Chennai Super Kings slipped to fifth spot in the IPL 2024 points table after suffering a six-wicket loss to Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday. Ruturaj Gaikwad's century went in vain as Marcus Stoinis hit an unbeaten 124 to guide LSG to victory. CSK currently has 8 points in 8 matches with a healthy Net Run Rate of 0.415. On the other hand, LSG climbed to fourth place with 10 points from 8 matches, but their NRR is no better than CSK. Rajasthan Royals top the table with 14 points, followed by Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad (both with 10 points).
KL Rahul was full of praise for Marcus Stoinis' match-winning 63-ball 124 not out against Chennai Super Kings as he felt the home side's score of 210 for 4 was at least 30 runs above par on that particular Chepauk track.
Stoinis' special effort overshadowed a classy century from CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad in their IPL match on Tuesday as LSG won by six wickets.
Rahul, who once said that strike rates in T20s are overrated, admitted that a total of 180, which was considered challenging, might not be enough in the era of 'Impact Player'.
“Very special (to win), especially when it is such a competition. It felt like we were way behind in the chase. Just getting a win feels special,” Rahul said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
Rahul said their win against CSK in Lucknow had little context on a very different card in Chennai.
“These were different circumstances. They got off to a good start and put the bowlers under pressure. I didn't think it was a 210 wicket.
“They scored very well. All credits to Stoinis. He was phenomenal to watch. It wasn't just power hitting, but it was smart hitting.” Sending Stoinis to No.3 was a smart move by LSG's management and Rahul believes they had to make a “brave” decision.
“We wanted to be much braver as a team. We had three games, a few at home and a few away, where we didn't get past 170. We needed one power hitter in the top three. That was the thought process.
“I've also realized that T20 cricket has changed in recent years – 170-180 doesn't always cut it. You have to go harder on the power play.
“The Impact player gives you depth and that gives you more freedom. I haven't played T20 cricket for a long time.” When asked if Nicholas Pooran can play out the order, the skipper said keep him and Quinton de Kock as openers, none of the other positions are fixed.
“There is no set plan. Apart from the openers, anyone can go at any time. In the last match, Pooran came in at three o'clock. I hope I get the fielder's award.” CSK skipper Gaikwad, whose century went in vain, felt dew played a big role in the second half of the match.
“A tough pill to swallow, but LSG played a good game in the end. We had the game in hand around the 13th, but hats off to Stoinis.
“The dew played a big role. It took the spinners out of the game. We could have gone deeper into the game. But it's part of the game: you can't control the uncontrollable.” Player of the match Stoinis said: “It's not just a go go. It was an ebb and flow. There were some bowlers we targeted and some we were cautious against. Nicky Pooran played a good innings, Hooda too.
“It ebbed and flowed. You are always structuring from within. You like some bowlers but not others.”
(With PTI inputs)
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