Ahead of Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) next match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 2, all eyes are on KL Rahul, who was surprisingly used as an Impact Player in the team’s last fixture against Punjab Kings.
While the designated LSG skipper hit the nets and participated in fitness drills, LSG remained tight-lipped about his role for the RCB clash.
“We will see how he is pulling up at nets, and will make a decision based on that,” Nicholas Pooran, who performed the captaincy duties against PBKS, said in his pre-match presser.
Rahul scored 15 off 9 balls while opening the innings alongside Quinton de Kock in LSG’s last game. Later, he was substituted with pacer Naveen-ul-Haq.
Although Rahul took part in batting and other drills at the nets, he did not go through the wicket-keeping session, which indicates that De Kock might continue to don the big gloves.
Moreover, the responsibility on Pooran has also increased and the West Indian cricketer is willing to take up the burden as well.
“I’ve worked tremendously hard over the last couple of years on my batting. I’m happy to do whatever the team needs me to do. So, whatever is required of me on a given day, I’m ready for that opportunity,” said Pooran.
LSG pacer Mayank Yadav took the cricketing world by storm with raw pace on his IPL debut against PBKS last Saturday (March 30).
Mayank returned with the figures of 3/27 in his four overs, dismissing the likes of Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh and Jitesh Sharma. He also clocked the fastest delivery of this IPL so far – a 155.8 kmph thunderbolt.
Praising the young quick for handling his fame nicely, Pooran said: “What he (Mayank) did was obviously a bit overwhelming. But I think he has handled it really nice so far, a very nice guy as well. I think he just wants to constantly do what he’s doing – bowl a little fast and take wickets.”
“I know he’s looking forward to that opportunity. He has some really good guys around as well in this team. I also will be supporting him and guiding him,” he further stated.
(With PTI Inputs)
