Former Australian cricketer Brett Lee recently expressed disappointment with KL Rahul’s batting approach during Lucknow’s match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Ekana Stadium.

Brett Lee’s Critique

In the match, Lucknow was set a challenging target of 236 runs. However, Rahul’s cautious approach at the beginning of the innings garnered criticism from Lee. Rahul scored only 25 runs off 21 deliveries, failing to provide the quick start Lucknow needed to chase down the formidable total.

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Pressure on Lucknow’s Batters

Lee emphasized how Rahul’s sluggish innings placed immense pressure on the rest of Lucknow’s batting lineup. The slow start prevented the team from building momentum and put them on the back foot early in the chase. Consequently, Lucknow’s batters struggled to find their rhythm, resulting in a disappointing loss by 98 runs.

Contrasting Openers

Lee contrasted Rahul’s performance with the aggressive approach of KKR’s openers, Phil Salt and Sunil Narine. Salt and Narine’s partnership of 70 runs provided KKR with a strong start, setting the tone for their innings. In contrast, Lucknow’s openers took time to settle in, further exacerbating the pressure created by Rahul’s slow innings.

According to Lee, KKR’s openers demonstrated the importance of starting quickly in a high-pressure match. Their aggressive batting put Lucknow on the defensive from the outset, giving KKR a significant advantage. In contrast, Rahul’s inability to accelerate the scoring rate early on allowed KKR to dictate the game’s pace.

 “I think if you look at both opening batters from both sides, it’s a complete contrast. KKR have got it right. They’re out of the blocks quickly, they’re scoring runs. And then you got KL Rahul on the other side, that’s, you know, getting a run a ball and putting a lot of pressure on the back end. You know, we saw four games and I picked KL Rahul here, the first four games he played,” Lee said on Jio Cinema.

Rahul’s Struggles

Lee highlighted Rahul’s recent struggles with strike rate and form, indicating a broader issue within Lucknow’s batting lineup. Despite a promising start to the season, Rahul’s inability to maintain a consistent scoring rate has become a cause for concern. Lee suggested that Rahul’s performance under pressure needs improvement for Lucknow to succeed in future matches.

 “His strike rate was 129, then he went to 150 and now he’s come back and said, ‘well, yeah, you know the bowlers have done a great job. I think there’s a lot of pressure on him because he hasn’t scored the runs he should be,” the former pacer added.

Lucknow’s Playoff Hopes

With Lucknow’s loss to KKR, their path to the playoffs has become more challenging. The team faces upcoming matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, and Mumbai Indians, all away from home. To secure a playoff berth, Lucknow must win most of these matches and rely on favourable outcomes from other teams’ matches.

The clash between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 54 of the IPL 2024 showcased KKR’s dominant performance, propelling them to the top of the table with a resounding 98-run victory at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on May 5.

KKR’s Dominance

Batting first, KKR’s openers, led by Phil Salt and Sunil Narine, unleashed a relentless assault on the LSG bowlers from the outset. Salt’s quickfire 32 off 14 balls provided the initial momentum, but Narine’s explosive innings propelled KKR to a formidable total of 235/6.

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Narine’s Explosive Innings

Sunil Narine emerged as the match star with a scintillating display of power-hitting, smashing 81 runs off just 39 deliveries. His aggressive batting set the tone for KKR’s innings, leaving the LSG bowlers struggling to contain the onslaught.

LSG’s Chase

In pursuit of a daunting target, LSG’s openers, including skipper KL Rahul, made a valiant effort to keep up with the required run rate. Arshin Kulkarni departed cheaply on just 9 runs within the first two overs. KKR pacer Harshit Rana who took the all-important wicket of KL Rahul who was sent back at 25 runs.

Marcus Stoinis did try to get the momentum back for the hosts but his 21-ball 36 wasn’t enough to take his team to the victory in the end. It was all KKR after that point as wickets at quick intervals saw the visitors bag a 98-run victory and go top of the table on net run rate. However, the loss of early wickets and consistent pressure from the KKR bowlers derailed their chase.

