IPL 2026 | 'I'd say sorry': Why Rishabh Pant apologised in LSG's last game vs Punjab Kings
Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant apologized to fans for a disappointing IPL 2026 season, as his team, already out of playoff contention, faced Punjab Kings. Pant acknowledged the tough campaign, promising a 100% effort in their final league match. Punjab Kings, needing a win to stay alive, opted to bowl first.
NEW DELHI: Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant apologised to the franchise's fans after Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to field in Match 68 of IPL 2026 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Saturday. Already eliminated from the playoff race, LSG are playing only for pride in their final league match of the season, while Punjab Kings need a win to keep their qualification hopes alive. Speaking at the toss, Pant said LSG too would have preferred to bowl first and predicted a high-scoring contest.
"We would have bowled first as well. This wicket is good for cricket regardless of bowling or batting. This is one of the better batting wickets; it could be a high-scoring match.
Two changes - Arjun and Arshin Kulkarni are in," Pant said during the toss. Pant also apologised to the fans for the franchise's disappointing campaign. "It's been a tough season, but at the same time, there has been a lot of learning, both for the team and personally.
I'd say sorry for the fans, they have come from all over UP. It's been tough going for us, but we'll give our 100% today," the LSG skipper said. LSG have endured a poor IPL 2026 season.