Lucknow Super Giants rookie fast bowler Yash Thakur revealed how his skipper KL Rahul motivated him after their 33-run win against Gujarat Titans at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Sunday. Thakur returned with his best IPL bowling figures of 5-30 as he bowled at the top of his game.

After Mayank Yadav was forced to walk off due to a side strain, Rahul told Thakur to take up the onus on his shoulders. The 25-year-old was able to grab his chance with both hands as he played an instrumental role in skittling out the opposition on 130 after LSG posted 163 runs on the board, courtesy of a fifty from Marcus Stoinis.

Thakur accounted for GT skipper Shubman Gill on the last ball of the Powerplay. Moreover, the youngster got rid of Vijay Shankar, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Rahul Tewatia in his fine spell of bowling.

The pacer, who plays for Vidarbha in the domestic circuit, said he stuck to his plan against Shubman Gill and followed KL Rahul’s advice.

Thakur was awarded Player of the Match for his fine bowling show. He said in the post-match presentation, “Happy with this five-wicket haul and Man of the Match award. I had planned against Gill, I stuck to my plan, KL Rahul had advised me to do so and it paid off. Unfortunately Mayank Yadav got injured, so KL said it was my day and asked me to make the most of it. We are winning the first game against GT in IPL history, very happy with it. Really enjoyed Gill’s wicket, the most memorable of all.”

Thakur was able to step up for LSG and got the job done for his team. The right-arm pacer made the most of slower balls and bowled in the right areas to reap his rewards. Furthermore, Krunal Pandya returned with impressive figures of 3-11 in his quota of four overs.

Lucknow Super Giants will next take on Delhi Capitals at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Friday.