IPL 2024: We need to keep fighting hard – Rishabh Pant after win against Lucknow Super Giants

Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant said they need to keep fighting hard after their convincing six-wicket win against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Friday. DC was able to restrict LSG to an under-par score of 167 after the hosts won the toss and decided to bat first.

Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers, picking 3-20 in his quota of four overs. The left-arm wrist spinner accounted for Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, and KL Rahul in his fine spell.

Furthermore, Khaleel Ahmed was able to strike twice in the Powerplay overs as he plumbed Quinton de Kock and Devdutt Padikkal to give a perfect start to DC.

On the other hand, Jake Fraser-McGurk, making his debut, was able to hit the ground running. The Australian scored a fine knock of 55 runs off just 35 balls whereas DC captain Rishabh Pant scored 41 off 24 balls. Pant and McGurk added 77 runs for the third wicket and played a key role in the team’s win.

DC has lost four matches in IPL 2024 and Pant admitted they haven’t been up to the mark with the ball, especially in the death overs. However, Pant urged his players to keep fighting and keep up the good show in the upcoming matches.

Rishabh Pant said in the post-match presentation, “Little relief, we wanted a win badly. I was talking to the boys saying we need to think like champions, we need to keep fighting hard. (On bowling) We have phases where we are not up to the mark, some individuals have to take responsibility for that. However, we stick together as a group. Some things you can control, some things we can’t.”

On team combination, Pant said, “I think we are getting closer to the right XI, but we’ve had so many injuries in this group. However, you can’t keep complaining about that. (On Fraser-McGurk) Hopefully, we’ve found our new number 3, haven’t thought too much about it. Hope he can continue.”

Delhi Capitals will next take on Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Wednesday.