IPL 2022: It has been a complete team effort so far – KL Rahul

Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul hailed the collective team effort after they defeated Delhi Capitals by six wickets at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai on Thursday. This was LSG’s third win of the season in their fourth match as they have got off to a great start.

LSG came up with a fine bowling performance to restrict Delhi Capitals at 149-3 after KL Rahul won the toss and decided to bowl first. Ravi Bishnoi was once again right on the money as he accounted for David Warner and Rovman Powell and conceded only 22 runs in his quota of four overs.

In fact, Delhi Capitals got off to a good start after Prithvi Shaw and David Warner added 52 runs in the powerplay overs. However, LSG bowlers were able to pull back things in the middle-overs as they kept a lid on the scoring rate.

Subsequently, Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul added 73 runs for the opening alliance. The southpaw scored a fine knock of 80 runs to help his team get close to the target. Krunal Pandya played a crucial cameo off 19 runs off 14 balls and scored an important six in the penultimate over against Mustafizur Rahman, which released the pressure.

Five runs were needed off the final over and once again Ayush Badoni showed nerves of steel to get his team over the line as he scored a four and a six. Rahul heaped praise on the youngster and stated he has held his nerve every time he has gone out to bat in the middle.

Thus, KL Rahul was delighted with the collective effort of the team in their first four matches.

Rahul said in the post-match presentation, “I think we were brilliant (with the ball). In the powerplay, we obviously need to go back and work on it. But that’s how powerplays go sometimes. We assessed things well after that and bowled better. Obviously, would have loved the bowlers to assess things a bit earlier, but it was nice to see them discuss the lines, lengths, and pace to bowl after the powerplay. That was the honest reason actually (on him saying at the toss that he had no idea why he opted to bowl). Can’t make up a reason every time. You don’t know what to expect of the pitch. Early on in the competition when the pitches are fresh, teams might want to bowl first. Once the tournament goes on and the pitches grip a bit, teams might want to bat. He (Badoni) has held his nerve every time he has gone to bat and he’s delivered for us under pressure. Great learning for him, important for him to keep working hard and stay humble. Been a complete team effort so far. The way everyone has stepped up has been brilliant.”

LSG will look to continue the good show in the upcoming fixtures as they are ticking the right boxes as a unit. The KL Rahul-led team will next face Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Sunday.