Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain KL Rahul categorically agreed to what critics have been saying about his batting approach for a long time. After Marcus Stoinis justified his promotion to no.3 with a match-winning and record-breaking 124-run knock against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rahul said that he has realised how the game has changed and there is a need to push the scoring rate in the powerplay overs.
“We felt like we needed to be braver and capitalise the powerplay and needed 1 power-hitter in the top-3. I’ve realised that T20 cricket has changed in the past couple of years, 170-180 doesn’t always cut it. You need to go harder in the powerplay and the impact player rule also gives you a bit more depth,” Rahul said in the post-match presentation.
Rahul who scored 16 runs from 14 balls in the run chase of 211 said that LSG have been flexible about their plans. Also, he is happy with his performances despite the lack of T20 game time.
“Haven't played much T20 cricket so happy that it’s coming off. There’s no set plan, apart from the openers, everyone else is ready to go out whenever we feel it's right. We’re going to keep it flexible,” the opener said.
Rahul lauds Stoinis
The wicketkeeper-batter felt that 170-80 was a par score. He credited Stoinis for targetting the bowlers and guiding LSG to a six-wicket win with three balls to spare.
“We were way behind the game when we were batting so it was very special to pull it off. It was a fresh start, both teams started off at 0. Different conditions here. I think they started off really well and put us under pressure. 170-180 would’ve been a great total here but they batted really well. Full credit to Stoinis. It was not just power hitting, it was very clever batting. He picked his bowlers and played very well,” the 32-year-old said.
Rahul wants ‘catch of the tournament’ award
Rahul was also asked about his acrobatic catch to dismiss CSK opener Ajinkya Rahane.
“Not bad, not bad… I hope I get the catch of the tournament award (smiles), I was just being modest,” he concluded.
Rahul’s IPL numbers
Ahead of T20 World Cup 2024 squad selection, Rahul is one of the contenders for the wicketkeeper-batter spot. He has scored 302 runs from eight games at an average of 37.75. His strike rate is 141.12.
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