Rishabh Pant Stands by LSG Despite IPL 2026 Struggles: ‘We Are a F ing Good Team’
‘We are a f\king good team.’ Those were the words of Rishabh Pant at the end of Lucknow Super Giants’ final IPL 2026 match — a season that saw them win just four of their 13 games and miss out on the playoffs entirely.
Defiant Words Amid Disappointment
Responding to a question about the team’s mindset heading into their last fixture against Punjab Kings, Pant didn’t flinch. Despite a lackluster campaign, inconsistent performances, and mounting pressure, he stood by his squad with unshakable belief.
“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\king good team.\”
Struggles at Every Turn
LSG’s journey in IPL 2026 was anything but smooth. The batting unit, headlined by Pant and Nicholas Pooran, failed to deliver consistently. Both key players endured personal slumps, while even Mitchell Marsh — who showed flashes of brilliance with a century and a 96 — had a slow start to the season.
Team director Tom Moody was candid in his assessment: the middle-order’s underperformance was a major factor in their downfall. Chasing or defending, LSG often found themselves a few runs short — or a few partnerships late.
Bowling Under Fire
In their match against Rajasthan Royals, the batters managed a competitive total. But LSG’s bowlers were dismantled early by an explosive opening stand. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed 93 off just 38 balls, supported by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s brisk 43 off 23. Together, they raced to 75 inside the first 7 overs, crippling LSG’s momentum.
The Royals chased down 221 with ease, and Pant admitted the conditions made it tough to contain.
“Sometimes, you know, it is hard,” Pant said. “On a [flat] wicket like this, there is less margin for the bowlers, you know and just having too many suggestions doesn’t work you know. 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 Decisions and Missed Opportunities
One talking point was Pant’s handling of his spin resources. Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed, a trusted option in past seasons, was held back until the final over — when RR needed just two runs to win.
Explaining the decision, Pant pointed to the presence of left-handed batters at the crease and Digvesh Rathi’s inclusion in the XI.
“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 (4-0-38-0) was in the side. So why take chance on Shabby when Rathi is there, for sure.”
A Season to Build On
There were no trophies, no late surge, no playoff drama. But for Pant and LSG, the message is clear: belief remains intact. Even in defeat, there’s a sense of identity, of potential, of unfinished business.
They may have finished in the bottom half of the table — but according to their captain, the foundation of a winning side is already there.
The road ahead? Refinement. Consistency. And the quiet confidence that next time, things might just go their way.
