‘We could not execute our plans’ - Krunal Pandya opens up after LSG’s 18-run defeat to RCB in Lucknow

In the absence of KL Rahul, who suffered a horrifying injury while fielding, vice-captain Krunal Pandya took charge of the proceedings as under his leadership, Lucknow Super Giants restricted Royal Challengers Bangalore to 126 runs in the first innings. Their bowlers were terrific on the night as ace pacer Naveen-ul-Haq picked up three wickets while spin wizards Ravi Bishnoi and Amit Mishra picked up two wickets each.

Meanwhile, talking about their bowling performance, all-rounder Krunal Pandya stated that they were happy at the halfway mark but post that, things got complicated. Pandya revealed that the batters could not execute their plans in the second innings and he believes that to be the reason behind LSG’s 18-run defeat at the hands of RCB.

“We did pretty well in the first half, restricting them. It was a great team effort. Really happy with how we have bowled this tournament. 126, at the start of the game, we would have taken. But we just could not execute our plans,” Krunal Pandya said in the post-match presentation ceremony.

Talking about their batting, Ayush Badoni was sent to open in the absence of Rahul. However, neither he nor his opening partner Kyle Mayers could give the team a solid start. Krunal Pandya and Deepak Hooda too failed to get going as the home team lost four wickets in the powerplay.

Later, Nicholas Pooran too walked back to the pavilion rather cheaply and the same can be said for Marcus Stoinis, who scored 13 runs off 19 deliveries. Krisnappa Gowtham however tried to stabilize LSG’s innings but wickets kept falling from the other end. Later, due to a miscommunication, the 34-year-old got out after scoring 23 off 13 deliveries.

Towards the fag end of the match, Naveen-ul-Haq and Amit Mishra tried to take control of the situation but RCB bowlers were all over them. After the young Afghan pacer got out, KL Rahul did come to bat in the penultimate over but he could barely walk. Giving an update on Rahul’s injury, Krunal mentioned that the opener has pulled his hip flexor but they aren’t aware of the seriousness of the injury.

“It is a sad thing. He pulled his hip flexor, I guess. I do not know how bad it is. The medical team will assess it,” Pandya added.