Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant’s injury and costly dismissal overshadowed LSG’s defeat to defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who beat them by five wickets at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on April 15, 2026. Pant was struck on the left elbow while attempting a pull off Josh Hazlewood, retired hurt, returned later but was out for one to a low full toss from Bhuvneshwar Kumar that Phil Salt took superbly at deep square leg. The result and Pant’s form have intensified scrutiny of the wicketkeeper-batter.
Former India opener and commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu, speaking on Star Sports’ Amul Cricket Live, blamed Pant’s dismissals more on his own shot selection than on opposition bowling, saying “more often, he is getting himself out,” while adding that Pant has the talent to recover if he gives himself time. Sidhu also warned that LSG’s problems extend beyond one player and that both batting and bowling units are struggling.
Pant’s returns in IPL 2026 so far read 7, 68*, 10, 18 and 1, with only the unbeaten half-century against Sunrisers Hyderabad standing out. On April 15, LSG were rocked early by a disciplined attack: Josh Hazlewood produced a probing fast spell, Bhuvneshwar Kumar finished with 3 for 27 and Rasikh Salam claimed 4 for 24 on a two-paced Chinnaswamy surface. LSG collapsed to 83 for 4 before Ayush Badoni (38) and Mukul Choudhary (39) steadied the innings, helping the side to 146.
Sidhu urged the team to reassess its top order, saying there must be “a lot of soul-searching,” and warning that LSG’s heavy reliance on their top three has left them short on meaningful partnerships. With players such as Aidan Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh and Pant showing potential but failing to build stands, LSG face a pressing need to repair their cohesion if they are to climb the IPL table.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/ipl-2026-rishabh-pant-is-getting-himself-out-says-navjot-sidhu-as-lsg-captain-falters-again
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Publish Date: 2026-04-16 19:05:00
