Rishabh Pant Stands by LSG Despite IPL 2026 Struggles: ‘We Are a F\*\*\*ing Good Team’
“We are a f\*\*\*ing good team,” Rishabh Pant declared with unshaken conviction, even as Lucknow Super Giants limped toward the end of a forgettable IPL 2026 season. The words weren’t spoken in celebration, but in defiance — after LSG’s ninth defeat in 13 matches, officially eliminating them from playoff contention.
Pant’s Pride Amid Poor Results
With the season all but over, Pant was asked how he and his team were approaching their final match against Punjab Kings. His response was raw, passionate, and revealing.
“We are proud as a team regardless of how our situation is right now. You know, the kind of team we have, we know we can win this. Regardless of anything, we are confident enough as a team and as individuals. It hasn’t gone our way, and everyone knows that — but that doesn’t take away the fact that we are a f\*\*\*ing good team.”
That line — equal parts frustration and belief — encapsulates LSG’s season: stacked with talent, high on potential, but consistently undone by underperformance and poor timing.
Underwhelming Batting from Key Players
The numbers don’t lie. LSG’s batting lineup, expected to be one of the most explosive in the league, has struggled to fire consistently. Pant himself endured a tough personal season with the bat, failing to deliver the aggressive leadership from the crease that fans had come to expect.
He wasn’t alone. Nicholas Pooran, brought in as a powerhouse finisher, also failed to make an impact. Even Mitchell Marsh, who showed signs of form with a hundred and a 96 in consecutive games late in the season, had a sluggish start that cost the team crucial momentum early on.
Middle-Order Meltdown
Team director Tom Moody didn’t mince words when analyzing the root of their struggles.
“Our middle order underperforming was a big reason why we kept finding ourselves at the bottom half of the points table,” Moody admitted, highlighting a recurring issue across multiple matches.
Too often, LSG failed to build partnerships after the powerplay, collapsing under pressure or getting bogged down by economical bowling attacks.
Bowling Under Fire Against RR
In their penultimate match against Rajasthan Royals, it wasn’t the batting that failed — the batters held up their end, posting a competitive 221. But the bowlers were dismantled by a blistering opening stand.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi slammed 93 off just 38 balls, while Yashasvi Jaiswal blasted 43 off 23. The pair raced to a 75-run opening partnership, setting the tone early. Sooryavanshi’s assault, in particular, left LSG scrambling.
“Sometimes, you know, it is hard,” Pant conceded. “On a [flat] wicket like this, there is less margin for the bowlers. Just having too many suggestions doesn’t work. Sometimes you have to keep a simple plan and keep focusing on that one ball at a time and try to execute that plan.”
Tactical Call: Holding Back Shahbaz Ahmed
One tactical decision raised eyebrows: left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed wasn’t used until the final over, with RR needing just two runs to win.
Pant defended the move, citing match context.
“Definitely, the left-handers. They had been batting for a period of time. And exposing a left-arm spinner? I didn’t want that, because [Digvesh] Rathi was in the side. So why take a chance on Shabby when Rathi is there, for sure.”
Rathi, who conceded 38 without picking up a wicket, remained in the attack despite the pressure — a decision that backfired but was rooted in balancing matchups.
What’s Next for LSG?
The 2026 season ends in disappointment, but Pant’s message is clear: this squad has the firepower to win it all — they just didn’t get the breaks. Rebuilding confidence, fixing the middle order, and finding more consistent performances will be priorities in the off-season.
For now, the belief remains. Whether it translates into results next year remains to be seen.
