The absence of KL Rahul from the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) squad’s journey to Delhi for their upcoming IPL 2024 clash against the Delhi Capitals has sparked speculation and fueled discussions within cricket circles.

KL Rahul’s Absence

KL Rahul’s failure to accompany the LSG squad to Delhi for their crucial encounter against the Delhi Capitals has left many pondering over the reasons behind his absence. While rumours are circulating that he might join the team directly for the match, the deviation from the usual travel protocol has triggered curiosity, especially following LSG’s recent defeat against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

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Sanjiv Goenka’s Interaction with Rahul

After the disheartening loss against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, tensions were simmering within the LSG camp, evident from the animated conversation between team owner Sanjiv Goenka and KL Rahul near the dugout. This encounter has led to conjectures regarding Rahul’s leadership role within the team and the possible underlying issues within the franchise.

Must-Win Situation

Lucknow Super Giants find themselves in a precarious position, with their playoff aspirations hanging by a thread. Currently occupying the seventh spot with 12 points, LSG faces a do-or-die situation against the Delhi Capitals to keep their playoff dreams alive. The upcoming match holds immense significance for the team’s future in the tournament.

Rahul’s Form in IPL 2024

While questions loom over KL Rahul’s absence, his performance on the field during IPL 2024 has been noteworthy. Despite being overlooked for the T20 World Cup squad, Rahul’s batting prowess has been evident throughout the season. Accumulating 460 runs at an average of 38.33 and a respectable strike rate of 136.09, Rahul has been a consistent performer for LSG, registering three half-centuries this season.

In the latest IPL match, Australia’s Jake Fraser-McGurk impressed everyone with a strong debut performance, scoring a quick fifty for Delhi Capitals against Lucknow Super Giants. Kuldeep Yadav, the spinner for Delhi, also shined with three wickets.

Lucknow Super Giants managed a decent score of 167/7, thanks to Ayush Badoni’s unbeaten fifty. But Fraser-McGurk, along with captain Rishabh Pant, turned the game around with a solid partnership, securing Delhi’s second win of the season.

Fraser-McGurk shows an amazing performance

Fraser-McGurk, known for his aggressive batting, hit a couple of sixes early in his innings. Despite being dropped at 24, Fraser-McGurk showcased his power-hitting ability by launching three consecutive sixes off the bowling of Krunal Pandya. His fifty came in just 31 balls, demonstrating his effectiveness with the bat. However, his innings concluded at 55 off 35 balls, providing a solid foundation for Delhi’s total.

Despite a good start by opener Prithvi Shaw, Delhi faced some pressure when Shaw got out. However, Pant’s powerful hitting, including a milestone-reaching six, helped ease the tension. Pant’s flamboyant shots, like a reverse scoop, showcased his skill. His batting also took some pressure off Fraser-McGurk, who later smashed three consecutive sixes off Marcus Stoinis.

Kuldeep Yadav becomes the man of the match

Kuldeep Yadav, making a comeback after an injury, bowled brilliantly, taking three wickets without conceding any boundaries. Overall, it was a satisfying win for Delhi Capitals, with both their batting and bowling departments delivering strong performances.

In the innings for Delhi Capitals, Prithvi Shaw and David Warner took charge as the opening pair. Shaw started the innings aggressively, smashing two boundaries in quick succession, but his promising start was cut short when he got out after scoring 32 runs, missing out on the chance for a bigger score. However, the momentum shifted when Jake Fraser-McGurk entered the crease.

See Also: Delhi Capitals beat Lucknow Super Giants by 6 wickets; Points Table updated

Rishabh Pant, the captain, contributed with a brisk 41 but fell victim to a stumping off the bowling of Bishnoi. In the end, it was the partnership between Hope and Stubbs that drove Delhi Capitals to a comfortable six-wicket victory over the Super Giants, marking a successful start to their campaign in the tournament.

Rishabh Pant, known for his audacious shot selection, lived up to his reputation in this pivotal encounter. Chasing a modest target of 167 set by LSG, Pant’s approach was not just about scoring runs but doing so in style.

