Former South Africa captain Shaun Pollock has criticized Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant, calling his leadership ‘aimless’ after the team lost to Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium on May 4.
Pollock noted that Pant did not take action as MI scored quickly at the beginning of their innings. Instead of trying to force the batters into mistakes, Pant appeared to wait for errors without a clear strategy.
“In such games, it seems like you are aimless as a captain. When MI’s openers were performing so well, it felt like there was little he could do. However, it appeared there weren’t any solid plans to get a wicket or slow down the scoring, just a hope that MI’s openers would get out,” said Pollock on Cricbuzz.
The Super Giants scored 228 runs in their 20 overs, but MI chased this total down easily, finishing with more than an over to spare. This successful chase was largely due to the strong opening partnership between Ryan Rickelton and Rohit Sharma, who posted 143 runs for the first wicket in just 10.5 overs. Rickelton scored 83 at a strike rate of 259.38, while Rohit hit 84 off 44 balls. LSG’s chances dwindled fast, with MI needing only 86 runs from nine overs.
Pant’s team is currently at the bottom of the IPL standings, having lost their last six matches. They have earned only four points this season and are unlikely to qualify for the top four. Their next match is against the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, on May 7.