Key Moments

Despite a brief resurgence led by Marcus Stoinis, who scored 36 off 21 balls, LSG struggled to maintain momentum against KKR’s disciplined bowling attack. Harshit Rana’s crucial wicket with KL Rahul, tilted the match further in KKR’s favour.

KKR’s Bowling Excellence

KKR’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance, with Varun Chakaravarthy and Harshit Rana leading the charge with three wickets each. Their disciplined bowling and strategic variations restricted LSG to a modest total of 137, securing a convincing victory for KKR.

Most PoTM awards for KKR in IPL
15 – Andre Russell
15 – Sunil Narine*
10 – Gautam Gambhir
7 – Yusuf Pathan

Stats by Shashikant Singh

Biggest defeat margin for LSG in IPL (in runs)
98 vs KKR, Lucknow, 2024*
81 vs MI, Chennai, 2023
62 vs GT, Pune, 2022
62 vs GT, Ahmedabad, 2023

Biggest win margin for KKR in IPL (in runs)
140 vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2008
106 vs DC, Vizag, 2024
98 vs LSG, Lucknow, 2024*
86 vs KKR, Eden Garden, 2017

LSG against KKR in IPL
First three matches LSG won
Last two matches KKR won

LSG at home in IPL 2024
Mats: 7
Won: 4
Lost: 3

Lucknow Super Giants bowler Yudhvir Singh Charak came on as a concussion substitute for Mohsin Khan during his side’s IPL 2024 match against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday.

Yudhvir’s Entry

During the match on Sunday, Yudhvir Singh Charak made his way onto the field as a concussion substitute for Mohsin Khan, marking a significant moment in IPL history.

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Mohsin Khan’s Injury

Mohsin Khan suffered a head injury while fielding at the short third-man region during the 12th over of the match. His attempt to take a catch off Ravi Bishnoi’s bowling ended in an unfortunate collision with the ground, forcing him to leave the field for medical attention.

Yudhvir’s Impactful Performance in the Match

Upon replacing Mohsin Khan, Yudhvir spent little time making an impact. In his first over, the right-arm pacer dismissed Angkrish Raghuvanshi, showcasing his ability to handle pressure situations and contribute to his team’s performance.

Yudhvir Singh concussion sub strikes first ball. Angkrish Raghuvanshi tries to run it down to third man and nicks off to the keeper. Angkrish Raghuvanshi c Rahul b Yudhvir Singh 32(26) [4s-3 6s-1]

Significance of Yudhvir’s Substitution in IPL History

Yudhvir Singh Charak’s substitution marked only the second instance of a player being replaced due to a concussion in IPL history. Vishnu Vinod had replaced Ishan Kishan for Mumbai Indians in the second qualifier last year.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have found an exceptional combination of Sunil Narine and Phil Salt, whose performances have been instrumental in the team’s success in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.

Sunil Narine’s Role as an Opener

Sunil Narine, traditionally known for his spin bowling prowess, has been promoted by KKR as an opener, a move that has paid dividends for the team. Narine’s explosive batting at the top of the order has provided KKR with blistering starts and put pressure on the opposition bowlers from the outset.

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Narine’s innings against LSG were nothing short of spectacular. Displaying his trademark power-hitting, Narine dispatched the ball to all parts of the ground, accumulating runs rapidly and putting KKR in a commanding position. His ability to quickly find the boundaries and clear the ropes will leave the opposition bowlers needing to be more knowledgeable. He scored 81 runs off 39 balls with a fantastic strike rate of 207.69.

Phil Salt’s Impact

Phil Salt, who stepped in as Jason Roy’s replacement player, immediately impacted KKR. His aggressive batting style and ability to take on opposition bowlers have added a new dimension to the team’s batting lineup, making him a valuable asset for the franchise. He scored 32 runs off 15 balls.

Narine and Salt’s Partnership Against Lucknow Super Giants

In a recent match against the Lucknow Super Giants, the duo of Narine and Salt exhibited their batting prowess, mainly targeting LSG bowler Naveen-ul-Haq. Their aggressive approach saw them dominate the bowling attack, with Narine and Salt hammering the opposition for boundaries and sixes. They scored 61 runs in just 25 balls.

