Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka put an end to reports of animosity between him and captain KL Rahul after a video of him having a heated discussion went viral. In their previous game, LSG suffered an embarrassing 10-wicket defeat at the hands of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Unsatisfied with the team’s performance, Goenka lashed out at Rahul on the ground. The outburst was criticised by many including former cricketers. However, Goenka hosted Rahul for dinner in Delhi before the clash against Delhi Capitals (DC). On May 14, when Rahul took a crucial catch, Goenka stood up and applauded the excellent effort.
Despite the early wicket of an in-form Jake Fraser-McGurk, Abhishek Porel and Shai Hope were going all guns blazing. Rahul introduced leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi into the attack after the powerplay overs. Bishnoi was hit for a six by Hope on the first ball. On the third delivery, Hope went for a lofted shot over covers but could not get the elevation. The ball popped out of Rahul's hands. However, he recovered quickly and dived to his right to complete the catch. Following the catch, the camera panned to Goenka who gave him a standing ovation.
Hope’s big wicket
Hope's wicket was crucial. He scored 38 runs from 27 balls including three fours and a couple of sixes. He shared a 92-run partnership from 49 balls with Porel. The young opener reached his half-century from just 21 deliveries. However, he could not carry on either. In the 12th over, he was deceived by Naveen-ul-Haq's slower back of a length delivery. His 33-ball 58 was laced with five fours and four sixes.
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Rahul makes two changes
Earlier, Rahul won the toss and opted to bat first at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. He made two changes to the side. Arshad Khan who dismissed Fraser-McGurk was included in the side. Another change in the side was Yudhvir Singh Charak.
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