Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper KL Rahul heaped praise on his bowlers for successfully defending a modest total of 163 against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 21 of the IPL 2024 season at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Sunday (April 7).
In the chase, the Titans got off to a solid start as the duo of Shubman Gill (19) and Sai Sudharsan (31) added 54 runs for the opening wicket.
However, Gill’s dismissal triggered a collapse as Gujarat slipped from 54/1 to 80/5. While Rahul Tewatia (30) tried to resurrect the innings, he didn’t get much support from the other end. GT kept losing wickets at regular intervals and their innings eventually folded for 130 in 18.5 overs.
Pacer Yash Thakur (5/30) bagged a five-wicket haul for LSG whereas spinners Krunal Pandya (3/11), Ravi Bishnoi (1/8) and Manimaran Siddharth (0/29) chipped in with crucial contributions to script an easy 33-run victory.
"For the young bowling group we have, it helps when we bat first and they can assess the conditions. They have been adapting really well, so credit to them. Having the home advantage obviously helps a bit. The same guys were playing last season as well, they have adjusted their roles and they are reading the wicket well. That is something I try to speak to them about in the nets and in practice, to help them make the right choices when the pressure is on. Hopefully we can continue," Rahul said in the post-match presentation.
It was LSG’s third victory in four games this season and they are currently holding the third spot on the points table, featuring 10 teams.
Rahul pointed out that spinners have been the key for their side and he expects them to continue in a similar fashion as the tournament progresses.
"We knew very early that it (the pitch) was not as good as the other day. We were not trying to get to a particular score, and were just trying to bat and see how many we would get. We put up a score and then you expect the bowlers to do their job. All three spinners have been key for us. Sid (Siddharth) has done very well, he bowls a crucial part when he bowls with the new ball. He has shown great temperament and he has given us steady bowling in the first 2-3 overs. He has picked up wickets, but his job is to restrict runs. KP (Krunal Pandya) has played for so many years, and he is smart and knows how to bowl. Bishnoi has been around for so many years and keeps getting better," he added.
Lucknow Super Giants will next face Delhi Capitals at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday (April 12).