Six 50+ opening partnerships by Phil Salt & Sunil Narine this season is the most for KKR in an IPL season

Most 50+ opening partnerships in IPL 2024
6 – Phil Salt & Sunil Narine*
4 – Ishan Kishan & Rohit Sharma
3 – Virat Kohli & Faf du Plessis

Importance of the Match for Both Teams

The match against LSG held immense significance for both teams as they jostled for crucial points in the race to the playoffs. With the competition intensifying as the tournament progresses, every match becomes a vital opportunity for teams to solidify their position in the league standings.

In a thrilling IPL match on Sunday, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged victorious against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), winning by eight wickets. Opener Phil Salt played a brilliant innings, scoring 89 runs off just 47 balls, while captain Shreyas Iyer contributed with an unbeaten 38 runs at a steady pace. With 26 balls remaining, KKR comfortably chased down the target of 162 runs set by LSG.

LSG batted first and managed to score 161 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Nicholas Pooran was the top scorer for LSG with 45 runs off 32 balls, supported by captain KL Rahul’s contribution of 39 runs.

Mitchell Starc leads the attack

KKR’s bowlers put up a strong performance, with Mitchell Starc leading the attack by taking three wickets. Vaibhav Arora, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, and Andre Russell each claimed one wicket.

During KKR’s chase, the team got off to a flying start, scoring 22 runs in the first over. However, Sunil Narine was dismissed early after scoring just 6 runs. Raghuvanshi managed to add a few runs to the scoreboard before getting out at 7.

Phil Salt and Shreyas Iyer’s partnership hits on point

Phil Salt continued his aggressive batting, leading KKR’s charge towards the target. Captain Shreyas Iyer survived a close caught-behind appeal with the help of the Decision Review System (DRS). The duo of Salt and Iyer formed a formidable partnership, reaching the milestone of 100 runs in just 66 balls.

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As the victory seemed imminent, Shreyas Iyer sealed the win with a six, further solidifying KKR’s dominance in the match. Phil Salt’s boundary helped KKR reach the target with ease. With this impressive performance, Kolkata Knight Riders secured a resounding victory over Lucknow Super Giants by 8 wickets, marking a significant win for the Knight Riders.

The match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the historic Eden Gardens was more than just a game in IPL 2024. Kolkata Knight Riders beat Lucknow Super Giants aside in an eight-wicket victory on their home turf, the Eden Gardens Stadium. Restricting Lucknow to a paltry score of 161/7 while bowling first, Kolkata took only 15.4 overs to accumulate the required runs.

The Build-Up to the Match

Kolkata entered the game with the intent to bounce back strongly after their recent defeat. KKR’s decision to bowl first was a tactical one. The bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc, implemented a disciplined approach that restricted LSG to 161/7. This section will delve into the bowlers’ performance and their impact on the game.

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Phil Salt not only excelled with the bat but also made significant contributions behind the stumps, including a spectacular one-handed catch. This section assesses his overall impact on the game.

Mitchell Starc and Sunil Narine were standout performers, with Starc taking crucial wickets at pivotal moments, including the dismissal of Nicholas Pooran in the final over, which curtailed any hope for LSG to post a competitive total.

Kolkata’s Aggressive Batting Leads to Easy Win

Despite a rocky start, conceding 22 runs in his first IPL over, the game quickly swung in KKR’s favor, illustrating the unpredictable nature of cricket.

Phil Salt’s innings was a masterclass in aggressive batting. His 47-ball 89 was a spectacle, driving KKR towards an easy victory. This section explores how his approach demoralized the opposition and excited the crowd.

Captain Shreyas Iyer played a crucial supporting role, contributing a solid 38 runs and helping build a 120-run partnership with Salt, which was vital for stabilizing the innings after early setbacks.

Nicholas Pooran’s Valiant Effort for Lucknow

Despite the loss, Nicholas Pooran’s performance deserves recognition. His quickfire 45 off 32 balls was crucial for LSG reaching their total. This subsection highlights his innings and its significance.

