The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will be captained by Nicholas Pooran instead of KL Rahul against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Ekana Cricke t Stadium on Saturday, March 30.
A shocker greeted many supporters as KL Rahul was absent for the toss before their first home fixture. Despite having De Kock and Pooran as keeping options, the wicketkeeper-batter had captained and donned the gloves in their opening defeat versus Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur.
KL Rahul has been nursing a quad issue that ruled him out for most of the England home series earlier this year. This injury stemmed from the 2023 campaign’s Ekana Stadium leg.
Rahul, who just recently returned from injury after a protracted recovery, has been granted a break due to the intensity of the competition and the fact that LSG will play again in a few days.
Nicholas Pooran put more insight on the subject at the toss, choosing to bat first.
“We’ll bat first. Looks like a good track, runs on the board could be vital. KL is coming back from injury and we’re looking to give him a break in such a long tournament, but he’ll play as an impact player today. Everyone must take the opportunities and perform at their best.”
Nicholas Pooran
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) used a same strategy in the 2023 edition, with injured skipper Faf du Plessis appearing only as a batsman owing to an injury, while Virat Kohli led the team on the field.
KL Rahul’s Half-Century in Vain as LSG Initiates IPL 2024 Season
KL Rahul is competing for a spot in the Team India team for the 2024 T20 World Cup. He did not create the best of impressions with a 44-ball 58 in a difficult run chase, but he still has a long way to go.
He batted first on that particular instance. Whether he shifts positions as previously considered during preparations for the upcoming 2024 IPL remains uncertain.
LSG has made many changes to its roster, the most notable of which being the inclusion of a third spinner, Manimaran Siddharth. The combination appears to be an early sign of how the black dirt pitch would play out, a surface known for producing low-scoring contests.