 |
| File Photo |
KL Rahul, the captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2024, is reportedly considering stepping down from his captaincy role for the team's last two matches. This decision comes in the wake of a recent defeat against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, during which owner Sanjiv Goenka expressed his dissatisfaction with the team's performance.
The defeat against SRH was particularly disheartening for LSG, as their batters struggled to score runs efficiently in the first 10 overs, managing less than six runs per over. In contrast, SRH's openers, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, dominated the match by scoring 167 runs in just 9.4 overs, highlighting the stark difference in performance between the two teams.
According to reports from PTI, KL Rahul's future with LSG is uncertain, with speculations that he may not be retained before the mega auctions in 2025. In light of these developments, Rahul is contemplating stepping down from the captaincy to focus on his batting skills during the remaining two games of the season.
While no official decision has been announced yet, sources suggest that if Rahul chooses to prioritize his batting, the management of LSG is open to the idea. This potential change in leadership comes amidst discussions about LSG's strategies to improve their performance and secure a spot in the playoffs.
LSG's remaining matches against Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians will be crucial, as they aim to reach 16 points and enhance their chances of qualifying. However, their net run rate (-0.760) poses a significant challenge, making it imperative for the team to not only win but also improve their run rate substantially.
In case Rahul steps down as captain, Nicholas Pooran, the vice-captain and a key performer for LSG with the bat, is likely to assume the leadership role for the remaining matches. Pooran's impact on the team has been notable throughout the season, adding depth and stability to LSG's batting lineup.
The recent social media buzz around owner Sanjiv Goenka's animated conversation with Rahul highlights the pressure and scrutiny faced by players and management in high-stakes tournaments like the IPL. Despite Rahul's individual contributions with the bat, concerns about his strike rate persist, impacting his inclusion in the Indian T20I side since the 2022 World Cup.
© www.cricketxpedia.com
