Naveen-ul-Haq was not at all happy with the performance Lucknow Super Giants The batting line-up along with KL Rahul took on KKR last night.
Not only did the LSG batters bat poorly, but the bowling line-up, including Naveen-ul-Haq, were also put in their place by the in-form Kolkata batters. Sunil Narine led the attack with another fantastic knock of 75+ at a strike rate of 207, with Phil Salt and Shreyas Iyer among others helping KKR reach a mammoth target of 236 on the board.
Speaking at the post-match press conference at the Ekana Stadium, Naveen-ul-Haq was not critical of his performances but criticized the batting department. He feels that the wicket laid yesterday was a tailor-made track for batters and was the best batting surface in Ekana that he has seen so far in IPL 2024.
Naveen-ul-Haq wanted to express that the target of 236 should have been pursued as the surface was much more favorable to the batters. The Afghan sailor stated that the LSG striking section somehow lacked intent and did not do the things they did during difficult chases.
He then gave the example of how LSG were able to chase 211 in their away game against Chennai Super Kings at the Chepauk Stadium. But Naveen-ul-Haq noticed that the surface was not that similar in the 2nd innings and he felt that since there was not much for the bowlers, the batters should have done a lot more.
“The wicket was pretty good. With the number of games we have played here in Lucknow so far, I think this was the best wicket to bat on. But we didn’t quite do the same things as we have done in the chases so far.” “In the game we played in Chepauk, we also chased the score but it wasn’t the same, they bowled well.”
“The wicket wasn’t bad or anything I can say, or it stopped or grabbed. Nothing worked for the bowlers, they bowled well but we didn’t bat quite well.” – said Naveen during the press conference.
Naveen comments on the selection of the LSG team
Naveen-ul-Haq was also asked to shed light on the Lucknow Super Giants playing XI selection process and he responded brilliantly. The Afghan explained that he was neither the coach nor the captain of the team and therefore knew nothing about his selection. How should he think about the things going on behind the scenes?
“Sir, I am neither the coach nor the captain. I am a gamer. I don’t know anything about my own choices, what can I say about others? So I don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes.” – Naveen concluded.
LSG needs to beat SRH in the next game to get into the playoffs
Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants have an urgent task ahead of them when they take on the Sunrisers Hyderabad in their next league game. LSG needs to beat the Orange Army to keep their play-off hopes alive in IPL 2024.