'Mahan Test match innings' - Fans angry over KL Rahul's another slow knock as LSG lose to GT in low-scoring thriller

KL Rahul's Lucknow Super Giants lost to Gujarat Titans by seven runs in what looked like an easy chase for them. However, they lost control of the game towards the end when they needed just 31 runs to win in the last six overs.

While the team skipper scored yet another half-century in the IPL 2023, it was a slow one. He scored 68 runs in 61 balls, which included just eight boundaries. The batter has been facing criticism for his knock and fans have been trolling him left, right, and centre.

Former Indian bowler Venkatesh Iyer also took a sly dig at the LSG captain and his team for their defeat. "Bottling a run chase when 30 needed of 35 balls with 9 wickets in hand requires some baffling batting. Happened with Punjab in 2020 on few ocassions losing games they should have won easily. As brilliant as Guj were with ball & Hardik smart with his captaincy, brainless from Lko," he tweeted.

LSG fail to get to the target

As for the game, GT lost an early wicket batting first in Shubman Gill, but Hardik Pandya, who promoted himself in the batting order, and Wriddhiman Saha later stabilised the innings. They added 68 runs in partnership and handled spin well. Pandya (66 runs in 50 balls) proceeded to cruise after Saha's wicket (47 runs in 37 balls).

Gujarat, on the other hand, misread the pitch and went defensive in their approach. They failed to increase their strike rate and concluded the first innings with a score of 135/6.

LSG got off to a solid start in the chase thanks to some sharp strokes from KL Rahul and Kyle Mayers. They led the team to a powerplay score of 53 runs for no loss. Mayers, on the other hand, soon lost his wicket.

Rahul maintained his momentum, although his strike rate slipped significantly as he and Krunal Pandya put on a 51-run partnership. It was all downhill for LSG after Krunal's wicket. Hardik handed the ball to Mohit Sharma for the final over with 12 runs to defend, and he was outstanding in a remarkable turn of circumstances.

In the over, the pacer took four wickets, including Rahul (68 runs in 61 balls). Mohit's four wickets included two runouts as he only conceded four runs while leading his team to victory.

Here is how Twitter trolled KL Rahul

Salute to KL for helping his side lose this game, what a captain's knock!!

— Tejas Pujare (@TejasPujare7) April 22, 2023

Fans waited to see KL Rahul to hit an six :) pic.twitter.com/eWsVQTtFyv

— Shakti Man 💥 (@IamShaktiMann) April 22, 2023

Unreal fixing bc

— Jod Insane (@jod_insane) April 22, 2023

This liability 😂😂

— Tom Gravestone (@Whygravestone) April 22, 2023

Tell me this hasn't happened

— Shreyas 🇮🇳 (@Shreyas_M18) April 22, 2023

Kl is back to its best 🥵🥵 pic.twitter.com/qr7oy7Ag4p

— 🇮🇳 Vipul Sehgal (@VipulSehgal312) April 22, 2023

mahan Test match innings from KL Rahul comes to end..

he is trying put himself on contention wtc final#LSGvGT #GTvsLSG pic.twitter.com/jOq2GgGWiM

— Vaibhav (@vabby_16) April 22, 2023

Commentator said that he has gone for well played 68 😭

— Keerthan Reddy (@Keerthanro45) April 22, 2023

Worst knock in IPL history?

— Naveen (@_naveenish) April 22, 2023

Completely unacceptable for any batter let alone a captain of a side to play for almost the whole quota of 20 overs & yet couldn't able to get his team to the finish line. Horrible knock!

— Rahul Sharma (@CricFnatic) April 22, 2023