IPL 2023 Week 4 Review: LSG finding different ways to win as margin of error becomes smaller

One of the highlights of the last week was Lucknow Super Giants scoring the second-highest score in IPL history against a good bowling attack of Punjab Kings which included the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh and Sam Curran. Last week, they had beaten Rajasthan Royals by finding a way to defend a low score of around 160. It was a very skillful way of winning a game wherein they identified the match situation, the pitch and the conditions. Cut to this week, they blast 257 for 5 in 20 overs. Here’s a side that has got a lot of scope, in terms of their abilities to find different ways to win a game.

Kyle Mayers has made a significant contribution and has been one of the finds for LSG. He has been outstanding enough to keep someone like Quinton de Kock out of the side. The consistency of his performances has been astonishing. Credit must be given to the LSG management for making this move work. It is very easy to fall to the temptation of including a de Kock in the playing XI the moment he arrived, but the management stuck to Mayers, paying respect to talent and form.

KL Rahul needs runs

KL Rahul really needs to get some big runs. His good form will certainly add to LSG’s current strengths. Once he starts scoring consistently, Lucknow can become an even more dangerous outfit. I believe Rahul should try and be more aggressive, impose himself on the opposition bowlers.

There is no doubt that he is one of the finest batters in the world in this format. In IPL, at the moment, he is playing a support act to Mayers. However, leading the charge suits him better, in my opinion.

Rahul’s form aside, LSG’s planning, and strategy have been hugely impressive. It is hard not to acknowledge the work that the LSG’s backroom staff is doing and the way the players are carrying out the plans on the ground.

Like I said in the last article, Nicholos Pooran and Marcus Stoinis needed to play a major part with the bat, play more balls and at 5 and 6, they were not being used properly. This week, it turns out the LSG management has realised the same and are now trying to give them the chance to construct an innings. LSG are getting more things right than wrong.

CSK vs RR was a fascinating watch

One of the marquee games of the week was the Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings match. It is getting a bit congested at the top of the points table and every win counts. That’s why it was a big game for Chennai to lose and RR to win.

I am very impressed with the way Yashasvi Jaiswal has batted at the top of the order. Much of the focus was on Jos Buttler at the start of the tournament but Jaiswal has emerged out of his shadows as a very, very special player. I see big improvement in his game. He is more consistent this year. When you look at a good player, it is the consistency that attracts you more than some extraordinary shots or an innings. With Jaiswal, I see more consistent, match-winning performances. I see him read the game situation well. I see him become a great partner for Jos Buttler.

I also liked the way RR used their three spinners in the CSK game. Adam Zampa was a big contributor. R Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal have had a good IPL so far. RR were brilliant to finally use their spin trio to good effect vs CSK.

Margin of error becoming smaller

As the league progresses, the margin of error becomes smaller and smaller. To explain this point, let’s revisit the Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders game. I believe RCB should have won the game against KKR after the position they got themselves into.

Virat Kohli was going strong into the 12th or 13th over, and even when he got out, they were still in a position to win. I wonder if RCB looked back at that loss and thought they could have been much higher in the table had they won that match vs KKR. I still feel RCB are strong contenders to get into the top-four but they must realise it is getting tight now. It is going to come down to small margins. Such close games must be won.

Same for Sunrisers Hyderabad. I feel they could have won the game against Delhi Capitals earlier in the week. They won the return fixture but looking back, they should have beaten them in the first encounter vs DC too. Winning both those matches may have provided them with some momentum and confidence.

There is not much margin for error now as we come close to the business end of the tournament. Who makes the least error will decide who gets into the playoffs.

Titans have become unbreakable

Gujarat Titans have become an outstanding side. They are very hard to break down. They are working like a well-oiled machine, finding heroes every match. If someone does not get you in the top order, a Vijay Shankar rises to the occasion. If Shankar does not, a Tewatia or Miller will.

Even in that bowling lineup, there are players who raise their hand every time an opportunity comes up. Not to forget, Hardik has not done well yet with the bat. When he starts to do well and that is inevitable, they become an even stronger side.