KL Rahul. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)
Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul has suffered multiple injuries in the recent past. In the last edition of the Indian Premier League, the stumper-batter suffered a thigh injury right before the playoffs, which ruled him out of action for nearly four months. He made his return in the Asia Cup 2023 and remained fit for the next few months, before missing the majority of the Test series against England.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sent him to Europe for further treatment and later, he joined the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for rehab. It was earlier in the week when Rahul was cleared by the NCA to join Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for IPL 2024. Meanwhile, speaking about his frequent injuries, the Mangalore-born cricketer noted that it now seems to have become his best friend but added it also makes a cricketer hungry to make a stronger comeback.
“I’m happy to be back on the field, injury has become my best friend over the last couple of years, but it makes you hungry and perform much better when you’re back,” Rahul said at the toss.
Also read: ‘He’ll be around for the first time’ – Justin Langer on KL Rahul’s availability ahead of IPL 2024
Meanwhile, Lucknow were asked to field first in the match against Rajasthan Royals at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Batting first, the hosts started well as youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal gave a fanciful start to Rajasthan. The youngster made 24 runs off 12 deliveries, which his partner and England captain Jos Buttler made 11 runs off nine deliveries. However, after losing two early wickets, Sanju Samson took control of the situation.
The Kerala-born cricketer played an aggressive brand of cricket and hit his 21st half-century in the cash-rich league. Youngster Riyan Parag supported him well as the 22-year-old hit 43 runs off 29 deliveries. Courtesy of their sensational knocks, Rajasthan seem to have the upper hand in Jaipur. However, LSG have the talent and the firepower to make a stronger comeback in the remainder of the match.