The highlight came in the 12th over when he faced Marcus Stoinis. With precision and flair, Pant executed a reverse ramp shot that sent the ball sailing over short third man for a boundary, a shot that has become a signature move in his expansive repertoire.

See Also: Delhi Capitals beat Lucknow Super Giants by 6 wickets; Points Table updated

The 12th Over: A Turning Point

The 12th over bowled by Stoinis was crucial. Initially, tight in his line and length, Stoinis gave away just two runs in three balls, but the over’s dynamic changed once Pant took the strike. Pant skillfully manipulated the delivery, a full toss misdirected outside the off stump, showcasing his exceptional ability to convert good deliveries into scoring opportunities. This eventually cost LSG 10 runs, a momentum shift in the game.

Reaction on Social Media

Social media buzzed with activity as fans and pundits alike lauded Pant’s return to form. Tweets ranged from astonishment at his shot-making to joy at seeing the ‘vintage’ Pant back in action.

Building Partnerships for Victory

Alongside Jake Fraser-McGurk, Pant stitched together a 77-run stand in just 46 balls. This partnership was critical not just for its run rate but for its timing, stabilizing the innings after an early wobble and setting the platform for a final assault. Though Fraser-McGurk’s dismissal in the 15th over by Naveen-ul-Haq was a setback, Pant continued his assault to ensure the scoreboard pressure remained on LSG.

Milestone Achievement

This match was also a landmark for Pant, as he surpassed 3000 runs in the IPL, becoming the first player from the Delhi Capitals to reach this milestone. His innings of 41 runs off 24 balls was a masterclass in T20 batting, seamlessly combining risk with reward.

In an exhilarating display of cricket, the Delhi Capitals (DC) emerged victorious against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 6 wickets in the 26th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Held at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, this match saw some remarkable performances that defined the flow of the game.

First Innings: Setting the Stage

The match kicked off with LSG batting first. The initial overs were promising, with the openers setting a decent pace, but the innings soon saw some dramatic turns. Delhi’s bowler, Kuldeep Yadav, marked his return from an injury with a phenomenal three-wicket haul that significantly dented the batting side’s momentum. Ayush Badoni, however, was a standout for LSG, smashing an unbeaten 55 off 35 deliveries, which included some spectacular hits in the death overs to propel LSG to 167/7.

See Also: Watch: Consecutive sixes from Jake Fraser-McGurk on his way to debut IPL fifty

The Capitals’ Chase

The response from DC was assertive right from the start. Openers David Warner and Prithvi Shaw were aggressive, putting the LSG bowlers under immediate pressure. However, after Warner’s early dismissal, it was Jake Fraser-McGurk who stole the spotlight. On his IPL debut, Fraser-McGurk played a blistering innings, scoring 55 off 35 balls, including several boundaries that thrilled the spectators.

Pant and Fraser-McGurk’s Partnership

Joining Fraser-McGurk at the crease, DC captain Rishabh Pant displayed his typical aggression. Together, they added 77 runs, moving DC closer to the target. Even after Fraser-McGurk’s departure, the momentum did not dip as Tristan Stubbs and later Shai Hope took over to finish the game comfortably for DC.

Star Performers

Fraser-McGurk’s debut was the talk of the match. His confidence striking and ability to handle pressure were evident. Pant’s 41 off 24 balls also highlighted his crucial role in stabilizing and then accelerating the innings at the right moment. On the bowling side, Kuldeep Yadav’s spell was critical, showcasing his skills and strategic importance to the team.

This victory positions Delhi Capitals favorably in the tournament standings, giving them a boost as they seek a top-four finish. For LSG, refining their bowling strategy in the upcoming games will be crucial. DELHI CAPITALS become the first team in the IPL history to chase down 160+ runs against LSG.

Highest scores while batting at No.3 on debut IPL innings
116* – Michael Hussey (CSK) vs PBKS, Mohali, 2008
55 – Jake Fraser-McGurk (DC) vs LSG, Lucknow, 2024
54 – Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan (CSK) vs DC, Chennai, 2008
54 – Kumar Sangakkara (PBKS) vs CSK, Mohali, 2008
54 – Angkrish Raghuvanshi (KKR) vs DC, Visakhapatnam, 2024

Badoni is involved in each of the top 8 highest partnerships for LSG for 6th wicket or below.

