IPL 2024: LSG’s KL Rahul vows not to read much into 20-run defeat against RR but aims to improve

Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul has vowed to improve following his team’s 20-run defeat at the hands of Rajasthan Royals on Sunday (March 24) in Jaipur in IPL 2024. He, however, claimed not to read much into the result, saying none of the teams have cracked the Powerplay code this season thus far. In the first six overs against RR, LSG scored 47 for three, with Deepak Hooda coming as the Impact Player after early jitters.

While Quinton de Kock hit straight to deep fine leg off Trent Boult in the first over, resulting in his wicket, Devdutt Padikkal and Ayush Badoni faced the wrath of short balls following the allowance of two bouncers per over from this season.

"It is just the first game, and I am not going to make too much out of it or over-analyse," Rahul said at the post-match presentation.

"[The] Powerplay is crucial for every team, and I don't think any team has cracked it yet. Mohsin [Khan] was our powerplay bowler in the first season, but he wasn't fully fit last season. Good to see him back. Naveen [ul-Haq] has been crucial for us since he has come in,” the LSG skipper added.

Although Rahul contributed with runs after trying to weather Boult’s storm early on, he failed to guide his team past the winning line in the tournament opener. Nicholas Pooran and Deepak Hooda were among the runs as well, but couldn’t add enough to see their side chase 194.

Reflecting on the loss, Rahul said the target was achievable as the team will look to improve from here.

"We will learn from the small mistakes we made. When we are three [down] for nothing, and we gave ourselves a chance of chasing 194 speaks of our line-up. But we need to find ways to win games of cricket. We'll try to build from here, and see where we can get stronger,” Rahul said.

"When you get runs, you always feel good," he said. "But it's important for us to end up on the winning side. That gives more satisfaction,” the skipper added.

Rajasthan tops Lucknow in Jaipur

Sanju Samson, the RR captain, was on song in Jaipur, hitting his first fifty of the season and remaining unbeaten on 82 off 52 balls. Riyan Parag was the second-highest run-getter with 43.

While defending, Boult picked two wickets, and others picked a wicket each, with Sandeep Sharma being their top-notch seamer.