Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop gave advice to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain KL Rahul as he faced criticism over his batting approach in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). Ian Bishop stressed that KL Rahul should “play freely” despite the chance of losing a few games.
The Super Giants suffered their sixth defeat of IPL 2024 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday, May 8. Rahul scored 29 runs off 33 balls while LSG scored a total of 165 runs in 20 overs. Rahul’s slow batting was criticized by fans and cricket experts.
KL Rahul must be ready to say good things – Ian Bishop
After the game, Ian Bishop stated that KL Rahul should play more freely in the games. Bishop stressed the importance of being bold in team selection to adapt to the modern style of cricket.
“It’s just about loosening the shackles on your mind, really being prepared. I think he needs to be prepared to say, well, we could lose a few games, we could get steamrolled, like Pat Cummins said. But if you have the resources and that’s the other thing, you have to have the resources to play like that,” Bishop told ESPNcricinfo.
“You have to make good choices and just be brave because that’s how the game goes in most cases. There are times at Wankhede the other night when, for example, you have a pitch that requires a little more care. But in general.” “The way the game has gone in this IPL, you have to be able to play freely, have the resources to go there and play freely,” he added.
LSG elected to bat after winning the toss but lost early wickets including Quinton de Kock and Marcus Stoinis. Rahul and Krunal Pandya failed to change the momentum and added just 36 runs in 5.4 overs. However, Ayush Badoni (55*) and Nicholas Pooran (48*) rescued the team and reached a total of 165.
The Pat Cummins-led team chased down the target with ease and reached 167/0 in just 9.4 overs. Travis Head scored an unbeaten 89 runs off 30 balls, including eight fours and eight maximums. Abhishek Sharma contributed 75 runs off 28 deliveries with the help of eight fours and six maximums.
I don’t know what’s going to happen – Mitchell McClenaghan
Former New Zealand cricketer Mitchell McClenaghan stated that KL Rahul should rethink his playing style in cricket if he wants to continue his career with India. McClenaghan termed the current situation as a wake-up call for Rahul.
“I think if this doesn’t awaken KL to the style of cricket he needs to play in the future to be successful and continue playing for India, I don’t know what will happen. I think …” McClenaghan said.
KL Rahul will next be seen in action when the Super Giants take on Delhi Capitals (DC) in their next match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday, May 14. They will face Mumbai Indians (MI) in their final league leg match at the Wankhede Stadium on Friday, May 17.
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