IPL: Williamson admits adjusting to challenging pitches has been as issue for LSG batters
LUCKNOW: Lucknow Super Giants’ home woes deepened as they slumped to a seven-wicket defeat against Gujarat Titans, their second loss in four matches at the venue this IPL season. The result also stretched their overall losing streak to six games, dating back to the previous edition, raising fresh concerns over their consistency. A change in jersey and logo ahead of the season has done little to alter fortunes.
The bigger issue remains a misfiring top order, which once again failed to set the tone in the powerplay. At a time when several teams are routinely racing to 80-plus in the first six overs and pushing totals beyond 230, LSG have struggled to keep pace, often playing catch-up. Strategic advisor Kane Williamson acknowledged the need for improvement at home but pointed to challenging surfaces as a factor.
“We would like to be more clinical at home. Context is important; across these matches, there has been a lot of problem-solving required on these pitches. While other venues are seeing scores of 230-240, conditions here have been different.
We want to keep improving, but there are positives to build on,” he said. Williamson threw his weight behind captain Rishabh Pant, whose white-ball form has come under scrutiny. He felt Pant showed encouraging signs despite the result.
“He came out and played beautifully in the powerplay. It was a great sign, especially knowing the pitch would slow down later. The margins in this format are very small,” he said.