NEW DELHI: Rishabh Pant’s tactical brilliance became one of the defining moments of Lucknow Super Giants’ thrilling nine-run win (DLS) over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026 on Thursday night.With Tim David threatening to take the game away from LSG during a tense chase in Lucknow, Pant was caught on camera delivering animated instructions to spinner Shahbaz Ahmed moments before the breakthrough wicket.
A viral video shared by Star Sports showed Pant gesturing passionately behind the stumps as he advised Shahbaz on how to dismiss the dangerous RCB finisher.“Line ke bahar bhi daal sakta hai. Isko line ke bahar bhi daal sakta hai. Isko mix karke daalna padega,” Pant was heard saying.The broadcaster captioned the video: “Captain calls it, Shahbaz delivers it! Rishabh Pant uses his spidey sense to remove the dangerous looking Tim David.”The plan worked instantly.WATCH:
Shahbaz delivers after Pant’s instructions
David had already launched Shahbaz for a six and was looking ominous in the middle alongside Krunal Pandya. The Australian batter smashed 40 off just 17 balls, hammering four boundaries and three sixes to revive RCB’s chase.But on the very next delivery after Pant’s instructions, Shahbaz bowled a quick, flat delivery outside off stump. David attempted another aggressive cut shot but failed to get enough elevation.Digvesh Singh Rathi leapt at backward point to complete a stunning overhead catch, triggering wild celebrations among the LSG players.
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The wicket proved to be one of the biggest turning points of the contest as RCB lost momentum in the death overs despite late resistance from Krunal Pandya and Romario Shepherd.Digvesh Rathi then held his nerve superbly in the final over as LSG finally snapped their six-match losing streak and kept their fading playoff hopes alive.
