In a last-over thriller in Lucknow, the Lucknow Super Giants defeated the Mumbai Indians to improve their prospects of finishing in a playoff position. Marcus Stoinis and Mohsin Khan excelled for the Lucnkow-based franchise, but Sunil Gavaskar heaped praise on LSG captain Krunal Pandya following their victory.
KL Rahul, the influential captain of the LSG, was ruled out of the ongoing IPL 2023 due to a regrettable injury. In Rahul’s absence, his deputy, Krunal Pandita, has performed admirably since assuming leadership responsibilities. Krunal Pandya, like his brother Hardik, is a shrewd operator, and it was his ability to read the game that enabled his team to defeat his former team in Lucknow.
After LSG’s victory, the legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar praised Krunal’s leadership qualities and his ability to assess the game.
His wager on Mohsin Khan proved decisive, as the LSG pacer effectively defended 11 runs in the final over despite conceding runs in the first few overs of the second innings.
“From what I have observed of Krunal Pandya, he is an exceptional game reader. Before he was the captain, he used to play for the Mumbai Indians, where his game and situational awareness was exemplary. Gavaskar stated on Star Sports that he bowls a different line depending on the batter’s strength. “This is all about awareness and the fact that he reads his opponents and his own game well,” Gavaskar said.
LSG is in prime position to qualify for the postseason for the second consecutive year.
In addition to his leadership qualities, Krunal excelled with his all-around skills in his team’s crucial match against the five-time defending champions. After a spate of wickets in the first innings, he formed a valuable partnership with Marcus Stoinis. He also did a commendable job with the ball in the second innings, restricting the flow of runs.
His team is now in prime position to qualify for the elimination rounds for the second consecutive season. Mohsin Khan’s return to the starting eleven gives the spinners hope even though Marcus Stoinis appears to have found his form just in time for LSG.
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