Every year, run-scoring in the IPL only increases, with bigger bats, shorter boundaries and placid surfaces turning it into a run-fest. IPL 2026, however, has been unlike any other season in recent times.

Teams have regularly made over 200 in the first innings and, even more impressively, chased down 200-plus totals consistently, putting the idea of ‘what is a good score’ firmly in the bin.

On Monday, it was Lucknow Super Giants’ turn to bear the brunt as it watched Mumbai Indians chase down 229 with more than an over to spare.

LSG coach Justin Langer was asked whether such high-scoring chases were good for the game or if the balance between bat and ball needed restoring. The Australian could only marvel at what he was seeing, while also acknowledging the pressure it puts on bowlers.

“I literally, as an ex-batter and an ex-warrior who loves batting and a coach for a long time, I cannot believe the batting I’m seeing at the moment. It is breathtaking. It is absolute.”

“Who would have thought, however many years ago you have run chasers like we’ve just seen today, or Nicky Pooran or Rickelton come – and we’re not even talking about the young kids. Raghuvanshi walked out today in his first IPL game and hit a six. If I’d played, it would have made my day, but I’d be so nervous I’d be blocking it.”

“And these guys are just coming, they’ve just got no fear, and I think it’s rubbing off on some of the more senior players. So I think it’s good for the game – it’s entertaining. And you know what happens is that we say it’s very one-sided, but actually, when you look at it, when batters are batting like that, the bowlers have to hold their nerve. And you would say a lot of the time it’s hard when you’re under that much pressure. I thought Prince Yadav today – I think he bowled three overs for 22, and his last one went for 10, I think – so they’re really good bowlers, they’re still going to hold their nerve. So, you know, that’s what we’re seeing,” he said in the post-match press conference.

Despite the loss, Langer backed captain Rishabh Pant, insisting the wicketkeeper-batter was close to rediscovering his best form.

“Well, it’s funny how we played a practice game here two days ago, and Rishabh, I think he got… I’m not sure the exact final score, maybe 95 off 40 balls or 30 balls or something.

“And you’re just looking at it again, and you go, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s Rishabh Pant at his very best.’ So, you know, he’s a very good player; we know that. We’ve seen him in Test cricket destroy teams at number five.”

Published on May 05, 2026