LSG vs GT: “It Is Over-Criticized” - Tom Moody Shares His Views On KL Rahul’s Strike Rate Saga

Updated - 20 Apr 2023, 06:39 PM

KL Rahul {PC: BCCI/IPL}
KL Rahul {PC: BCCI/IPL}

Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody has shared his opinion on the debate over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper KL Rahul’s strike rate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. He said that the batter gets unnecessary criticism sometimes.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) defeated Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 10 runs to win their fourth game of the season. They batted poorly but displayed a staggering bowling performance as they defended 154 runs.

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However, despite the win, the focus was on their skipper KL Rahul for his poor strike rate. The batter played the first over of the game as a maiden and ended with a knock of 39 runs in 32 balls. He batted with a strike rate of 121.88.

Also Read: LSG vs GT: Lucknow Super Giants Captain KL Rahul Fined INR 12 Lakh For Maintaining Slow Over-Rate Against Rajasthan Royals

Overall in 6 games so far, KL Rahul has scored 174 runs at an average of 32.33. But what has been concerning is his strike rate. He has scored runs at an SR of just 114.79. The batter has received a lot of flak for playing slow and many are of the opinion that he’s hampering his team’s chances of posting big totals.

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But Tom Moody feels that KL Rahul is over-criticized for his slow strike rate. He said that the batter played a great knock and assessed conditions well against RR. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, he said:

“He has had a good day. With the bat, he assessed the conditions pretty well. He has been criticized for the pace at which he has gone about his innings but I think it is over-criticized at times. From a captaincy point of view, he made the right plays with regard to the bowling changes.”

Also Read: LSG vs GT: “Needs To Get The Strike Up” – Ravi Shastri Unhappy With KL Rahul’s Approach Following Low-Scoring Game In Jaipur

LSG vs GT: “What he did do well is bowl dead straight,” Tom Moody on Marcus Stoinis 

Marcus Stoinis with the ball was the surprise package in the game between LSG and RR. The all-rounder bowled a game-changing spell and picked 2 crucial wickets and conceded just 28 runs. Notably, this was for the first time he bowled in IPL 2023.

Tom Moody was impressed with the way Stoinis bowled and said that he bowled dead straight, which turned out to be a big difference. He added:

“I think he [Marcus Stoinis] was fit to bowl, but just wasn’t required. What he did do well is bowl dead straight, and that’s exactly what you need to do on a surface like that which offers a little bit of inconsistency with its pace and boun.”

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will be next seen in action when they will take on Gujarat Titans (GT) on Saturday (22nd April).

Also Read: LSG vs GT: Watch – Gautam Gambhir’s ‘Unique’ Celebrations After LSG’s Last-Over Win Over RR In IPL 2023

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GT Gujarat Titans IPL 2023 KL Rahul LSG LSG vs GT Lucknow Super Giants Marcus Stoinis Tom Moody