Revealed: Why KL Rahul is playing as impact player in today’s match vs Punjab Kings in IPL 2024

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), on Saturday (March 30), sprung a big surprise when Nicholas Pooran came out for the toss instead of captain KL Rahul for the game against Punjab Kings at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

With the wicketkeeper-batsman returning to action from an injury recently, LSG’s decision to send out Pooran must have made many worried. KL Rahul was sidelined with a quadricep strain he picked up during the first Test against England in January. He went on to miss the last four Tests of the five-match series before returning to action in IPL 2024.

However, Pooran confirmed that the LSG captain was not injured but would be participating in the game as an impact player. Speaking at the toss, the West Indies star revealed the reason behind the call, saying:

“We’ll bat first. Looks like a good track, runs on the board could be vital. KL is coming back from injury and we’re looking to give him a break in such a long tournament, but he’ll play as an impact player today. Everyone must take the opportunities and perform at their best.”

As a result, KL Rahul will be participating in the game only as a batsman and will not take the field to keep the wickets.

KL Rahul-led LSG start campaign with a loss:

Meanwhile, LSG will be eyeing their first win of the season by beating PBKS. The Lucknow-based outfit began their campaign in IPL 2024 with a loss against Rajasthan Royals. Set a target of 194, they finished on 173 despite half-centuries from KL Rahul and his deputy Pooran.

On the other hand, PBKS began their run with a win over Delhi Capitals. However, they suffered a four-wicket loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their last game and would be looking to get back to winning ways.

Playing XI of both teams:

LSG:

Quinton de Kock(w), KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Ayush Badoni, Nicholas Pooran(c), Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, Manimaran Siddharth

PBKS:

Shikhar Dhawan(c), Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma(w), Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh