Lucknow Super Giants suffered a defeat against Rajasthan Royals in the 32nd match of the Indian Premier League. Lucknow Super Giants bowled brilliantly to restrict Rajasthan Royals to 159 in the first innings. It was a terrific effort but Rajasthan Royals defended the target as Lucknow were bowled out for 119 in the chase. It was a terrific performance from Rajasthan Royals.
Rishabh Pant | LSG captain: I think it is difficult to explain. Like it's definitely our batting is letting us down, but at the same time, we are disappointed as a team, as a group, but at the same time, you've got to keep finding ways. You have to look for answers inside, not outside, but that's how it is as of now. See, definitely we could have taken some time while batting and at the same time, you know, not making any excuse out there, like, you know, including myself in that, like we could have taken it a little deeper because I think the bowlers did a fantastic job, especially after the last game. As a batting group, we need to put our hand up and try to finish that job for the bowlers also. There is still a lot we want to look at the positive side, you know. We all know it's disappointing for us as a team, but you know, we have to keep our head high and look for answers inside and we surely know that we have enough firepower in our bowling and batting and we can still turn it around. That's what I believe in.
Ravindra Jadeja | Player of the Match:
Yeah, feeling good, you know, getting Man of the Match and winning the team. So, yeah, I'm feeling very good, but before I start, I would like to dedicate this award to Education Minister of Gujarat because she told me yesterday itself said that you're gonna do wonders tomorrow. So I would like to thank her. (On hisbatting) Yeah, wicket was not that easy because ball was seaming and swinging. So I thought, let me play a longer as much as I can. And that is what I was talking to Donovan and whoever is coming next to batting. So I was just talking to him that we'll play a longer because in T20 cricket, you never know. Last over, as we like we cashed in, like we got 20 odd runs in last over. So that is what the thinking behind. (On going after Mayank Yadav in the final over) Yeah, I think coming from injury, it's not that easy bowling with that pace. But I was just backing my strength and I was talking to my partner that let's back each other and let's play good cricket shot. Because as I said, on this wicket, ball was seaming a lot and bounce was there. So it's not that easy that you can play any shot at any given time. (On his celebration after Pooran's wicket) Yeah, he's in my pocket (chuckles). Nothing, just randomly a thought came into my mind and I did it. (On varying his pace) No, because the ball was gripping a little bit. So I was just thinking that should I bowl quicker on this wicket or should I bowl slow? So I thought, okay, I'd bowl a few slow balls. And then I realized that yeah, if I bowl slow, then I might get a little bit hold from the wicket. So that is what I was looking to do. (Different plan for Marsh) Because the midwicket side and long-in side was a little bit shorter compared to other sides. So I knew that he might play that shot at some stage. So I was just bowling and mixing up with my pace, slow, wide and full ball also. Today I was looked to bowl slow.
Riyan Parag | RR captain:
Very pleased. Firstly, I feel we were really short with the bat. The way the wicket was playing when me and Hetty were batting, I think we've got to be better. I thought, honestly, even with the situation we had, we were close to getting 180 and that would have been a really good score because I knew it was going to be slowing down later, but yeah, the bowlers... No, it's because of the wickets. At the start of the tournament, the message of the group was that we will be a team that assesses and adapts and I feel in the last two games, the wickets we got, they adapted really well and they batted according to the wicket and not just how they wanted to bat. It's nothing to do with the middle order not scoring or whatever it is. If they get a flat wicket, they go guns blazing. If they get another wicket like this, they can take some time and then we move on from there. They're complementing each other. I'm blessed. I mean, for two bowlers to bowl 3-3 in the power play at this stage of the game or how T20 cricket is evolving, I think it's just commendable. The wicket was helping a little more to the seamers in the first innings, but then the second innings, we knew it would swing, but the lengths they bowled, the lines they bowled and the way we feel it, impressive. Everyone has been very supportive. I've been going through a phase as well. Right before the IPL, I had gone through something and then even now I'm going through something and everyone understands that. Everyone respects that and I thank them for that. I feel the way I'm batting and innings is not too far away, but as I've been saying, if I go in tomorrow and I play another game, it's going to be what the team needs. It's not me not scoring runs and taking my time getting 40 or 30. That's not going to happen. I go out there, assess conditions. If they want me to go to 200 from ball one, I do that.
Nandre Burger:
I think it's good to get back on the winning side of things. Obviously, bowling with Jofra, as you said, now it's pretty cool. It was a great performance. Obviously, a bit of a stutter at the bat yet again, but no doubt the boys will fix that. (Talking about the pitch today) Yeah, the wicket looks like it's got that bit of a mahogany tint, so I felt like the ball would kind of grip a little bit towards the end, so I just tried to obviously change the pace, trying to do that and hopefully it grips and hits on straight up. Yeah, pretty much just to keep it as simple as possible. We just basically try to find the hardest ball to hit on the day and try to bowl that 120 times and obviously, assess as the game goes on, but yeah, I think that's pretty much it. (Working with Shane Bond) I think the only thing we're working on is just to get better at bowling stuff forward, if that makes sense, and also trying to bowl the ball that's like the hardest to get on the day. As I said to you, it's a call the captain makes on the day, but I'll always be ready to step up if the team needs me. Whether the result goes our way or not, I'll be there to give 100%.
Rajasthan Royals were excellent today and this win will give a massive boost to them. On the other hand, Lucknow Super Giants are ninth in the points table and they desperately need to bounce back going forward. They have just two wins this season and this was a devastating loss for them. Rishabh Pant will be under immense pressure as his own form has not been good and the team has failed to do well.
