'We Need to Find Ways to Win Games of Cricket', Says LSG Skipper KL Rahul After Opening Defeat Against RR

Rajasthan Royals got their IPL 2024 campaign off to a good start as they registered a comfortable 20-run win over Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

RR put up a total fo 193 for the loss of four wickets in their 20 overs after winning the toss and opting to bat first, thanks mainly to their skipper Sanju Samson who made an unbeaten 82-run contribution. He was well supported by Riyan Parag who added 43 runs to his side’s cause.

Batting second, LSG managed to make just 173 runs for the loss of six wickets as half-centuries from skipper KL Rahul and Windies all-rounder Nicholas Pooran went in vain.

Rahul, making his return to competitive cricket following an injury layoff, said that his side have started well but need to find ways to win games and pick up the points going forward.

“I don’t think the target was a lot; it was just ten over-par,” the wicketkeeper-batsman said.

“We bowled well in patches. Not making too much out of it. Just made a few mistakes,” he said.

He spoke about the impact of pacer Mohsin Khan and expressed his delight in his return.

“Mohsin was our powerplay bowler in the first season, but he wasn’t fully fit last season. Good to see him back,” the LSG skipper said.

He also praised Afghani bowler Naveen-ul-Haq, who picked up a couple of wickets.

“Naveen has been crucial for us since he has come in,” the 31-year-old said.

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He also emphasised the importance of starting well during the powerplay but also lauded his side for picking up the pace in the middle overs despite a rather slow start to the chase.

“Powerplay is crucial for every team, and I don’t think any team has cracked it yet.”

“When we are three down for nothing, and we give ourselves a chance of chasing 194 speaks of our line-up,” Rahul said.

“We need to find ways to win games of cricket. We’ll try to build from here, and see where we can get stronger.”

Former Australian international Justin Langer has come in to assume the role of the head coach of the team from Lucknow and Rahul said the entire unit will only benefit from his presence and experience.

“Langer’s brought a lot of calmness to the group. I stole his line when I said we need to find ways to win games of cricket. We enjoy having him around. All of us have watched him coach Australia to a T20 World Cup and an Ashes victory,” the Indian batter said.

“When you get runs, you always feel good. But it’s important for us to end up on the winning side. That gives more satisfaction” he concluded.