IPL 2022: Lucknow Super Giants Need KL Rahul 'The Batter Who Leads' Not 'Captain Who Also Bats'- Gautam Gambhir

The mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Gautam Gambhir has said that the franchise needs captain KL Rahul to be the batter who leads the team and not the captain who can also bat. This comes ahead of the 15^th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2022), which begins on March 26.

Gambhir, one of the finest among IPL skippers with two titles for Kolkata Knight Riders and also captained Delhi Capitals, spoke extensively on KL Rahul’s captaincy, who led the Punjab Kings (PBKS) for two years.

Asked about his expectations from Rahul, Gambhir was very categorical in what he wanted from his skipper.

He said: “Ultimately, it is the leader who is the flag-bearer of a team and so it’s Rahul who will lead Lucknow Super Giants on and off the field. For me, it is important to have KL Rahul the batter, who is also the captain of the team rather than KL Rahul, the captain, who also bats. I hope I am able to make you understand the difference.”

KL Rahul was picked by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the IPL 2022 auction after he parted ways with Punjab Kings.

Want KL Rahul To Be Fearless In His Approach- Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir was named the mentor of the new LSG franchise and he was instrumental in the team building as well, as he attended the IPL 2022 mega auction and gave his inputs to the owners and management. Furthermore, in the interaction with PTI, Gambhir said that he would want Rahul to be “fearless” in his approach and for that he will get “all the freedom”.

“Any captain should learn to take risks. I would want Rahul to take risks and unless you take calculated risks, you won’t know if you would succeed or not. Also this time, Quinton de Kock will be our wicketkeeper, so with no keeping duties, he can be free and relaxed, concentrating on his batting and leadership,” Gambhir said.

Lucknow Super Giants will open the IPL 2022 account against fellow debutants Gujarat Titans on March 28 in MCA stadium in Pune.

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