Marcus Stoinis, the all-rounder for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has revealed his favorite Indian dish, dal khichdi, which he has been enjoying during the Indian Premier League (IPL). Stoinis’s all-around performance helped LSG secure a four-wicket victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI) in a thrilling run-chase at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.
In a video shared by the official IPL Twitter handle, Stoinis disclosed his go-to Indian dish, stating, “I have had six eggs, four hash browns, and three coffees. My current favorite Indian dish is dal khichdi. I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather, and I’ve been told it’s a comforting and homely dish.”
Stoinis also discussed his bowling strategy during the powerplay, where he claimed the crucial wicket of Suryakumar Yadav. He explained that he enjoys bowling with the new ball and relies on his swing to generate wickets, despite not being the fastest bowler.
“I’m happy to bowl or bat anywhere. I love competing and the challenge, so give me the ball or the bat, and I’ll give it my all,” added Stoinis.
In the ongoing IPL season, Stoinis has amassed 316 runs at an average of 39.50 and a strike rate of 151.92, including a century and two fifties. He has also taken four wickets.
Stoinis admitted that negative press, pressure, and doubts about his abilities motivate him as a player. “I draw on that energy to give me a competitive mindset and focus on every contest,” he said.
Regarding the dismissal of Suryakumar, Stoinis acknowledged that it wasn’t an exceptional delivery. “But you take those because there are times when you bowl good balls that go for boundaries. It was a bit of luck and fortune, but it was crucial for us to make early inroads,” he added.
Stoinis jokingly compared himself to the “Hulk” and his fellow Australian teammate Tim David, MI’s finisher, to “Bigfoot.” “We’re close, and we play golf together. We talk about golf, but no Hulk or Bigfoot stuff. Although, he has a hairy back, so maybe I’m the Hulk, and he’s Bigfoot,” said Stoinis.
In the match, LSG won the toss and elected to field. MI struggled from the outset, losing four wickets for 27 runs in the powerplay. Nehal Wadhera, Ishan Kishan, and Tim David attempted to salvage the innings, but MI could only manage 144/7 in their 20 overs.
Mohsin Khan was the standout bowler for LSG, claiming 2/36, while Stoinis, Mayank Yadav, Naveen ul Haq, and Stoinis each took a wicket.
In the run-chase, LSG also faced challenges from MI bowlers, losing wickets at regular intervals. Stoinis’ knock of 62 in 45 balls, including seven fours and two sixes, proved crucial in securing a four-wicket victory with four balls and four wickets remaining.
Stoinis was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ for his all-around performance. LSG currently sits third in the IPL standings with six wins and four losses, while MI is ninth with three wins and seven losses.
