When KL Rahul played for Punjab Kings, it was noticed that his strike rate wasn’t the most impressive as the team didn’t have a deep batting line-up. However, Rahul is playing with more freedom for Lucknow Super Giants in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League as the team has a long batting line-up.
Rahul scored his second hundred of the season against Mumbai Indians as he scored 103 runs off just 63 balls and he was also awarded the Player of the Match. In fact, the flamboyant batter got off to a slow start as he scored the first 30 runs at almost a run-a-ball. However, he was able to change gears in the second half of the first innings as he batted at the top of his game.
Rahul scored his runs at a strike rate of 166.13 as he scored a dozen fours and four sixes in his blistering knock. In fact, the next best score for LSG was 22, which was scored by Manish Pandey. Thus, Rahul single-handedly helped his team post a fighting score of 168 runs on the board after losing the toss.
The stylish batter has scored 368 runs in eight matches in the ongoing season and has scored his runs at a strike rate of 147.79. As Jason Holder is batting at number eight for LSG, KL Rahul is batting without worrying about the middle order.
On the other hand, LSG bowlers were right on the money against Mumbai Indians. Dushmantha Chameera, Jason Holder, Krunal Pandya, and Ravi Bishnoi bowled accurately to keep the opposition on the backfoot.
KL Rahul said in the post-match presentation, “Will have to make up for all the over rates and fines I’m getting (with his Player of the Match awards). Trying to play according to the situation, see what’s expected out of me. Enjoying batting, enjoying the responsibility. Fingers crossed I can keep doing the right things. My first thought was just getting bat on ball, feel good, and get that single. When you’ve played in a venue that’s been good to me previously, but not so much in the last two games, just wanted to get that single first. Lucky that I could score as much as I did. I try and assess the pitch and conditions and see what’s best I could do for the team. With this team, we do bat deep. Holder is batting at eight. With the depth, you can play a bit more freely. That’s probably the only reason (for his higher strike rate). Teams that can defend well, or bowl well in the powerplay and finish off well in the death overs are teams that have won the tournament. We were very clear going into the auctions – I’m big on having allrounders in the team. Having them in the team, makes my life easier with the options.”
LSG has won five out of their eight matches and they will look to continue the good show. The KL Rahul-led team will next face Punjab Kings at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Friday.
