KL Rahul has been in outstanding form in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2018). Surprisingly, KL Rahul, who is one of the finest batsmen in India, was not retained by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and he was bought by Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) for INR 11 crore.
Initially, a section of fans and pundits thought that 11 crore rupees are too much for KL Rahul but the way he has performer in IPL 2018, has impressed one and all. He has been a huge force for KXIP at the top of the order alongside Chris Gayle.
In IPL 2018 (so far), KL Rahul has played 9 matches and scored 376 runs at an average of 47.00, and at a strike rate of 162.77. Recently, in the match against Rajasthan Royals, Lokes Rahul played a match-winning innings and sealed the win for his side.
Rahul scored 84 runs off just 54 balls and made Rajasthan Royals’ bowling attack look ordinary with his class and composure. In an interview to IPLT20.com, KL Rahul revealed that his strategy is to go hard in the first 6 overs and make the most of the fielding restrictions.
“I want to get as many runs as I can in the powerplay. However, I think I haven’t converted those starts into big runs for the team; as an opening batsman that’s what is crucial. If you get off to a good start, even if you get the run-rate down a bit in the middle overs, if you are set till the end you can do the most damage.”
Rahul, who has faced criticism for not batting till the end and winning matches, also said that he wants to bat deep in the innings.
“I wanted to come here with a fresher approach and try to win as many games as I can. (I wanted to) try to bat deep in the innings and that was the plan and I am very happy that it paid off today,” he added.
KL Rahul termed his knock against Rajasthan Royals as his best knock of IPL 2018.
“For me personally I think this is the first knock I am really satisfied with because I won the game for the team and stayed till the end. I have been hitting the ball really well so can’t complain about that. I always try to back my cricketing shots and don’t try to slog much.”
Featured image source:
IPLT20.com
