Cricketer-turned-commentator, Ravi Shastri said that Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain KL Rahul will be aiming to play big innings but with a rapid approach against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). He also added star Indian batter can take a risk and play shots, as the Lucknow-based side has a good batting lineup.
LSG has won two games and lost one this season. Giants won their last match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 5 wickets, chasing the target of 122 runs.
Ravi Shastri thinks KL Rahul will play a big knock with a rapid approach-
“I think he (KL Rahul) will aim to play a big innings but with a rapid approach. With the presence of Kyle Mayers, Stoinis and de Kock yet to come, LSG have a powerful batting line-up. So KL Rahul can take chances (for the big hits at the start),” said the ex-Indian coach.
While in the last game, the LSG side reached the target of 122 runs with four overs to spare and five wickets in hand. The home side posted 127/5, and Rahul was the highest scorer from the side with 35 runs off 31 balls at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.
“I have enjoyed watching him bat. He is a destructive player and if he gets good batting conditions then he can set the game in 5-6 overs. He can create a platform for his side for a big total,” he further added.
However, against CSK in their second game, Kyle Mayers was dismissed on 53 runs (22 balls), when his side was on the 79-run mark in under 6 overs. In his brilliant innings, he smashed two sixes and eight fours while chasing a 218-run target.
“They can play with that combination but will have to assess the conditions first. I always think the bowling department should be strong with six proper bowlers.
“The surface in Bangalore won’t allow spinners to come in the game. So Avesh (Khan) can play along with Mark Wood. Wood will bowl well there because it offers true bounce and his ball skids with the pace, so he will trouble the batsmen,” Shastri concluded on LSG Playing XI.
Whereas in IPL 2023, KL Rahul-led side will take on RCB in their fourth game of the season at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 10.