'And then you got KL Rahul...': Former Australian great slams LSG skipper's approach against KKR

TIMESOFINDIA.COM | May 6, 2024, 01.03 PM IST
'And then you got KL Rahul...': Former Australian great slams LSG skipper's approach against KKR
NEW DELHI: Lucknow Super Giants' skipper KL Rahul faced a double setback as his aspirations for a spot in the T20 World Cup squad were dashed, compounded by a lackluster performance in the IPL 2024 encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Rahul's struggles with the bat were glaringly evident as his team suffered an embarrassing defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders, marking a distressing chapter in their IPL 2024 campaign.
Legendary Australian pacer Brett Lee echoed the sentiment, questioning Rahul's approach at the crease, particularly contrasting his performance with that of the opposition's openers.

On top of IPL standings: Kolkata Knight Riders credit Gautam Gambhir's winning formula

Kolkata Knight Riders have regained their dominant IPL form under former captain Gautam Gambhir's winning blueprint. Gambhir's strategic insights had revitalized the franchise's performance, winning the IPL title twice and securing playoff berths five times between 2011 and 2017. Young pacer Harshit Rana praised Gambhir's profound understanding of the game.


"I think if you look at both opening batters from both sides, it's a complete contrast. KKR have got it right. They're out of the blocks quickly, they're scoring runs. And then you got KL Rahul on the other side, that's, you know, getting a run a ball and putting a lot of pressure on the back end," Lee remarked on Jio Cinema.
Rahul's inability to accelerate the scoring rate was evident as he managed only 25 off 21 balls, failing to provide the explosive start required in the daunting chase of 235 set by Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite a valiant effort from Marcus Stoinis, LSG succumbed to KKR's formidable bowling attack, eventually bowing out for 137 in 16.1 overs.


Watch: Ball kid who took a viral catch in LSG vs KKR game gets to meet Jonty Rhodes

When ball kid Atharw took a catch outside the boundary ropes in a reflex action during the IPL match between Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders, he would not have imagined that it will cause a ripple effect and go viral. After the match, he met LSG fielding coach Rhodes, who gave him a few tips besides praising him.


The defeat not only tarnished Lucknow Super Giants' record in IPL 2024 but also led to Kolkata Knight Riders reclaiming the top spot in the standings.


Adding to Rahul's woes was his exclusion from the Indian T20 World Cup squad, where he was overlooked in favor of Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant for the wicketkeeper's spots. Pant and Samson's superior strike rates played a pivotal role in their selection over Rahul.


IPL 2024: Sunil Narine shines as Kolkata Knight Riders down Lucknow Super Giants

Sunil Narine shines as Kolkata Knight Riders down Lucknow Super Giants
Sunil Narine Shines
Formidable total
Lucknow beaten in Lucknow
KKR on top
Phil Salt plays his part
Naveen-ul-Haq
Bowlers' show

Sunil Narine shines as Kolkata Knight Riders down Lucknow Super Giants

Sunil Narine shines as Kolkata Knight Riders down Lucknow Super Giants

Sunil Narine Shines

Red-hot Sunil Narine's explosive 81 off 39 balls propelled Kolkata Knight Riders to a dominant victory over Lucknow Super Giants.

Formidable total

Narine's onslaught, comprising six fours and seven sixes, drove Kolkata to a formidable total of 235-6, setting the stage for a commanding win.

Lucknow beaten in Lucknow

KKR decimated Lucknow Super Giants, bowling them out for 137 in just 16.1 overs to secure their eighth win in 11 matches.

KKR on top

With the top four teams advancing to the playoffs, Kolkata's triumph places them in prime contention for a playoff berth in the IPL

Phil Salt plays his part

Narine's stellar form as an opener continued as he spearheads Kolkata's batting with a blazing 61-run partnership alongside Phil Salt.

Naveen-ul-Haq

Lucknow's Naveen-ul-Haq posed a threat with three wickets, but Shreyas Iyer and Ramandeep Singh salvaged some pride for the home team.

Bowlers' show

Andre Russell, Varun Chakravarthy, and Harshit Rana led with the ball for Kolkata, while Marcus Stoinis' efforts fell short in Kolkata's win against Lucknow.