“Down but not defeated”: Gautam Gambhir’s trademark message after LSG’s defeat in IPL 2023

Lucknow Super Giants mentor Gautam Gambhir took to social media to post a special message after his team were knocked out of the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) on Wednesday. LSG were completely outclassed by the Mumbai Indians in the IPL Eliminator thanks to an impressive five wicket haul from young pacemaker Akash Madhwal as they were beaten for 81 runs. “Down but not defeated! Thank you so much to the fans for showing immense love. We’ll be back!” Gambhir posted on Twitter.

Down but not defeated!

Thank you so much to the fans for showing immense love. We’ll be back! #LSGBrigade pic.twitter.com/Cwcts8AinL

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 25, 2023

The Mumbai Indians struck 182 for 8 from 20 overs and looked 15 short given Lucknow’s explosive batting power, but Madhwal’s incredible figures of 3.3-0-5-5 and excellent running fielding led by captain Rohit Sharma saw Gautam Gambhir mentored the side unraveling for 101 in 16.3 overs.

There were three appearances in what turned out to be a forgettable evening for the Sanjiv Goenka-owned franchise.

MI will now face Gujarat Titans on Friday in the second Qualifier in Ahmedabad to decide on the Chennai Super Kings opposition for Sunday’s grand final.

If the early part of the evening belonged to a fierce Naveen ul Haq, whose 4 for 37 shot made everyone wary of MI’s final result, Madhwal reaffirmed the faith his skipper showed in him.

The delivery that clinched the final was a ball to the dangerous Nicholas Pooran (0) from around the wicket. He tossed it from just past the crease and formed to the inside before cutting it off with an extra rebound that forced the lefty to pass it to Ishan Kishan behind the stumps.

That literally broke LSG’s back and on either side of that wicket Madhawal took four more to enhance his reputation as having been a tennis ball cricketer until the age of 23.

Skipper Rohit, who has been ridiculed for his fitness, dove in and the relay throw to get Krishnappa Gowtham out was a terrific effort.

(With PTI inputs)