GT vs LSG: A Win Would Have Been Great But Still A Lot To Learn From This - KL Rahul After Loss In Opening Game Of IPL 2022
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain KL Rahul was a disappointed man after his side lost to Gujarat Titans (GT) by a narrow margin in their opening match of the IPL 2022 season at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
LSG failed to defend 158 against GT despite being ahead for most of the run-chase. Eventually, Rahul Tewatia saw the Titans through with 5 wickets in hand. Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Rahul said:
“I think it was a phenomenal game. The start wasn’t ideal but the way we recovered was phenomenal. We know at the Wankhede the ball can do something initially. We couldn’t have started the campaign in a better way. The win would have been great but a still a lot to learn from this.”
“If anyone can exploit the pitch, it’s Shami. I have played with him for three-four years in the last franchise and I knew he could be dangerous. I think we gave ourselves a good chance with the ball till the 14th or 15th over. But it can be difficult with the dew.”
KL Rahul lavishes praise on Ayush Badoni
Youngster Ayush Badoni put on a show in the first innings against the GT bowling lineup. He took his time to settle in before launching a scathing attack that helped propel the total to 158 in 20 overs.
“We need to go back and practice a bit more with the wet ball. Credit to Tewatia and Abhinav as well. [On Ayush Badoni] He is the baby AB for us, From the first day he was batting, it was unbelievable. He can hit the ball 360 degrees,” Rahul stated.
As Rahul said, although they lost their opening game, there were quite a few positives that they can take from the game, especially the performance of Badoni.