSG as PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer, made early inroads. The hosts lost quick wickets, slumping to 35 for 3 in the fifth over, with Pant himself managing just 2 off 5 balls. They ended the powerplay at 39 for 3, their slowest start in this IPL.
“It’s always tough to get a big total when you lose early wickets, but that’s how the game goes,” Pant reflected. “Each player is trying to take the game forward.”
Defensive Bowling Tactics Fail to Deliver
When defending their total, LSG turned to spin early. Digvesh Rathi bowled two overs, dismissing Priyansh Arya, while Ravi Bishnoi was attacked by Prabhsimran Singh, conceding 15 runs in one over.
“The idea was to use a slower wicket,” Pant explained. “We expected the pitch to stop a little, but PBKS played better on the day. We will learn from this and move forward.”
Iyer’s Leadership and Wadhera’s Praise
Prabhsimran Singh set the tone with a blistering 69 off 34 balls, before Iyer completed the chase with an unbeaten 52 off 30 balls. Nehal Wadhera, who finished 43 not out, credited Iyer’s leadership.
“All credit goes to him for captaining us so well,” Wadhera said. “The way he boosts our confidence and tells us to ‘play your natural game’ really helps.”
PBKS coach Ricky Ponting also received praise from Wadhera. “He’s one of the best coaches I have ever worked with. He only speaks positively, which boosts confidence automatically.”
With two losses in three games, LSG now face a crucial stretch of home matches to find their rhythm and turn their season around.
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