The Lucknow Super Giants cannot afford to surrender any points against the Kolkata Knight Riders on May 20 at Eden Gardens if they wish to qualify for the IPL 2023 playoffs. The Krunal Pandya-led team is currently third in the IPL standings, and if everything goes according to plan, they could very well finish in the top two. However, if it does not, RCB and MI can overtake them on the points table and eliminate them from playoff contention.
Therefore, the match against KKR is extremely important for the Lucknow-based team. Before facing the two-time champions, LSG bowling instructor Morne Morkel stated that the team’s presence of Gautam Gambhir gives them an advantage. Gambhir spent six years in the KKR camp and is very familiar with the conditions at Eden Gardens, which Morne believes will assist the LSG players in their preparations.
“Gambhir is always to our advantage. He played for KKR, is familiar with Eden Gardens, and was the commander of the two-time champion team.
The former South Africa international was quoted by India Today as saying, “Therefore, I believe it’s an advantage, and I hope we can win.”
“Look, we didn’t chat much about this. We only need to play and win. Thus, qualification is one thing. But reaching the championship game is the objective. Eden Gardens in Kolkata is always a high-scoring venue. This land has a rich past. Therefore, I’m optimistic that we’ll succeed,” the 38-year-old said.
Morne Morkel praises Krunal Pandya’s leadership abilities.
Krunal Pandya has performed admirably in the absence of KL Rahul to help LSG remain in contention for the IPL semifinals. Morkel acknowledged this and lauded Krunal’s extraordinary leadership during the current season.
“He is extraordinary. He is a confident leader who leads by example. During difficult times, the captain bowled. He plays a crucial function, said the former cricketer.
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