Rishabh Pant’s LSG Stumble Again as Shreyas Iyer’s Century Sinks Them in IPL 2026
Another season, another gut-wrenching finish for Rishabh Pant‘s Lucknow Super Giants, as Shreyas Iyer‘s explosive 101* off 51 balls shattered their hopes in the final overs at Ekana Stadium. Despite posting a competitive 196, LSG collapsed under the weight of expectation and a clinical Punjab Kings chase, bowing out of IPL 2026 on a painfully familiar note.
LSG’s Pride on the Line
Lucknow Super Giants knew they were out of the playoff race, but pride remained. Facing Punjab Kings in their final home game, LSG saw an opportunity to end their campaign with dignity. Their batting lineup delivered — propelled by strong contributions from Josh Inglis and Mitchell Marsh — as they posted a challenging 196 for 5 in their 20 overs.
For a moment, momentum shifted in their favor. The early bowling spell looked promising, with the spinners nipping at the edges and applying pressure. But that control quickly dissolved when Shreyas Iyer stepped on the gas.
Shreyas Iyer’s Masterclass Seals the Deal
Captain Shreyas Iyer, often steady and composed, turned ferocious when it mattered most. His unbeaten 101 off just 51 balls included 8 fours and 6 sixes, a brutal exhibition of calculated aggression. The defining moment arrived in the 18th over, with LSG chasing redemption ball by ball — and Iyer sealing it with a massive six to bring up his maiden IPL century.
Prabhsimran Singh provided vital support at the top, anchoring the innings early before Iyer took charge. Their 112-run partnership for the second wicket dismantled LSG’s strategy and shifted the game permanently into PBKS’s hands. Punjab Kings reached the target with 12 balls to spare, winning by 7 wickets.
Historical Dominance Confirmed
The win wasn’t just about one match — it extended PBKS’s dominance over LSG. This victory marked their fourth straight win against Lucknow since 2025 and their third in four encounters at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. For a team often labeled inconsistent, this streak over LSG adds a quiet layer of confidence ahead of the playoffs.
Pant’s Reflection: Acceptance Amid Disappointment
For Rishabh Pant, another post-match presentation passed in somber tones. With his team slumping at the end of a grueling, underwhelming campaign, Pant’s words carried the weight of accountability and quiet resolve.
“Initial thoughts are, it’s a tough one. We have to bite the bullet, keep our heads high,” Pant admitted. “It’s been a lot of learning — tough season for us, for sure. I think we scored enough. It’s harder in the second innings because the batting gets easier; that’s why everyone wants to field first.”
He refrained from criticizing his bowlers, instead pointing to the conditions. “The surface played slower early on, but it flattened out. Once you got set, it was difficult to contain,” he said.
Looking Ahead: Glimmers of Hope
Amid the disappointment, Pant found reasons to stay optimistic. He praised several players who stood tall during the turmoil.
“Josh Inglis, Mitch Marsh, Prince had a terrific season,” he said, nodding to the team’s core performers. “Mohsin coming back from injury… Shami bhai. Definitely a lot of positives. It’s been a long season, but we promise to come back stronger next year.”
For now, Lucknow Super Giants walk away from IPL 2026 with lessons etched deep. But in Prabhsimran’s grit, Iyer’s brilliance, and Pant’s resilience, there are hints of what’s to come — for both sides.
