Rishabh Pant Names 3 Players Behind LSG’s Dramatic Loss Against DC In IPL 2025

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season kicked off in spectacular fashion, delivering one of the most thrilling encounters right in the first match. The clash between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in Visakhapatnam had everything a cricket fan could ask for—high scores, dramatic collapses, unexpected comebacks, and a nerve-wracking finish.

Despite putting up a formidable 209/8, LSG suffered a shocking defeat as DC mounted a breathtaking comeback. What seemed like an easy win for LSG at one stage turned into a nightmare, leaving captain Rishabh Pant frustrated as he pointed out key moments and players who turned the game around in DC’s favor.

So, how did this match slip away from LSG’s grasp? Let’s break it down.

A Strong Start for LSG: Pooran’s Fireworks and a Solid Total

Winning the toss and opting to bat first, LSG started their innings in dominant fashion. Their top-order batters capitalized on the powerplay, setting the tone for a massive total.

The standout performer for LSG was Nicholas Pooran, who played a breathtaking knock of 75 runs, smashing boundaries all over the park. His aggressive approach put DC’s bowlers under immense pressure, ensuring that LSG maintained a strong run rate throughout the innings.

Despite wickets falling at regular intervals, LSG managed to keep the scoreboard ticking. Contributions from KL Rahul (36 off 27) and Ayush Badoni (28 off 16) further strengthened their total, pushing them past the 200-run mark.

However, as the match would later prove, even a total of 209/8 wasn’t enough on this batting-friendly surface in Visakhapatnam.

LSG’s Dream Bowling Start: DC in Deep Trouble at 7 for 3

LSG’s defense of their total started in the best possible manner. Their bowlers, particularly Shardul Thakur, struck early, reducing DC to a disastrous 7 for 3 in the first two overs.

With key batters like David Warner, Prithvi Shaw, and Mitchell Marsh back in the pavilion cheaply, it looked like a routine win for LSG. Rishabh Pant’s side had DC completely under control, and the match appeared to be heading towards a comfortable victory.

But T20 cricket is unpredictable, and as the game progressed, LSG learned that the hard way.

DC’s Fightback: Stubbs, Ashutosh, and Vipraj Spark a Comeback

When DC was struggling at 7/3, all signs pointed toward a one-sided contest. However, this is where the tide began to shift.

First, Tristan Stubbs played a counter-attacking knock of 34 runs, stabilizing the innings and injecting belief into DC’s chase. Though his innings wasn’t the flashiest of the night, it played a crucial role in absorbing pressure and setting the stage for what was to come.

The real game-changer, however, was Ashutosh Sharma. Coming in at a critical moment, he played one of the most remarkable innings of his young IPL career. With DC still in trouble at 65/5, Ashutosh took matters into his own hands.

Ashutosh Sharma’s Match-Winning Knock: 66 off 31 Balls

Ashutosh’s innings was a perfect blend of composure and explosive hitting. He started cautiously, ensuring that DC didn’t suffer another collapse. At one stage, he was batting at 20 off 20 balls, and it seemed like LSG was still in control.

But then came the explosive acceleration that changed the match.

Ashutosh unleashed a flurry of boundaries, scoring 46 runs in his next 11 balls. His clean hitting, combined with his ability to find gaps, put LSG’s bowlers under immense pressure. His quick running between the wickets and aggressive stroke play made the impossible seem possible.

When he finally departed, DC was back in the game, and all eyes turned to debutant Vipraj Nigam, who had his own script to write.

Vipraj Nigam’s Game-Changing Cameo: 39 off 15 Balls

While Ashutosh laid the foundation for DC’s comeback, it was Vipraj Nigam who delivered the final knockout punch. The debutant, playing in his first-ever IPL match, showed no signs of nerves as he launched an all-out attack on LSG’s bowlers.

His fearless batting in the final overs, including some audacious strokes, completely took the game away from LSG. His 39 off 15 balls was exactly what DC needed to complete the chase.

It was his onslaught that ultimately left LSG stunned, as DC chased down 210 with three balls to spare, securing a one-wicket victory in a game that had looked lost.

Rishabh Pant’s Frustration: “Stubbs, Ashutosh, and Vipraj Took the Game Away”

After the heartbreaking defeat, Rishabh Pant didn’t shy away from expressing his frustration. In the post-match presentation, the LSG skipper acknowledged that his team had started well but lamented how DC’s middle-order turned the match on its head.

“I think our top-order batters played really well, and 210 was a good score on this wicket. We got early wickets, but we knew it was a batting-friendly track. They had a couple of good partnerships—one with Stubbs (Tristan Stubbs) and Ashutosh (Ashutosh Sharma), and another with Vipraj Nigam. I think he (Vipraj) did a fantastic job and took the game away from us.”

Pant’s comments made it clear that he saw these three players—Stubbs, Ashutosh, and Vipraj—as the primary reason for LSG’s unexpected defeat.

Tactical Errors and Bowling Miscalculations: Where Did LSG Go Wrong?

Apart from the brilliance of DC’s batters, LSG’s poor bowling tactics also played a significant role in their downfall. Pant’s questionable bowling changes in the final overs proved costly.

Ravi Bishnoi was given the 18th over, despite being expensive earlier in the innings. Ashutosh took full advantage, scoring quick runs off him.
Young pacer Prince Yadav was handed the 19th over, but he crumbled under pressure, conceding 16 runs, allowing DC to get closer to the target.
Shahbaz Ahmed was surprisingly given the final over instead of the experienced Shardul Thakur, who had already taken two key wickets. The decision backfired as Vipraj Nigam sealed the win for DC in style.

These tactical errors proved costly, and LSG ended up on the losing side despite being in control for most of the game.

What’s Next for LSG? A Tough Road Ahead

The loss in their season opener is a major setback for Lucknow Super Giants, but they still have a long tournament ahead. Pant and his team will need to regroup quickly, fix their death bowling issues, and ensure that they don’t repeat these mistakes in the coming matches.

For Delhi Capitals, this win will be a massive confidence booster. The performances of Ashutosh Sharma and Vipraj Nigam prove that they have match-winners in their squad who can step up in crucial moments.

If IPL 2025’s first game is anything to go by, fans are in for an action-packed season, filled with thrilling chases, unexpected twists, and unforgettable moments. One thing is for sure—DC’s incredible comeback will be remembered for years to come.

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