Earlier, Nicholas Pooran stood up yet again with a late batting burst to top-score with 45 and guide Lucknow Super Giants to 161/7. It was an innings from LSG where they stumbled a lot on a two-paced pitch and never gave the feeling of momentum being firmly in their hands. It took Pooran’s 45 off 32 balls, laced with two fours and four sixes, to take LSG past 160. After making 21 runs in his first 21 balls, Pooran collected 24 runs off his next 11 balls to lend some respectability to the visitors’ total.

For KKR, Mitchell Starc was the pick of the bowlers by picking up 3/28, while an impressive Sunil Narine, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy and Andre Russell also bagged a wicket each in a pleasing bowling performance from the hosts’, who are aiming to beat LSG for the first time in IPL.

In an exhilarating evening at Eden Gardens, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) showcased a thrilling display of cricket in the IPL 2024 season, particularly through Phil Salt’s explosive performance. This match against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) was not just another game; it was a display of strategy, skill, and sheer determination.

Phil Salt’s Dominant Performance

From the get-go, Phil Salt was in formidable form, smashing a rapid 89 off just 47 balls. His innings was peppered with bold shots, including eight fours and two sixes, catapulting KKR towards a daunting chase of 162. His aggressive batting not only entertained but significantly shifted the momentum in KKR’s favor.

See Also: IPL 2024: Finally Starc shines with ball for KKR against LSG

Impact on KKR’s Strategy

Salt’s early dominance allowed KKR to dictate the pace and style of the game. His approach not only put the bowlers under pressure but also allowed his teammates to play more freely, knowing the run rate was well under control.

LSG’s bowlers, particularly Yash Thakur and Krunal Pandya, faced the brunt of Salt’s assault. Despite their efforts to tighten their lines and lengths, Salt’s aggressive intent kept the scoreboard ticking at a rapid pace.

Behind the Stumps: Salt’s Wicketkeeping Skills

Apart from his batting, Salt also excelled behind the stumps. His acrobatic catch to dismiss Marcus Stoinis was a highlight, demonstrating his sharp reflexes and game awareness, which left fans and the co-owner, Shah Rukh Khan, absolutely thrilled.

It was the fourth ball of 12th over and Varun Chakaravarthy bowled a wrong ‘un and Stoinis looked to guide it on the on-side but failed to read it. He got an edge to it, which hit his thigh as the ball popped up in the air and Salt flew in the air to grab a one-handed stunner.

Comparison with Other Performances

Salt’s innings stands out in the IPL 2024 season for its high strike rate and the pressure it put on the opposition. Comparatively, it ranks as one of the most impactful innings under pressure, showcasing his ability to dominate from the start.

Fan and Team Reactions

The crowd at Eden Gardens was vociferous in its support, particularly when Salt reached his fifty off just 26 balls. His performance drew praise not only from fans but also from teammates who were seen applauding from the sidelines.

On a vibrant evening at Eden Gardens, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) faced off against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a crucial IPL 2024 encounter. This match not only promised high-octane cricket but also had implications for the players aiming to impress ahead of the T20 World Cup selections.

The Match Context

KKR’s captain, Shreyas Iyer, won the toss and chose to field first, a decision influenced by the pitch conditions and historical match outcomes at the venue. This game was particularly significant as it marked KKR’s return to their home ground after a series of away matches. KKR needs 162 runs to win!

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Mitchell Starc’s Performance

Mitchell Starc, the left-arm speedster from Australia, was under the spotlight, having had a mixed season so far. However, this game saw him returning to form, claiming crucial wickets at vital junctures of the match.

Starc’s bowling was a spectacle. He dismissed Deepak Hooda early in the innings, setting the tone for his team. His ability to swing the ball and execute yorkers under pressure was evident as he also claimed the wickets of Nicholas Pooran and Arshad Khan, contributing significantly to restricting LSG’s scoring rate.

While Starc was the star with the ball, Nicholas Pooran’s aggressive batting was the highlight for LSG. Scoring 45 runs off 32 balls, Pooran kept the hopes alive for his team until his dismissal.

One of the game’s most memorable moments was a stunning catch by Ramandeep Singh at point to dismiss Hooda. This not only elevated the fielding standards but also added momentum to KKR’s gameplay.

