With 20 runs to defend in the final over against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rishabh Pant found himself staring at the kind of decision that can define a captain’s night. Lucknow Super Giants had done the hard work to stay ahead in the contest, but with Romario Shepherd and Krunal Pandya at the crease, the match was still very much alive.
What made the decision trickier was the tactical corner LSG had backed themselves into. The Lucknow surface had offered enough assistance for spin through the evening, making that the logical route for the final over as well. But logic only goes so far when two powerful finishers are capable of launching even decent deliveries into the stands.
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Pant’s choice came down to two spinners with very different appeals. Shahbaz Ahmed brought experience and control. Digvesh Rathi brought unpredictability, deception and the kind of mystery that can unsettle a batter under pressure.
A captain’s toughest conversation
Just before the final over began, the cameras picked up an intriguing exchange in the middle. Pant made his way in for a conversation with both Shahbaz and Digvesh, with the two bowlers appearing more than ready to take responsibility.
That, perhaps, was what made the call even more difficult.
Captains often have the luxury of reading hesitation in moments like these. A bowler unsure of himself can make the choice easier. But there was no such signal here. Both Shahbaz and Digvesh looked convinced they were the right man for the job, with Shahbaz particularly animated as the discussion unfolded.
Pant remained composed through it all, even taking a moment to consult Mitchell Marsh before arriving at his decision. In the end, the ball went to Digvesh, a call that immediately raised eyebrows given Shahbaz’s greater experience in pressure situations.
Why Romario Shepherd changed the equation
This was not just about defending 20 runs. It was about defending 20 against one of the most dangerous hitters in the competition.
Romario Shepherd had already shown enough to suggest that one over was more than enough time to swing the game, while Krunal Pandya was beginning to settle into his innings at the other end. The challenge was not whether spin was the right option. The challenge was which spinner had the better chance of disrupting the batters’ rhythm.
Pant’s explanation after the game suggested the decision was rooted in match-up thinking rather than pure instinct.
“It was a tough call (to go with Rathi over Shahbaz). We were under pressure. But at the same time you’ve got to trust your bowler. Rathi was the right matchup for sure against Shepherd. He trusted himself and got the job done for the team.”
That trust was clearly central to the decision. Pant was not simply choosing between two bowling styles. He was choosing the bowler he believed could handle the moment.
The gamble that paid off
As it turned out, Pant’s call could not have worked out much better. Digvesh kept his composure brilliantly, conceding just 10 runs in the over and ensuring LSG closed out a memorable victory.
Pant was quick to place the moment within the broader context of LSG’s season, praising a bowling attack that has repeatedly kept the team competitive.
“We know that as a team we’ve been grinding hard. Our strength this season has been bowling, the way all the bowlers have put their heart out, especially Prince, Shami bhai, Rathi, all the bowlers.. Avesh, Mayank.”
LSG’s route to the playoffs may still be narrow, but wins like this can reshape the mood around a campaign. For one night at least, Pant’s biggest captaincy dilemma became one of his smartest calls.
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