IPL 2022: Captain KL Rahul hails Quinton De Knock, Deepak Hooda for magnificent win over KKR

Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul is pleased with his team’s magnificent 75 runs win over Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday as the side topped the IPL 2022 points table.

LSG, batting first, posted 176 for 7 in 20 overs, thanks to Quinton De Knock’s half-century and Deepak Hooda’s breezy 41 off 27 balls. Marcus Stoinis provided with some lusty late blitz to help LSG post a modest target on board. 

Captian Rahul, however, fell for a first ball duck as he was run out by Shreyas Iyer.

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“Played really well, started well with the bat, except for the run out. Was a tricky wicket. Knew it was going to be slow and sticky. Had to get around 150-160,” Rahul said the post match presentation ceremony.

Rahul lauded de Kock and Deepak Hooda for laying down the foundation of the LSG innings, and Stoinis for making sure the bowlers have enough runs on board to defend.

“The way Quinton and Deepak batted, made it look easy. Big hitting from Stoinis and Jason gave the momentum,” said Rahul.

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Talking about his bowlers, who bowled out for KKR for 101 in 14.3 overs, the Lucknow Super Giants skipper said, “We started superbly with the ball, put the ball in the right areas, couldn’t have asked for more. Trust them a great deal (his pace battery). Having skill is one thing, but knowing what to do when is important. They’ve been put under pressure a couple of times but they’ve stuck to their strengths and been brave with the ball. That’s all we can ask for. Keep trusting what the best ball is on that wicket.”

On Saturday, Avesh Khan and Jason Holder picked up three wickets each to rip apart KKR. But Mohsin Khan, who took the wicket of opener Baba Indrajith, conceded just six runs in his three overs. Dushmantha Chameera and Ravi Bishnoi took one wicket each.

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While Holder took the wickets of Aaron Finch, Sunil Narine and Tim Southee, Avesh Khan dismissed Nitish Rana, Anukul Roy and assertive Andre Russell, who is the only KKR batter who showed some intent in the match. Russell scored 45 off 19 balls with five sixes and three boudnaries. But his solitary effort was not enough before LSG all-round performance.

Plans for Andre Russell

“Dre Russ going like that is scary at times. We do have some plans before the game, and what’s good to see is they remember those plans under pressure,” said Rahul.

Despite peaking the points table with 16 points, Rahul said his team still have areas to improve and they are yet to put up a complete performance in IPL 2022.

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“If we go for runs from there then that’s acceptable. Still can’t think of any game where we’ve had a complete performance. Still areas to improve. Don’t think any team is going to be perfect anyway, we aren’t chasing that. Every one wants to contribute which is great to see. Don’t know if we’re peaking at the right time but we’re getting the wins, we’re doing what is expected of us, sticking to our plans,” Rahul signed off.