DC vs LSG: "Just be brave, because..." - Ian Bishop namedrops Pat Cummins in advice for KL Rahul
Updated - 09 May 2024, 04:39 PM
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Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop offered advice to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper KL Rahul amid criticism over his batting approach in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Ian Bishop highlighted that KL Rahul should 'play freely' despite the chance of losing a couple of games.
The Super Giants suffered their sixth defeat in the IPL 2024 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday, May 8. Rahul scored 29 runs off 33 balls as LSG posted a total of 165 runs in 20 overs. Rahul's slow-paced knock received criticism from fans and cricketing experts.
KL Rahul Has To Be Prepared To Say Well - Ian Bishop
Speaking after the match, Ian Bishop stated that KL Rahul should play more freely in matches. Bishop emphasized the importance of being brave in team selection to adapt to the modern style of cricket.
"It is just loosening the shackles of your mind, really being prepared. I think he has to be prepared to say well, we may lose a couple of games, we may get rolled over as Pat Cummins has said. But if you have the resources and that's the other thing, you have got to have the resources to play that way," Bishop told ESPNcricinfo.
"You have to select well and just be brave, because that's the way the game has gone on most occasions. There are times at the Wankhede the other night, you will have a pitch that demands a little bit more circumspection for example. But generally the way the game has gone in this IPL, you have got to be able to play freely, have the resources to go there and play freely," he added.
LSG opted to bat after winning the toss but lost early wickets, including Quinton de Kock and Marcus Stoinis. Rahul and Krunal Pandya failed to change the momentum, adding just 36 runs in 5.4 overs. However, Ayush Badoni (55*) and Nicholas Pooran (48*) rescued the team to reach a total of 165.
The Pat Cummins-led team chased down the target effortlessly, reaching 167/0 in only 9.4 overs. Travis Head scored an unbeaten 89 runs off 30 balls, including eight fours and eight maximums. Abhishek Sharma contributed 75 runs off 28 deliveries with the help of eight fours and six maximums.
I Don't Know What Will - Mitchell McClenaghan
Former New Zealand cricketer Mitchell McClenaghan stated that KL Rahul should reassess his style of play in cricket if he wants to sustain his career with India. McClenaghan described the current situation as a wake-up call for Rahul.
"I think if this doesn't wake KL up to the style of cricket he needs to play going forward to be successful and to continue to play for India, you know I don't know what will. I think..." McClenaghan said.
KL Rahul will be next seen in action when the Super Giants face the Delhi Capitals (DC) in their next match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday, May 14. They will take on the Mumbai Indians (MI) in their last league stage match at the Wankhede Stadium on Friday, May 17.