Highest partnerships for 6th wicket or below for LSG
84 – Ayush Badoni & Nicholas Pooran vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2023
74 – Ayush Badoni & Nicholas Pooran vs KKR, Kolkata, 2023
73* – Ayush Badoni & Arshad Khan vs DC, Lucknow, 2024
59 – Ayush Badoni & Nicholas Pooran vs CSK, Lucknow, 2023
47 – Ayush Badoni & KL Rahul vs MI, Mumbai WS, 2022

Highest partnerships for 8th wicket or below in the IPL
88* – Rashid Khan & Alzarri Joseph (GT) vs MI, Mumbai WS, 2023
73* – Ayush Badoni & Arshad Khan (LSG) vs DC, Lucknow, 2024
69 – Brad Hodge & James Faulkner (RR) vs MI, Ahmedabad, 2014
68 – Heinrich Klaasen & Bhuvneshwar Kumar (SRH) vs GT, Ahmedabad, 2023
55* – Shikhar Dhawan & Mohit Rathee (PBKS) vs SRH, Hyderabad, 2023

IPL 2024 Points Table After LSG vs DC match

Jake Fraser-McGurk, the young Australian talent, made a sensational entry into the Indian Premier League (IPL) with an electrifying half-century against the Lucknow Super Giants. His debut at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium not only captivated fans but also signaled the arrival of a promising star in cricket’s most dazzling league.

Early Innings

Fraser-McGurk’s innings began cautiously with a dot ball but quickly escalated as he smashed his first IPL six over long-on, announcing his presence on the grand stage. Despite a subsequent dot, the momentum was set for an eventful performance.

See Also: Watch: Rishabh Pant argues with umpire; Here’s why

As the innings progressed, Fraser-McGurk exhibited a blend of aggressive shot-making and strategic finesse. He adeptly manipulated the field, pulling and driving with equal aplomb. His partnership with Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant was particularly impactful, adding quick runs and stabilizing the innings after an early wobble. The Australian reached his fifty off 31 balls in the 14th over of Capitals’ run-chase.

Key Moments

One of the defining overs came when KL Rahul introduced Marcus Stoinis into the attack. Fraser-McGurk faced a dropped catch but quickly shook off the reprieve to continue his assault, including a series of powerful hits that kept the scoreboard ticking aggressively. Fraser scored 21 runs against Krunal, smashed three sixes in a row.

The climax of his innings was marked by his approach to the fifty-run mark, achieved with a stylish boundary followed by smart running between the wickets. The appreciative crowd cheered loudly for each shot, whether a massive six or a deft boundary.

Conclusion of the Innings

Fraser-McGurk’s debut innings came to an end at 55 runs off 35 balls when he was caught at deep backward point. Despite the dismissal, his performance had already made a significant mark, contributing substantially to the Capitals’ chase.

During an intense moment in the early stages of the IPL match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC), a heated exchange between Delhi captain Rishabh Pant and umpire Rohan Pandit caught the attention of fans and commentators alike. This incident occurred in the fourth over, marking a pivotal moment in the game.

The Heated Exchange Explained

The confusion began when Pant signaled for a Decision Review System (DRS) after a delivery was called wide. Initially, it appeared as though Pant was contesting the wide call itself, which led to an animated discussion with the umpire. Commentary later clarified that Pant was actually checking for a potential edge before the ball reached him.

See Also: IPL 2024: Unstoppable Kuldeep Yadav restricts LSG

Clarification of DRS Confusion

Despite Pant’s conviction, replay analysis conclusively showed that the ball was nowhere near the bat or the batsman, thus confirming the wide delivery. This incident highlighted the complexities and occasional misunderstandings involved in real-time decision-making in cricket.

Match Context at the Incident

At the time of the incident, Lucknow was struggling at 34/1 in 3.3 overs. However, the situation worsened as they slumped to 80/5 by the 10th over, primarily due to a spellbinding performance from Delhi’s Kuldeep Yadav.

