"Don't think any team has cracked powerplay": KL Rahul plays down LSG's loss to Rajasthan Royals

KL Rahul-led Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) succumbed to a defeat in their Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) opener against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) earlier today. Following the loss, Rahul downplayed the side's lacklustre outing which saw them concede the contest by 20 runs. 

Rahul opined that it's premature to draw conclusions and asserted that none of the teams have successfully dealt with the challenges posed during the Powerplay phase in the opening week of the tournament.

The implementation of the new two-bouncer-per-over regulation from this season appeared to have an impact, evident in LSG's struggle during the initial six overs in their pursuit of 194 runs. They ended up losing three wickets and found themselves reeling at 47 for 3.

Notably, during LSG's chase both KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal had to undergo concussion protocols after being struck on the helmet by lethal deliveries from Trent Boult. 

KL Rahul reasons powerplay struggles for loss against Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals too had a mediocre start, marginally better than LSG, accumulating 54 runs for the loss of two wickets in their powerplay. Sanju Samson spearheaded the scoring with a skilful knock of 82 runs, while Riyan Parag narrowly missed a half-century, departing on 43 runs to help RR set a target of 194 runs.

Speaking about the powerplay struggles, Rahul said at the post-match presentation ceremony in Jaipur."It is just the first game and I am not going to make too much out of it or over-analyse. Powerplay is crucial for every team, and I don't think any team has cracked it yet."

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Rahul also acknowledged that the target of 194 wasn't overly daunting on the Sawai Man Singh Stadium pitch.

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