Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif wasn’t exactly won over by KL Rahul’s leadership for the Lucknow Super Giants during their recent clash against the Delhi Capitals.
Mohammad Kaif didn’t hold back in his critique of KL Rahul’s decision-making during the recent clash between the Lucknow franchise and the Delhi Capitals. Despite the Arun Jaitley Stadium’s track record favoring teams batting first, Rahul opted to field after winning the toss. This move proved costly for the Super Giants as they ended up on the losing side, trailing by 19 runs.
The Delhi Capitals, under Rishabh Pant’s leadership, set a formidable target of 209 runs, thanks to impressive performances by Abishek Porel and Tristan Stubbs, who both notched up half-centuries. Despite a valiant effort from Nicholas Pooran, who scored a brisk 61 off 27 balls, the Lucknow franchise fell short, managing only 189 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
Mohammad Kaif, speaking on Star Sports, was quick to criticize Rahul’s decision to bowl first. He highlighted the consistent success of teams batting first at the venue and emphasized the need for Rahul to make more assertive decisions as captain.
“Take the video analyst’s computer and put it away. They didn’t go with any numbers. 200 has not been chased here at all. I am telling you this year’s numbers. In all four matches, the team batting first has won. You won the toss and said you would field first,” Kaif said.
“If you leave aside Arshad Khan’s knock, it was a very bad defeat. Arshad saved your pride a little. I believe it was a horrible decision not to bat first here. KL Rahul disappointed a lot as a captain. You said you would play positive but you need to make positive decisions as well,” he added.
Mohammad Kaif wasn’t impressed with the bowling tactics of the Lucknow Super Giants. The former cricketer pointed out that despite getting the crucial wicket of the in-form batsman Jake Fraser-McGurk early on, LSG couldn’t keep Delhi Capitals from posting a formidable total.
“You checked the pitch and felt that it had moisture. There was no moisture – 200 is scored here. The biggest mistake was the decision at the toss. After that, you allowed them to score 200 even after dismissing Jake Fraser-McGurk. So there will be a question mark on the bowling as well,” Kaif further said.
LSG’s recent defeat has left them in a tough spot, sitting with just 12 points after 13 games played. Their upcoming showdown against Mumbai Indians on May 17th is now a must-win situation, especially with teams like CSK and SRH still vying for playoff berths. Meanwhile, Delhi has managed to cling onto their slim hopes, climbing up to fifth place with 14 points.
KL Rahul and his squad will be facing off against Mumbai Indians for their final league match, set to take place at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday, May 17th.
