Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul did not want to read too much into his team’s 20-run defeat against Rajasthan Royals in their opening match for the IPL, but admitted that neither team was able to crack the Powerplay code in the first match. week so far. From this season onwards, the two bouncers per over rule has been introduced in the IPL and LSG were bowled out in the first six overs of their chase of 194, reducing them to 47 for 3. Rajasthan Royals were a lot better at 54 for 2 in their first six. about. Both Devdutt Padikkal and Rahul had to undergo concussion after being hit on the helmet by Trent Boult. “It’s just the first match and I’m not going to make too much of it or analyze it too much,” Rahul said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
“Powerplay is crucial for every team, and I don’t think any team has cracked it yet. Mohsin was our powerplay bowler in the first season, but last season he wasn’t fully fit. Good to see him back. Naveen is has been… crucial for us since he came in,” he said.
Rahul felt 194 was not a big target on the Sawai Man Singh circuit.
“I don’t think the target was much. It was only 10 over par. We bowled well in patches. We just made a few mistakes.” That his team chased down the 194-run target despite losing three quick wickets was a big positive for the skipper.
“We will learn from the little mistakes we made. If we are three (back) for nothing and we give ourselves a chance to chase, that speaks about our line-up.
“But we have to find ways to win cricket matches. We will try to build from here and see where we can become stronger,” Rahul said.
After missing most of last season, which he called “painful”, Rahul was happy to start the current edition of the IPL with a half-century.
“When you make runs you always feel good. But it is important that we finish on the winning side. That is more satisfying.” He also praised Justin Langer for bringing calmness to the locker room.
“Langer has brought a lot of calmness to the group. I stole his opinion when I said we have to find ways to win cricket matches. We enjoy having him around.
“We all saw how he coached Australia to a T20 World Cup victory and an Ashes victory,” Rahul praised his coach.