LSG failed to defend a competitive 228, going down as MI chased it down with eight balls to spare, powered by blazing half-centuries from Rohit Sharma (84) and Ryan Rickelton (83), leaving LSG\u2019s playoff hopes hanging by a thread.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe way we started, I think we should have gotten more runs. Definitely the boys played freely, but in the end, I think they (MI) bowled well because they are used to these conditions, for sure,\u201d said Pant in the post-match presentation.<\/p>\n
\u201cDefinitely, we were short by 10-15 runs because it was a 220-230 wicket for sure. And the way we started, we had that edge over them. But at the same time, on a wicket like this, you can\u2019t blame bowlers all the time.\u201d Pant said a slice of luck in the remaining matches could turn things around for LSG, expressing hope of a late revival.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ve (LSG bowlers) been doing a fantastic job for us. So, I definitely can\u2019t say much to them, for sure. I think we need some good luck. That\u2019s the only thing I\u2019m going to say. I think a lot of blessing is going to work around it. And it\u2019s going to take some more effort from us, for sure,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
MI stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav admitted LSG\u2019s strong start was a concern, but his side drew confidence from similar situations in the past to tie down the opponents.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo be very frank, we\u2019ve been in this situation a lot of times this season. It was nothing new, to be very honest. But then I knew, T20 cricket after the PowerPlay from seven to 10 overs, that\u2019s the best time when you can pull the game off.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe knew two wickets here and there, and I can take control of the game. And the way all the bowlers responded, I think they showed a lot of character,\u201d said Suryakumar.<\/p>\n
He added that the way MI pulled things back and tied down LSG batters was amazing.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think the performance was unbelievable. Everyone had that belief, they had their clear plans. I didn\u2019t tell them anything. It was just little, little backing involved in a few situations. But then at the end of the day, the way they displayed their character and the way they bowled, I think it\u2019s commendable.\u201d<\/p>\n
On the 200-plus chase, he pointed out that MI had earlier posted 244 against Sunrisers Hyderabad and still ended up on the losing side, which reinforced the belief that even a 220-plus total can be chased.<\/p>\n
\u201cSee, even we scored 244 a few days back and Sunrisers chased it. So, we always knew, anything around 220-225-230 will be chaseable. And the way we started our batting, Ryan Rickelton, he has been batting beautifully. And as I said, at the toss, our very own Rohit Sharma coming back into the side, fit, ready, raring to go.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd the way he displayed, the way he showed the entertainment to the crowd, I think it was unbelievable. I think it\u2019s always important to have a good start when you\u2019re chasing 200-225. And the way they batted together, it looked like they were always in control,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Published on May 05, 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n