KL Rahul has improved his leadership qualities: Wasim Jaffer

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have done well in their debut IPL campaign to secure four victories in six appearances so far and are at the third position in the points table. The man behind their success is KL Rahul, who also captained Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the last two editions of the tournament. The former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer shared his thoughts on the LSG captain and provided his views on the batting order of the team as well.

On being asked about Rahul potentially playing for RCB ahead of IPL 2022, Jaffer felt that if the LSG captain had led the RCB team after Virat Kohli stepped down from the role, it would have given a new flavour to the side, as he is from Bangalore as well. He further reckoned that during his stint with PBKS as batting coach in the last two editions, he saw Rahul develop into a fine player, who scored runs against all the teams. He thinks that Rahul has improved his captaincy, which is good news for the selectors and fans.

“I thought he might go to RCB, as he is a Bangalore boy, and brings another flavour. Somebody of their own leading the franchise helps to make a huge fan base. I had been involved with the Punjab team in the last two years, and think he’s a phenomenal player and has scored runs against all the teams. He is a good player across all the formats and has matured a lot. His captainship is also getting better with time, which is great for the selectors and the Indian cricket fans as well,” said Wasim Jaffer on Sky247.net presents ‘Not Just Cricket Show’ on CricTracker.

Number three spot has been a rolling chair in LSG’s batting department: Wasim Jaffer

Jaffer reckoned that the number three batting position of LSG has been a rolling chair, with the likes of Manish Pandey, Krishnappa Gowtham, and Jason Holder being chosen to arrive at that position. He thinks that Marcus Stoinis should play as a finisher if Manish is coming at the number three position. Jaffer added that it will be an ideal position for Stoinis if he arrives at the crease with five overs to spare.

“I think they have taken Stoinis as the finisher, and have seen him in that role only. But he has batted up for the Delhi Capitals and also opens for his team in the Big Bash League. I am a little bit surprised that number three has been a rolling chair for them, sometimes Manish comes at that spot, Gowtham came against RR, and Holder was promoted to that spot as well. I think they have not used Ayush Badoni well in the last few matches, who’s a fine player as well. If Manish is batting at number three, Stoinis should play the role of a finisher. Irrespective of the position, if five or six overs are left, Stoinis is an ideal man to do the job,” Jaffer added.