Pre-Match Expectations vs. Reality

Before the match, Gautam Gambhir, KKR’s mentor, defended Starc’s poor early-season form, suggesting that a comeback was always on the cards. Starc’s performance vindicated Gambhir’s confidence as he finished with impressive figures.

In the first two games against SRH and RCB, Starc conceded exact 100 runs without any success. He returned among the wickets in the third game against Delhi Capitals with a 2/25, thus helping KKR to a 106-run win. Against CSK, Starc once again went wicket-less in this three overs.

The atmosphere at Eden Gardens was electric, with fans cheering every run and wicket. The support from the home crowd was immense, adding to the intensity of the match.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir spread cheer on the eve of Bengali New Year, known as Poila Baisakh, by offering free sweets to journalists. This heartwarming incident occurred just before KKR’s match against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the iconic Eden Gardens stadium.

After facing some tough questions regarding KKR’s performance in the season so far, an enthusiastic Gambhir decided to lift the spirits by distributing sweets to the journalists inside the press box. The former mentor of LSG even shared a video of this delightful moment on his social media platforms.

Watch this heart melting video…

Gambhir, a celebrated figure in IPL history, has tasted success with KKR in the past, leading the team to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. After spending two seasons with LSG in a similar mentoring role, he returned to KKR, bringing his valuable experience and leadership to the franchise.

KKR gears up to face LSG

Despite his stint with LSG, where KKR faced defeats at Eden Gardens, Gambhir emphasized that his past association with the Lucknow-based team wouldn’t affect his approach to the upcoming match. As KKR gears up to face LSG, Gambhir’s gesture of spreading sweetness both on and off the field reflects his positive spirit and camaraderie.

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“It is a new day, a new start. What difference does it make that what has happened in the last two years? It really makes no difference. We start from scratch,” said Gambhir.

“All of us are really looking forward to the game tomorrow. You know, it is a quality side. But we are a quality side as well,” he added.

Lucknow’s defenses had a rare failure against the Capitals as did the Knight Riders explosive batters against the Super Kings. Both teams are coming in after a relatively bad day in the office for each other and will be eager to see how they get back to their best.

KKR vs LSG Match Details

Date: April 14th, 2023

Time:  7:30 PM IST

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

KKR vs LSG Weather Report

A pleasant but slightly humid evening is expected at Kolkata.

KKR vs LSG Pitch Report

KKR is expected to take some turn and be a little dry towards the second half of the innings.

KKR vs LSG Head-to-Head

KKR vs LSG Predicted Playing XII

KKR Playing XII

Phil Salt, Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer, Nitish Rana/ Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Mitchell Starc, Harshith Rana/ Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy, Anukul Roy, Ramandeep Singh

LSG Playing XII

KL Rahul, Quinton De Kock, Devdutt Padikkal, Marcus Stoinis, Ayush Badoni, Nicholas Pooran, Deepak Hooda, Ayush Badoni, Krunal Pandya, Arshad Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Yash Thakur, Naveen Ul Haq

KKR vs LSG Key Players

Phil Salt

Phil Salt recently spoke about his love for having a good time while batting. His search for attacking strokes and boundaries is his way of having fun on the field. The last two games though have not been the most enjoyable and Phil Salt will be eager to go out and change the mood to how he wants it to be.

Ayush Badoni

Ayush Badoni is doing a pretty good job saving the side when needed. He has the game to tackle the back end of the innings and the skill has been on show with Badoni finishing strong in his limited chances.

See Also: IPL 2024: 3rd Match, KKR vs SRH Today Match Prediction – Who will win today’s IPL match Between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad – Cricket Winner

LSG’s Top Five Batters This Season

KKR’s Top Five Batters This Season

KKR’s Top Five Bowlers This Season

LSG’s Top Five Bowlers This Season

KKR vs LSG, Battles to Watch

Mitchell Starc vs Quinton De Kock: Mitchell Starc is likely to start the innings for LSG and knocking over Quinton De Kock could be a nice way to set the tone for the innings.

KKR vs LSG Match Tips

KKR are likely to be favorites with their batting, but could be challenged against an under-rated bowling line-up.

Match Prediction: Kolkata Knight Riders Will Win The Match