LSG vs CSK: Rishabh Pant Explains Decision Behind Holding Back Bishnoi’s Final Over

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant explained why Ravi Bishnoi was not allowed to complete his four-over spell during their defeat against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Ekana Stadium on April 14.

Chennai Super Kings finally ended their five-match losing streak by defeating Lucknow Super Giants in a low-scoring encounter at the Ekana Stadium. CSK, who opted to bowl first, had a fantastic powerplay, restricting LSG to 49 runs for 2 wickets in 6 overs. The CSK opening bowlers managed to dismiss in-form batters Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran early in the innings.

Rishabh Pant, who had struggled throughout the season, rose to the occasion and scored his first fifty of the season, leading LSG to a total of 167/7 runs in the first innings. In response, Chennai's new opening combination of debutant Rachin Ravindra and Shaik Rasheed took charge in the powerplay. Despite taking the game deep, veteran MS Dhoni and Shivam Dube held their nerves to win the match by five wickets.

Rishabh Pant effectively utilized spinners Ravi Bishnoi, Aiden Markram, and Digvesh Singh during the middle overs. The trio helped LSG make a comeback after CSK's strong start in the power play. They combined to take four wickets in the middle overs, with Aiden Markram and Digvesh Singh each taking one wicket, while Ravi Bishnoi took two.

When the situation looked favorable for LSG with only one over remaining for Ravi Bishnoi to bowl, CSK was left needing 53 runs from the last five overs. Rishabh Pant decided to hold back his key spinner in favor of pace bowlers against MS Dhoni, who had just come to the crease, and Shivam Dube, who was struggling to find his rhythm. This decision allowed both Dhoni and Dube to hit some sixes, ultimately leading CSK to victory by 5 wickets

When asked about his decision to not bowl Bishnoi in the death overs, Rishabh Pant appeared uncertain, stating that it was a team decision not to use him.

He said, "We discussed with a lot of players, but we couldn't take him (Bishnoi) deeper; bowling his last over didn’t happen today." 

It was a surprising move from Rishabh Pant to hold back his best spinner, especially considering the conditions. While dew can make it hard for spinners to grip the ball, the ball was changed in the 17th over and was in perfect condition. Given Dhoni's history against spinners in the death overs since 2020, Pant's decision seemed unconventional in this match.