Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) suffered an 18-run defeat at the hands of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Match 43 of IPL 2023 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Monday (May 1).

In a low-scoring affair, the visitors posted a modest 126/9 on the board. It was a very sluggish track and RCB’s opening duo of Faf du Plessis (44 off 40) and Virat Kohli (31 off 30) did well to take the team to a competitive total.

In reply, LSG’s innings folded for a paltry 108 in 19.5 overs. Although the pitch was difficult to bat on, it was a terrible batting display from the home team. Lucknow’s batters lacked application as they lost half their side for just 38 runs and thanks to the contribution from lower order, they managed to cross the 100-run mark.

Speaking after the game, LSG’s stand-in captain Krunal Pandya appreciated his team’s bowling performance while also admitting that the batters were not up to the mark.

Krunal took over the captaincy reins after regular skipper KL Rahul left the field by picking up a hamstring injury during the second over of RCB’s innings.

"We did pretty well in the first half, restricting them. It was a great team effort. Really happy with how we have bowled this tournament. 126, at the start of the game, we would have taken. But we just could not execute our plans," Krunal said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Talking about Rahul, Krunal Pandya said he did not know about the extent of LSG captain’s injury.

“It is a sad thing. He pulled his hip flexor, I guess. I do not know how bad it is. The medical team will assess it,” he added.

Lucknow Super Giants will next face Chennai Super Kings at the same venue on Wednesday (May 3).