'Let my bat do the talking': Rishabh Pant responds to critics after LSG win
· Yahoo Sports
Rishabh Pant once again underlined his belief in letting performances speak louder than words, guiding Lucknow Super Giants to a tense five-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026 on Sunday.
Leading from the front, Pant played a crucial unbeaten knock of 68 off 50 balls, laced with nine boundaries, as LSG chased down a target of 157 with just one ball to spare at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. While not his most fluent innings, the LSG skipper showed composure under pressure, holding the chase together and finishing the game in style.
Amid ongoing scrutiny over his T20 approach, Pant made it clear that external noise does not affect him, insisting that recognition within the dressing room holds greater value. Speaking about his own form, Pant maintained that his preparation has been consistent and that he remains committed to contributing fully.
"I know I'm preparing well. I want to let my bat do the talking. My colleagues and management see how hard I work, that's what matters. I just don't want to talk about that," Pant said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
"You know, when it ends well, all is 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, definitely, it's a big plus. You know, when you get this at the last and finish the game, definitely a good plus for us," he said.
He emphasised that the bowling unit laid the foundation for the victory with disciplined efforts upfront.
"I think with bowlers, you know, you've got to appreciate and give them one because, you know, those are the people who set you up for the night, especially when you bowl first."
Pant noted that multiple bowlers stepped up and executed their roles effectively under pressure.
"I think (Mohammed) Shami Bhai, Avesh (Khan), (Digvesh) Rathi, I think everyone's contributed really well, especially (Manimaran) Siddharth coming in today. You know, we decided as a ground that he's going to make up the play and he did really well for us."
On team discussions and leadership approach, Pant underlined the need for balance between criticism and appreciation within the group.
"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." Pant added.
Pant added that learning remains an ongoing process for the side as it looks to improve with each outing.
"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."
Match Summary
Mohammed Shami’s brilliant opening spell set up Lucknow Super Giants’ five-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in a thrilling IPL clash. SRH collapsed early to 35/4, with Shami (2/9) leading the charge. However, Heinrich Klaasen (62) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (56) revived the innings with a 116-run stand, helping SRH reach 156/9 after LSG struck back at the death.
In the chase, Aiden Markram’s fluent 45 gave LSG a strong start before regular wickets kept the contest alive. Rishabh Pant anchored the innings with a composed unbeaten knock, holding his nerve despite pressure from SRH bowlers. With nine needed in the final over, Pant struck crucial boundaries to seal the win, guiding LSG home in a tense finish.
Leading from the front, Pant played a crucial unbeaten knock of 68 off 50 balls, laced with nine boundaries, as LSG chased down a target of 157 with just one ball to spare at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. While not his most fluent innings, the LSG skipper showed composure under pressure, holding the chase together and finishing the game in style.
Amid ongoing scrutiny over his T20 approach, Pant made it clear that external noise does not affect him, insisting that recognition within the dressing room holds greater value. Speaking about his own form, Pant maintained that his preparation has been consistent and that he remains committed to contributing fully.
"I know I'm preparing well. I want to let my bat do the talking. My colleagues and management see how hard I work, that's what matters. I just don't want to talk about that," Pant said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
"You know, when it ends well, all is 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, definitely, it's a big plus. You know, when you get this at the last and finish the game, definitely a good plus for us," he said.
He emphasised that the bowling unit laid the foundation for the victory with disciplined efforts upfront.
"I think with bowlers, you know, you've got to appreciate and give them one because, you know, those are the people who set you up for the night, especially when you bowl first."
Pant noted that multiple bowlers stepped up and executed their roles effectively under pressure.
"I think (Mohammed) Shami Bhai, Avesh (Khan), (Digvesh) Rathi, I think everyone's contributed really well, especially (Manimaran) Siddharth coming in today. You know, we decided as a ground that he's going to make up the play and he did really well for us."
On team discussions and leadership approach, Pant underlined the need for balance between criticism and appreciation within the group.
"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." Pant added.
Pant added that learning remains an ongoing process for the side as it looks to improve with each outing.
"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."
Match Summary
Mohammed Shami’s brilliant opening spell set up Lucknow Super Giants’ five-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in a thrilling IPL clash. SRH collapsed early to 35/4, with Shami (2/9) leading the charge. However, Heinrich Klaasen (62) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (56) revived the innings with a 116-run stand, helping SRH reach 156/9 after LSG struck back at the death.
In the chase, Aiden Markram’s fluent 45 gave LSG a strong start before regular wickets kept the contest alive. Rishabh Pant anchored the innings with a composed unbeaten knock, holding his nerve despite pressure from SRH bowlers. With nine needed in the final over, Pant struck crucial boundaries to seal the win, guiding LSG home in a tense finish.
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