The 17th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) began earlier this month, and the first week of action has served up some fantastic cricket so far, including several records falling.
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On Saturday, another exciting clash was on the cards as Lucknow Super Giants took on Punjab Kings at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. LSG had suffered a heavy defeat against Rajasthan Royals in their opening fixture, while PBKS were coming off the back of a close-run loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Explained: Why Nicholas Pooran replaced KL Rahul as LSG skipper against PBKS
Upon being asked about the change, Pooran confirmed after winning the toss and choosing to bat, that he was leading the side as the team management wanted to ease Rahul back into action upon his recent recovery from a quadriceps injury. He would bat, but be replaced by an impact player for the second innings.
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The decision is somewhat perplexing, as LSG had the oppotunity to ease Rahul into action in their first match as well. However, he first kept wickets for 20 overs in a day game, before batting 16 overs for 58 (44).
Many fans have speculated that Rahul and the LSG management may have disregarded the NCA's advice to the player ahead of the tournament. He had been passed fit for the IPL, but was not recommended to keep wickets. LSG are not short of keeping options as well, with Pooran and Quinton de Kock both in the XI. Any aggravation to Rahul's injury could affect his chances of making it to the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup.
KL Rahul was unfit and had to miss out on the last 4 Tests vs England. News came he was fit to play in IPL but with a rider by the NCA medical staff: he won’t keep wickets.
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) March 30, 2024
But he did. Played in the first game for Lucknow as batsman-wicket keeper but today we are being told his…
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