IPL: Williamson admits adjusting to challenging pitches has been as issue for LSG batters

LUCKNOW: Lucknow Super Giants’ home woes deepened as they slumped to a seven-wicket defeat against Gujarat Titans, their second loss in four matches at the venue this IPL season. The result also stretched their overall losing streak to six games, dating back to the previous edition, raising fresh concerns over their consistency.

A change in jersey and logo ahead of the season has done little to alter fortunes. The bigger issue remains a misfiring top order, which once again failed to set the tone in the powerplay. At a time when several teams are routinely racing to 80-plus in the first six overs and pushing totals beyond 230, LSG have struggled to keep pace, often playing catch-up.

Strategic advisor Kane Williamson acknowledged the need for improvement at home but pointed to challenging surfaces as a factor. “We would like to be more clinical at home. Context is important; across these matches, there has been a lot of problem-solving required on these pitches. While other venues are seeing scores of 230-240, conditions here have been different. We want to keep improving, but there are positives to build on,” he said.

Williamson threw his weight behind captain Rishabh Pant, whose white-ball form has come under scrutiny. He felt Pant showed encouraging signs despite the result. “He came out and played beautifully in the powerplay. It was a great sign, especially knowing the pitch would slow down later. The margins in this format are very small,” he said.

Highlighting the evolving nature of T20 cricket, Williamson said roles have become more defined with the impact player rule, placing a premium on quick contributions. “Teams are batting deep, sometimes till eight or nine. Players need to maximise their roles. Someone like Rishabh is world-class and has delivered consistently across formats,” he added.

He stressed that the squad, including Pant, is focused on constant improvement. “We’re only a couple of weeks into a long tournament. The team has fought hard on challenging surfaces. We’re two from four, but learning with every game,” Williamson said.

The former New Zealand captain also backed Nicholas Pooran despite his lean patch, expressing confidence in a turnaround. “He’s an inch away from one of those match-winning knocks. Form fluctuates, but he remains a world-class player putting in the work,” he said.

Injury concerns have further dented LSG’s campaign, with key pacers Mohsin Khan and Mayank Yadav still unavailable. Williamson, however, remains optimistic. “Mohsin is improving well, and hopefully we’ll see both of them back soon,” he said, offering a glimmer of hope for a side searching for momentum.