Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) entered the 2024 IPL season with high hopes, but their journey has hit a rough patch. Two consecutive heavy defeats have set off alarm bells within the camp. First, a devastating 98-run loss to the Kolkata Knight Riders, followed by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) chasing down their target of 166 with a staggering 62 balls to spare.
The manner of these defeats has left the franchise owner, Sanjiv Goenka, visibly disappointed, and he didn’t hesitate to express his frustration, particularly targeting the team captain, KL Rahul. KL Rahul, who struggled with a modest 29 runs off 33 balls in the match against SRH, found himself at the center of Goenka’s ire.
WATCH – Lance Klusener Slaps Marcus Stoinis During His Animated Pep Talk
The frustration escalated to the point where it seemed like a one-sided scolding session, with Goenka’s discontent only quelled when coach Justin Langer intervened. Rahul, visibly uncomfortable, made a swift exit as soon as Langer stepped in. Critics were quick to point out Goenka’s approach, suggesting that airing disappointment in such a public and confrontational manner wasn’t the most constructive way to address players, especially with cameras capturing every moment.
Shameful behaviour this by goenka.
Shud be banned by @bcci asap from ipl.
He dsnt deserve captain like rahul or msd. #SRHvLSG pic.twitter.com/J0U9hne8Nv— gαנαℓ (@Gajal_Dalmia) May 8, 2024
Lol….KL👀👀
Not cool scenes..#SRHvsLSG pic.twitter.com/lf38UGc7yi
— 𝕭aba𝗬aga (@c0ver_drive) May 8, 2024
Reflecting on the match, LSG’s innings got off to a shaky start with the early dismissals of Quinton de Kock and Marcus Stoinis, leaving them struggling at just 5 runs for the loss of 2 wickets. Despite a brief partnership between Rahul and Krunal Pandya, the team couldn’t withstand the onslaught of Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s skillful bowling.
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It was Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni who salvaged LSG’s innings with their explosive partnership, adding a crucial 99 runs to the scoreboard. However, their efforts could only take them to a total of 165 runs, thanks largely to Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s economical spell, conceding just 12 runs.
In response, SRH’s opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head launched a relentless assault on the LSG bowlers. Their aggressive batting display left LSG stunned as they chased down the target in a mere 10 overs, securing a resounding victory without losing a single wicket. Head remained unbeaten on 89, while Sharma powered through with 75 runs, sealing a comprehensive win for SRH.
