Lucknow Super Giants registered their fourth win of IPL 2024 after defeating Chennai Super Kings by eight wickets on Friday in Lucknow. Asked to bat first, CSK posted a total of 176/6 in 20 overs with Ravindra Jadeja scoring an unbeaten 57. Apart from him, the legendary MS Dhoni also played a quickfire of 28* off just 9 balls. However, this score wasn’t enough for CSK as LSG openers KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock scored 82 and 54 runs respectively and helped their side chase down the target in 19 overs.
LSG skipper Rahul, who often came under scrutiny for his below-par strike rate, scored a brilliant 82 off 53 balls, consisting off nine boundaries and three sixes.
Rahul, who is fighting for a spot in India’s squad for the upcoming World Cup, has still got a lot of prove. Former India star Robin Uthappa stated that his chances of making it to the team are “50-50”.
“Two things for me that, I would say, still 50-50. One was his health; the second was the way he was batting a couple of weeks ago. The last 3-4 games, the way he has batted, was phenomenal to watch. When he is on song, when he is playing on the merit of the ball, he’s class. He makes batting look so good. He’s one of those guys who make it a delightful experience,” Uthappa said on Jio Cinema.
“The unconventional shots, the upper-cut, or the backfoot punch over the extra cover for a six… I look at that and I’m like, ‘how is this guy doing (that)?’ The skill effort that he possesses… he has so much time. The thing is that the guy with that much ability is going into a shell, saying I need to bat long tonight… he doesn’t need to do that. Just back your skill,” he added.
Regarding his knock, Rahul said that his opening partner de Kock’s presence made the innings easier for LSG.
“I have been trying to assess the situation. It came off today. I knew the CSK spinners will put the pressure on. I picked my bowlers and it came off. Quinton batted well as well. Made life easy for both. Different ball game playing in Chennai. Was playing in front of mini Chennai crowd. We are a young team and happy to play in front of such a crowd,” said Rahul during the post-match presentation.
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