Kuldeep Yadav’s Game-Changing Spell

Yadav’s impact was immediate and devastating. He claimed the wickets of key batsmen including KL Rahul, Marcus Stoinis, and Nicholas Pooran, drastically swinging the momentum in favor of Delhi. His bowling not only showcased his skill but also underscored the strategic acumen of Pant’s captaincy in deploying him at crucial junctures.

Khaleel Ahmed’s Early Breakthroughs

Complementing Yadav’s efforts was Khaleel Ahmed, who made significant inroads during the powerplay. Ahmed dismissed Quinton de Kock and Devdutt Paddikal, setting a defensive tone for Lucknow and giving Delhi an upper hand early in the match.

The 26th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is going on between the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the BRSABV Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. This game promises cricket fans a spectacle of top-tier cricket.

Spotlight on Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter of Delhi Capitals, is on the verge of a personal milestone. With 2991 runs from 103 IPL matches, Pant is just 9 runs shy of the 3000-run mark for the Delhi Capitals, aiming to be the first player from the franchise to reach this milestone.

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He is the most- capped player for the Delhi-based franchise in the cash-rich league, along with being the leading run scorer. The second-leading run scorer for Delhi in the IPL after Pant is opening batter David Warner, who has scored 2562 runs in 88 IPL matches.

Delhi Capitals’ Challenge

On the flip side, the Delhi Capitals, captained by Rishabh Pant, face a tough battle. Having lost a nail-biter against the Mumbai Indians, which was closer than the scorecard suggests, their morale might be shaky. Delhi’s journey this season has been rocky, having secured only one win against the Chennai Super Kings and struggling in subsequent matches. Delhi has lost four out of five league stage matches played in the IPL 2024, and with two points, they are in ninth place in the points table.

The good thing for Delhi in the last two matches has been the return of Pant in form. The wicketkeeper- batsman, who missed the IPL last year due to multiple injuries he suffered in the road accident on December 30, 2022, has scored back-to-back half-centuries. But he was out on just 1 runs in match against MI.

Home Turf Advantage: Lucknow Super Giants

Lucknow Super Giants, led by KL Rahul, have shown impressive form, especially at home. Their undefeated streak in Lucknow not only boosts their morale but also places them as formidable hosts against the Delhi Capitals. Their last home game was a clear indicator of their dominant form.

Most Runs For DC in IPL

The 26th match of the IPL 2024 season will be played between Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Friday, April 12, 2024. However, Lucknow Super Giants won the toss and opted to bat first.

Lucknow Super Giants have played four games so far where they won three so far and lost one whereas Delhi Capitals lost four games so far and won one only. However, both teams will try to win the game and keep the momentum on. This is going to be an exciting match for both teams as well.

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IPL 2024: LSG vs DC, Match 26: Who said what at the toss?

Rishabh Pant: We would have batted first as well. Few of our players got injured, so need to find the right playing XI. We have two changes. Mukesh and Kuldeep are back. They were injured, looking forward to seeing them back on the field.

KL Rahul: We will bat first. I don’t have an answer to that (good record batting first.) We want to start fresh, looks like a good wicket. I don’t think dew is going to play a part. It (new pitch) has made a huge difference. You can bowl well, bat well, express yourselves, the boundaries are big and the bowlers enjoy playing here. The batters are enjoying batting as well. The three games we have played here have been packed. Arshad Khan comes in for Mayank Yadav.

Playing XIs:

Lucknow Super Giants: Quinton de Kock, KL Rahul(w/c), Devdutt Padikkal, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Krunal Pandya, Arshad Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Yash Thakur

Lucknow Super Giants Impact Subs: Krishnappa Gowtham, Deepak Hooda, Manimaran Siddharth, Amit Mishra, Matt Henry

Delhi Capitals: Prithvi Shaw, David Warner, Shai Hope, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Tristan Stubbs, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed

Delhi Capitals Impact Subs: Jhye Richardson, Abishek Porel, Kumar Kushagra, Sumit Kumar, Praveen Dubey

In the fast-paced world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), player fitness and team strategy play crucial roles in steering a team toward victory. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), one of the formidable teams in the league, find themselves at a crossroads as they navigate through the challenges posed by injuries to key players, especially their fast bowler, Mayank Yadav. On the eve of their next fixture against the Delhi Capitals, head coach Justin Langer shared insights that put the spotlight on the team’s immediate future without Yadav.

