Tag: LucknowSuperGiants

Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) dismal performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has raised serious concerns about their playoff hopes. The 10-wicket defeat, achieved by SRH in just 9.4 overs, exposed LSG’s lackluster approach and prompted a heated confrontation between the team owner and skipper KL Rahul.

According to a report in the Indian Express, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka was particularly displeased with the team’s conservative batting strategy. Despite playing on a pitch that offered little assistance to bowlers, LSG managed to score only 165 runs. In contrast, SRH’s openers, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, played with an aggressive intent, scoring at strike rates of 296.66 and 267.85 respectively.

Goenka confronted Rahul, questioning his team’s style of play and lack of intent. Rahul, who scored a sluggish 29 runs from 33 balls, reportedly remained composed during the conversation. However, behind closed doors, there were discussions about Rahul’s role as captain.

Rahul is the highest-paid player at LSG, earning INR 17 crore annually. Under his leadership, the team finished 2nd and 3rd in previous seasons. However, their performance this season has been disappointing, and they may fail to qualify for the playoffs.

While there is no immediate talk of sacking Rahul as captain, Goenka has a history of making such decisions. As the owner of the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiants, he removed MS Dhoni as captain and appointed Steve Smith in his place.

The confrontation between Goenka and Rahul highlights the growing pressure on LSG to improve their performance. With only a few matches remaining in the season, the team needs to find a way to rediscover their winning ways and secure a playoff berth.

KL Rahul’s Poor Form Continues as Sunrisers Crush Lucknow Super Giants

At the Uppal Stadium in Hyderabad, the Sunrisers Hyderabad put on a batting clinic against the Lucknow Super Giants, chasing down a modest target of 165 with ease. The victory propelled SRH to third place in the points table, while LSG’s batting woes continued.

KL Rahul, the LSG skipper, endured a particularly disappointing outing, scoring a scratchy 29 off 33 deliveries. His opening partner, Quinton de Kock, also failed to make an impact, falling for just 2. The top-order collapse left LSG reeling at 66 for 4 in the 12th over.

Marcus Stoinis and Krunal Pandya attempted to salvage the innings, but their contributions of 3 and 24, respectively, were insufficient. Rahul’s poor form has become a major concern for LSG, who have now lost three of their last four matches.

In contrast, the Sunrisers openers, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, tore into the LSG bowling attack. Head smashed an unbeaten 89 off just 30 deliveries, while Sharma contributed an equally impressive 75 not out off 28 balls. Their blistering partnership of 165 runs off 10 overs propelled SRH to victory in record-breaking fashion.

The win marked the fastest chase of a 160+ total in the history of the Indian Premier League. It also highlighted the resurgence of the Sunrisers, who have now won three of their last four matches.