'Now I can say that Shardul Thakur has been...': Rishabh Pant’s major statement after LSG crush MI

Rishabh Pant-led Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) locked horns with the Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians in the 16th match of the Indian Premier League 2025.

Lucknow Super Giants won against the Mumbai Indians in the high-profile IPL 2025 match by 12 runs at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.

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One thing is sure is that the wicket is playing really well - Rishabh Pant

Lucknow Super Giants posted a huge score of 203/8 on the board after being invited to bat first, thanks to Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram's sensational half-centuries. Defending the score, LSG bowlers did a terrific job and reduced MI to 191/5.

Speaking during the post-match presentation ceremony, LSG skipper Rishabh Pant said that the pitch played really well and it was just about adapting very well. He also showered rich praise on Mitchell Marsh for providing LSG with great starts. He said:

"One thing is sure is that the wicket is playing really well and we need to figure out what's working for us and what is not. Very simple. Before we wanted a different kind of wicket, but whatever was offered to us we will take it and play.

"When a player like Mitch Marsh gives us a start like that, it gives time to the middle-order. That's the idea, we want to play according to the situation, the kind of start we got it put us in a good state."

He is amazing for us - Rishabh Pant on Shardul Thakur

Rishabh Pant further lauded pacer Shardul Thakur, saying that he has been an amazing pick for Lucknow Super Giants. He was also impressed with the way Digvesh Rathi bowled in the match against Mumbai Indians. Rishabh Pant said:

"Mentally it was tough for all of us, they were not losing too many wickets, kudos to them, but we held our nerve and finished it off. (on Shardul) He is amazing for us, now I can say that he has been an amazing pick. We need to back him."

"(on Rathi) He is one of our leading bowlers, the way he his holding his nerve and good to see a youngster perform like that."

How did LSG perform in the previous IPL match against MI?

Lucknow Super Giants delivered a great performance in their previous IPL outing against Mumbai Indians, registering an 18-run at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

LSG were asked to bat first in the match and they lost three quick wickets and were reduced to 69/3 with Devdutt Padikkal, Marcus Stoinis, and Deepak Hooda back in the hut.

KL Rahul tried to steady things with a 41-ball 55, before Pooran walked in and changed the tempo of the game with his exceptional 75 runs off just 29 balls, including five fours and eight sixes. Ayush Badoni also came up with a brilliant cameo (22 off 10), and they eventually finished at 214/6.

With the ball, LSG didn’t start well as Rohit Sharma’s onslaught had MI at 88/0. But LSG bowlers turned the tide and picked wickets at regular intervals to reduce MI to 120/5.

Then, Naman Dhir troubled LSG with his 62-run knock off 28 balls but the bowlers held their nerves and restricted Mumbai Indians to 196/6.