Mayank Yadav’s Recent Performance and Injury

Mayank Yadav, known for his pace and precision, has been a vital asset to the Lucknow Super Giants’ bowling lineup. His recent performances have not only garnered praise but have also raised expectations for the team’s prospects in the IPL 2024 season.

See Also: Stalwart Virat Kohli on the verge of IPL milestones against MI

However, during LSG’s clash with the Gujarat Titans, Yadav’s game was cut short as he walked off the field after bowling just one over. The diagnosis: “soreness in the lower abdominal area,” a concern that has put his participation in the next two games in doubt.

“He felt a little bit of tightness at the top of his hip leading into the last game, but that was about a one-out-of-ten pain, and we thought that there were clinical signs. Everything through the doctors and the physios seemed perfectly okay. He bowled that first over [against Titans] and started feeling something in his hip. But we had an MRI scan, and there is a very, very small swelling in there. So we are very hopeful he’ll start building himself up and be back bowling again soon.” Langer said in a press conference on Thursday.

Justin Langer’s Take on the Situation

Head coach Justin Langer, in a recent press conference, shed light on Yadav’s condition and the team’s plan moving forward. Langer revealed that despite Yadav feeling a slight discomfort before the game against the Titans, the medical team had given him the green light to play.

Unfortunately, the discomfort escalated, leading to an MRI that revealed a minor swelling. Langer’s optimism about Yadav’s swift recovery and return to the bowling lineup underscores the fast bowler’s importance to the team’s strategic framework.

Langer further added, “That’s the plan [to have Mayank fit for the match against Chennai Super Kings on April 19]. We want him to play every game if possible. But he’ll be working towards it; he’s working very hard every day to be ready for whatever our next game is. He won’t play tomorrow; it’s unlikely… with the very short turnaround, it’s unlikely that he plays these two games. But he’s certainly working towards playing whenever he possibly can.”

Mayank Yadav, the rising star of the Lucknow Super Giants in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, is facing a setback due to an injury. Known for his remarkable pace and promising talent, Yadav’s absence will be felt in the upcoming matches.

Statement from Lucknow Super Giants CEO

Colonel Vinod Bisht, CEO of Lucknow Super Giants, addressed the situation, stating that Yadav experienced soreness in the lower abdominal area. As a precautionary measure, the team is managing his workload for the next week, aiming for his swift return to the field.

See Also: IPL 2024: Tushar Deshpande joins exclusive CSK bowlers club

“Mayank felt soreness in lower abdominal area and as a precaution we are managing his work load over next week. We hope to see him soon in the field,” CEO of Lucknow Super Giants Colonel Vinod Bisht said in a statement on Monday.

Impact on Matches Against Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders

Unfortunately, Yadav’s injury sidelines him for the crucial matches against Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders scheduled on April 12 and April 14, respectively. His absence will be a blow to the team’s bowling lineup, considering his recent form and contributions.

In the recent encounter against GT, Mayank Yadav’s performance was subpar as he bowled only one over, conceding 13 runs. His subdued intent and slower bowling speed, clocking under 138 kmph, raised doubts about his fitness.

Mayank Yadav’s Remarkable Bowling Speed

Yadav’s significance in IPL 2024 cannot be understated, especially considering his exceptional bowling speed. He gained attention by delivering the fastest ball of the season, clocking an impressive 156.7 kilometres per hour during a match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Details of Mayank Yadav’s Injury

The onset of Yadav’s lower abdominal soreness prompted the team to send him for a scan. While the exact nature of the injury is not disclosed, the team is closely monitoring his condition and managing his workload to facilitate a speedy recovery.

Yadav’s journey to IPL stardom has been remarkable. Prior to his injury, he showcased his talent in domestic tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he consistently impressed with his raw pace and impactful performances.

Notably, cricket legends Brett Lee and Dale Steyn commended Yadav for his exceptional bowling abilities and recognized his potential to become a formidable force in international cricket.