IPL 2021: Twitter Reacts as KL Rahul Inspires PBKS To A Crushing Victory Over CSK

Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper KL Rahul hogged the limelight on a sunny afternoon in Dubai as he led his side to a humongous victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The loss was Chennai’s third loss in a row after starting the UAE leg on a four-win streak.

Rahul was magnificent on a track that was two-paced. Shedding all inhibitions, the 29-year-old blazed his way to a stunning 98* off just 42 balls that included seven fours and eight maximums. He made sure to stay till the end and carry his team over the line.

Set a target of 135, Punjab started off on a high as they were going at over 10 rpo in the first four overs. A double-wicket over bowled by Shardul Thakur where he dismissed Mayank Agarwal and Sarfaraz Khan looked to threaten Punjab’s momentum.

Rahul, however, was unperturbed and carried on his merry ways. He wasn’t worried about getting out and exposing the weak middle order but instead, made a complete mockery of the CSK bowlers. He top-scored with 98 while the next highest on the team was Aiden Markram with 13.

Earlier, Ruturaj Gaikwad had another rare off-day as he fell to the impressive Arshdeep Singh within the powerplay. Chennai suffered a collapse in the overs that followed and were 42/4 in the 9th over. Faf du Plessis held down the fort at one end while the other rallied around him.

Eventually, they ended up with 134 on the board, with du Plessis scoring 76 off 55 balls. It turned out to be below par with the way PBKS – Rahul in particular – batted.

Here’s how Twitter reacted as PBKS thrash CSK courtesy KL Rahul’s scintillating knock:

Brilliant knock by @<!---->k<!---->l<!---->r<!---->a<!---->h<!---->u<!---->l<!---->1<!---->1, perhaps best in second phase. Not the first time #<!---->C<!---->S<!---->K have got such a hammering. #<!---->R<!---->R earlier chased down 189. After starting with streak of wins, CSK have hit a trough. #<!---->P<!---->B<!---->K<!---->S superb tonight but unlikely to be in play-off. Have themselves to blame

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

What a knock by @<!---->k<!---->l<!---->r<!---->a<!---->h<!---->u<!---->l<!---->1<!---->1 ! Hats off in single handedly taking @<!---->P<!---->u<!---->n<!---->j<!---->a<!---->b<!---->K<!---->i<!---->n<!---->g<!---->s<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L to victory! #<!---->P<!---->B<!---->K<!---->S<!---->v<!---->C<!---->S<!---->K

— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

KL Rahul's remarkable innings comes to an end, unbeaten, just short of his century. His Batting Impact in that match, +60, is the highest ever by a Punjab Kings batter. #<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L<!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1 #<!---->C<!---->S<!---->K<!---->v<!---->P<!---->B<!---->K<!---->S

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

KL Rahul batting in full flow is a charismatic site! #<!---->q<!---->u<!---->a<!---->l<!---->i<!---->t<!---->y

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

There are a few problems for #<!---->C<!---->S<!---->K at a time when they should be peaking!

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Oh my goodness KL ?#<!---->P<!---->B<!---->K<!---->S<!---->v<!---->C<!---->S<!---->K

— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

KL Rahul is putting on a show here. When he bats like this, you drop what you are doing and watch.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Look at KL Rahul's range, man!
If there is anyone who can produce such attacking knocks consistently and can win you matches at the same time, it is KL Rahul. Range, power, timing ??? he is the complete package!

What stops you from allowing him to play like this? #<!---->C<!---->S<!---->K<!---->v<!---->P<!---->B<!---->K<!---->S

— Prasenjit Dey (@CricPrasen) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Watching KL Rahul bat today was like being at an art gallery and seeing one jaw dropping exhibit after another.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) O<!---->c<!---->t<!---->o<!---->b<!---->e<!---->r<!----> <!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

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