In matchday 26 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, KL Rahul's knock for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) was heavily criticised, while West Indies opener Kyle Mayers stole the show with a quick-fire 51 off 42 balls. Mayers' knock helped LSG post a competitive total of 154-7 in 20 overs, which proved too much for Rajasthan Royals (RR), as they could only manage 144-6 in their 20 overs.
Despite Mayers' impressive knock, it was KL Rahul's performance that drew the ire of critics and fans alike. Rahul, who is considered to be one of the best T20 batsmen in the world, struggled to get going and scored just 18 runs off 25 balls. His innings was punctuated with a number of dot balls and failed to provide the impetus that LSG needed to post a bigger total.
Former England batsman and IPL commentator, Kevin Pietersen, was particularly scathing in his criticism of Rahul's knock. Pietersen called Rahul's innings "awful" and said that he had let the team down with his slow batting. He was on live commentary when he said, "Watching KL Rahul bat is the most boring thing I have ever been through." Pietersen also pointed out that Rahul's form had been a concern for a while now and that he needed to step up and deliver for the team.
Rahul struggling to play quick innings in IPL 2023
While Pietersen's comments may seem harsh, they are not entirely unfounded. Rahul has been struggling for form in the IPL 2023, and his lack of runs has been a major concern for LSG. In the 6 matches he has played so far, Rahul has scored just 104 runs at an average of 17.33 and a strike rate of 105.05. These are not the kind of numbers expected from a player of his calibre, and his poor form has put pressure on the rest of the LSG batting line-up.
On the other hand, Mayers' knock was a breath of fresh air for LSG. The West Indies opener played with freedom and aggression and scored his runs at a brisk pace. Mayers' knock included 6 fours and 2 sixes and helped LSG recover from a slow start. His performance was a testament to the selectors' faith in him, as he had been picked in the playing XI despite not having played in the tournament so far.
KL Rahul's poor form in the IPL 2023 continued in matchday 26, drawing criticism from Kevin Pietersen and other commentators. Meanwhile, Kyle Mayers' impressive knock helped LSG post a competitive total and win the match. Rahul will need to step up and deliver for LSG if they want to stay in contention for the playoffs, while Mayers' performance will have given the team a much-needed boost of confidence.
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'Most boring thing'- Kevin Pietersen's scathing critique of KL Rahul's batting during RR vs LSG commentary
Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has blasted KL Rahul's slow innings during RR vs LSG IPL 2023 match.
KL Rahul Kevin Pietersen
In matchday 26 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, KL Rahul's knock for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) was heavily criticised, while West Indies opener Kyle Mayers stole the show with a quick-fire 51 off 42 balls. Mayers' knock helped LSG post a competitive total of 154-7 in 20 overs, which proved too much for Rajasthan Royals (RR), as they could only manage 144-6 in their 20 overs.
Despite Mayers' impressive knock, it was KL Rahul's performance that drew the ire of critics and fans alike. Rahul, who is considered to be one of the best T20 batsmen in the world, struggled to get going and scored just 18 runs off 25 balls. His innings was punctuated with a number of dot balls and failed to provide the impetus that LSG needed to post a bigger total.
Former England batsman and IPL commentator, Kevin Pietersen, was particularly scathing in his criticism of Rahul's knock. Pietersen called Rahul's innings "awful" and said that he had let the team down with his slow batting. He was on live commentary when he said, "Watching KL Rahul bat is the most boring thing I have ever been through." Pietersen also pointed out that Rahul's form had been a concern for a while now and that he needed to step up and deliver for the team.
Rahul struggling to play quick innings in IPL 2023
While Pietersen's comments may seem harsh, they are not entirely unfounded. Rahul has been struggling for form in the IPL 2023, and his lack of runs has been a major concern for LSG. In the 6 matches he has played so far, Rahul has scored just 104 runs at an average of 17.33 and a strike rate of 105.05. These are not the kind of numbers expected from a player of his calibre, and his poor form has put pressure on the rest of the LSG batting line-up.
On the other hand, Mayers' knock was a breath of fresh air for LSG. The West Indies opener played with freedom and aggression and scored his runs at a brisk pace. Mayers' knock included 6 fours and 2 sixes and helped LSG recover from a slow start. His performance was a testament to the selectors' faith in him, as he had been picked in the playing XI despite not having played in the tournament so far.
KL Rahul's poor form in the IPL 2023 continued in matchday 26, drawing criticism from Kevin Pietersen and other commentators. Meanwhile, Kyle Mayers' impressive knock helped LSG post a competitive total and win the match. Rahul will need to step up and deliver for LSG if they want to stay in contention for the playoffs, while Mayers' performance will have given the team a much-needed boost of confidence.