Reflecting on the nature of the contest, Pathan highlighted how the conditions in Lucknow played a significant role in keeping scores in check and bringing bowlers into the game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe quality of bowling was outstanding, and the pitch definitely had something in it, a bit of bounce and movement, which made batting challenging. We\u2019ve seen that in Lucknow this season, posting big scores haven\u2019t been easy. But the turning point was Rinku Singh\u2019s counterattack against Digvesh Rathi. That one over where he scored 26 runs completely shifted the momentum. Even though KKR lost a few key moments, that phase changed the game, and from there, they found a way to stay in the contest and eventually come out on top,\u201d Pathan told JioStar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
KKR, who were struggling big time earlier in the innings, found a lifeline through Rinku\u2019s explosive hitting as his 83-run knock propelled them to a competitive total of 155 and ultimately forced the match into a tie. Pathan also reserved special praise for Narine\u2019s execution in the Super Over, where the veteran spinner dismantled LSG\u2019s hopes with a clinical spell.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhat stood out was the quality of the delivery that he bowled to dismiss Nicholas Pooran and the calmness with which Sunil Narine executed it. To do this consistently over the years, especially in pressure situations like a Super Over, is remarkable. He has faced challenges in his career, but he\u2019s always found a way to come back stronger. You don\u2019t often see teams turning to a spinner in moments like these, but Narine is an exception. His composure, even when others are appealing or under pressure, allows him to focus on the finer details, and once again, he delivered when it mattered most.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Narine\u2019s Super Over, where he conceded just a solitary run while picking up crucial wickets, left KKR needing only a couple of runs to seal victory, a task they completed off the very first ball as Rinku sent it away for a boundary.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Further analysing Rinku\u2019s innings, Pathan underlined the batter\u2019s game awareness and ability to take responsibility in crunch situations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Narine\u2019s Super Over, where he conceded just a solitary run while picking up crucial wickets, left KKR needing only a couple of runs to seal victory, a task they completed off the very first ball as Rinku sent it away for a boundary.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rinku\u2019s late flourish, combined with Narine\u2019s nerve in the Super Over, ensured KKR walked away with a crucial win in what turned out to be one of the most gripping finishes of the IPL 2026 season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n