KL Rahul explains why Lucknow Super Giants decided to sign Marcus Stoinis and Ravi Bishnoi for IPL 2022

KL Rahul will be leading the newly formed Lucknow Supergiants in IPL 2022. The franchise unveiled their name on Monday and a few days ago, they had announced the three players they had signed for IPL 2022. Besides KL Rahul, the team picked up uncapped Indian spinner Ravi Bishnoi and Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. KL Rahul was signed for Rs 17 crore while Stoinis and Bishnoi arrived for Rs 9.2 crore and Rs 4 crore respectively.

On Backstage with Boria, Rahul was asked why the franchise decided to sign these players. He mentioned that with their signings, ‘three major pillars’ of the team have been sorted and they would have plenty of resources to strengthen other departments.

“The idea behind (picking) Stoinis and Bishnoi is very simple. When you are trying to get three retentions, you want to get three pillars sorted. You have an opening batter in me, you have an all-rounder in Stoinis, who can bat at No. 5-6. We’ve seen that in Big Bash, he has opened as well. He’s a very flexible player. He gives you a sixth bowling option as well,” said Rahul.

KL Rahul has previously played with Ravi Bishnoi for Punjab Kings and has seen the wrist-spinner operating from close quarters. He has picked up 24 wickets across IPL 2020 and 2021 at a healthy economy rate of 6.96. Despite his enormous talent and ability, Punjab Kings failed to back the prodigy with an extended run of games and Bishnoi will be hoping to make a difference for Lucknow Supergiants.

“We’ve seen in the history of IPL that wrist spinners have done really well and whoever is available in this auction will be hot. We felt getting all of us would give us a good start as a team.”

“Marcus is a very committed player and is a brilliant team man. Bishnoi has a big heart for a youngster who hasn’t played too much. In IPL cricket he has shown a lot of heart. He wanted to be in the fight and bowl to the likes of Pollard, Russell, Hardik and Rishabh. Whenever they came in, he would say, ‘bhaiyya mujhe ball do’. I can see him playing for India soon and for a long time,” he further added.