IPL 2026 Play Of The Day: Rishabh Pant goes full Ghajini as PBKS plunder LSG in Mullanpur

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for its drama, unpredictability, and unforgettable moments. But sometimes, the spotlight shifts from heroic performances to puzzling decisions—and that’s exactly what happened in the clash between Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants in Mullanpur.

On a night that Punjab Kings will celebrate for their dominance, it was Rishabh Pant who found himself under scrutiny for a series of decisions that left fans and experts scratching their heads. The match turned into a perfect storm of tactical confusion, missed opportunities, and what many are calling a “Ghajini moment.”

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A Bollywood Comparison That Fits Too Well

If you’ve seen the iconic movie Ghajini starring Aamir Khan, you’ll remember the protagonist struggling with short-term memory loss—constantly needing reminders to stay on track.

Now, while no one is suggesting Pant has memory issues, his captaincy in this game seemed oddly similar. Plans appeared to be made, forgotten, and then repeated—without any clear direction.

From the very beginning, Lucknow’s strategy raised eyebrows.

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The Curious Case of Ignoring Spin

In T20 cricket, especially on subcontinental pitches, spin often plays a crucial role. Yet, surprisingly, LSG chose to go with pace-heavy bowling right from the start.

No spin in the powerplay. Not even a hint of variation.

Punjab Kings took full advantage of this approach, scoring freely and settling into a rhythm without any real pressure. It felt like the bowling plan lacked flexibility—something that is essential in a format as dynamic as T20 cricket.

When spin finally made an appearance in the seventh over, it wasn’t the main spinner M. Siddharth. Instead, part-time option Ayush Badoni was introduced. The result? A costly over that kept Punjab’s momentum intact.

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A Tactical Puzzle That Didn’t Add Up

Eventually, Siddharth did get his chance in the eighth over. Despite conceding 10 runs, it seemed like a relatively controlled effort considering the flow of the game.

For a moment, it looked like LSG had found a way back.

But then came the twist.

Instead of building on that momentum, spin disappeared again. Pace bowlers returned, and the next few overs went for a flurry of runs—46 in just three overs. Punjab Kings were no longer just ahead; they were cruising.

In a surprising move, Pant then turned to Aiden Markram for spin. What followed was nothing short of disastrous.

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The Over That Changed Everything

Markram’s over will likely go down as one of the most expensive moments of IPL 2026.

Five sixes. One over. 32 runs.

It was the kind of over that shifts not just the scoreboard but the entire momentum of the game. Punjab Kings capitalized fully, turning the match into a one-sided affair.

Throughout all of this, Siddharth—arguably the most suitable spin option—remained underutilized. The decision-making seemed inconsistent, leaving fans and analysts questioning the logic behind the bowling changes.

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Experts Weigh In

The unusual tactics didn’t go unnoticed. Cricket veterans like Ravichandran Ashwin and Anil Kumble raised concerns about the match-ups and strategy.

In modern T20 cricket, data-driven decisions and match-ups are crucial. Ignoring them repeatedly can prove costly—and in this case, it certainly did.

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The DRS Blunder That Proved Costly

As if the bowling decisions weren’t enough, Pant also had a forgettable moment with the Decision Review System (DRS).

Early in the innings, when Punjab Kings were under slight pressure, a strong LBW appeal was made against Cooper Connolly. Bowler Mohsin Khan was confident, urging Pant to take the review.

But the review never came.

Replays later suggested it was a close call—possibly even going in LSG’s favor. Connolly survived, and what followed was a match-defining innings.

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Connolly Makes LSG Pay

Given a second life, Connolly made sure Lucknow regretted their decision. He played with confidence, composure, and aggression—anchoring Punjab’s innings beautifully.

His performance not only stabilized the chase but also accelerated it when needed, leaving LSG with no answers.

As former cricketer Mitch McClenaghan pointed out, even a 30% chance of success should have been enough to take the review in such a crucial moment.

That missed opportunity ended up costing LSG dearly—possibly by as many as 80 runs.

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A Night to Forget for Rishabh Pant

For Pant, this match will be one he’d rather move on from quickly. From questionable bowling rotations to a costly DRS error, things simply didn’t go his way.

Captaincy in the IPL is never easy. The pressure is immense, and decisions must be made in split seconds. But consistency and clarity are key—and on this night, both seemed to be missing.

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Punjab Kings Shine Bright

While the focus remains on LSG’s struggles, credit must go to Punjab Kings for executing their plans brilliantly. They capitalized on every mistake, maintained pressure, and played fearless cricket throughout the match.

Their batting unit, led by Connolly, showed composure under pressure—something that has often been lacking in previous seasons.

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Final Thoughts: Lessons from Mullanpur

Matches like these serve as reminders of how crucial decision-making is in T20 cricket. Talent alone isn’t enough—strategy, adaptability, and presence of mind often make the difference.

For Lucknow Super Giants, this game highlights areas that need urgent attention, especially with the tournament progressing rapidly.

As for Pant, this “Ghajini moment” might just be the wake-up call needed to reset, rethink, and come back stronger in the matches ahead.

Because in the IPL, every game is a new story—and redemption is always just one match away.