The Lucknow Super Giants captain, who recovered from an injury just ahead of this IPL season, was at his fluent best, striking a slew of elegant shots at the Ekana Cricket Stadium.
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With selection day coming near, Rahul will look to recreate the same magic against the same opponent on Tuesday, this time at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. CSK have been unbeaten at home so far this season and the right-hander is their best bet to deal with the guile of the home bowlers.
While Matheesha Pathirana is the leader of the pack, CSK’s spinners — led by wily Ravindra Jadeja — are always difficult propositions on the Chepauk track that normally stops and turns a bit.
But Rahul, during a chase of 177 on Friday, got the runs with a degree of ease that is bound to make CSK worried. CSK’s batting coach Michael Hussey said the only way to stop the batter is to get the new ball to swing early.
“He is very difficult to bowl at because he plays great shots all around the ground. He seems like he is in a good mindspace and looks confident. That makes him very dangerous,” said Hussey on the eve of the match.
Both CSK and LSG have a similar report card – they have logged four wins and three defeats in seven matches with eight points in their kitty.
For CSK, this game is an important affair. If they lose it, their race for the top four can suddenly turn topsy-turvy. Their away form hasn’t been the greatest and in a situation like that, it is important that they make the most of home comforts.
Lucknow, on the other hand, will be slightly more relaxed going into this game. It can unshackle some of their power-hitters like Nicholas Pooran and Marcus Stoinis.
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