LSG opened their IPL 2024 campaign with a loss against RR.
After the game, LSG skipper KL Rahul refused to read too much into his side's loss, stating that no team has been able to crack the Powerplay code in the first week so far.
The two bouncer per over rule was introduced in the IPL this season, and LSG were found out in the opening six overs of their 194-run chase, slipping to 47/3. Both Devdutt Padikkal and Rahul had to undergo concussion protocols after being struck on the helmet by Trent Boult.
On the other hand, the Rajasthan Royals batters were slightly better, scoring 54/2 in their first six overs.
"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 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 he wasn't fully fit last season. Good to see him back. Naveen has been crucial for us since he has come in," he added.
According to Rahul, 194 wasn't a big target on the Sawai Man Singh Stadium pitch. "I don't think the target was a lot. It was just 10 over par. We bowled well in patches. Just made a few mistakes."
The fact that his team made a chase out of 194-run target after losing three wickets inside the powerplay was a huge positive for the captain.
"We will learn from the small mistakes we made. When we are three [down] for nothing, and we give 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.
Having missed a major chunk of the last season due to a thigh injury, Rahul expressed his delight at starting the current edition of the IPL with a half-century (58 off 44).
"When you get runs, you always feel good. But it's important for us to end up on the winning side. That gives more satisfaction."
He also praised head coach Justin Langer for bringing calmness in the LSG dressing room.
"Langer's brought a lot of calmness to the group. I stole his line when I said we need to find ways to win games of cricket. We enjoy having him around. All of us have watched him coach Australia to a T20 World Cup win and an Ashes victory," Rahul remarked.
(With PTI Inputs)