IPL 2024, LSG vs MI: KL Rahul's crucial test against MI ahead of T20 World Cup selection speculations

By Ovaise Shariff | First Published Apr 29, 2024, 3:50 PM IST

As the IPL 2024 season progresses, all eyes turn to KL Rahul as Lucknow Super Giants face off against Mumbai Indians in a pivotal clash.

In the lead-up to the Indian team selection and amidst the T20 World Cup anticipation, all eyes are on KL Rahul as Lucknow Super Giants prepare to clash with Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League showdown. Rahul's performance holds significant weight as he aims to solidify his claim for the second wicketkeeper's position in the Indian squad. Historically, his strike-rate in T20 cricket has been a point of discussion, often starting his innings cautiously despite Powerplay advantages. However, this season, as captain of LSG, Rahul has displayed a notable shift in gears, accumulating 378 runs at a commendable strike rate of 144.27. Yet, he trails behind Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson in this aspect.

70% of cricket fans wants in the World Cup squad. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/GrX8RKR0Ri

— KL Siku Kumar (@KL_Siku_Kumar)

With Pant seemingly securing the primary wicketkeeper's role and Samson presenting a compelling case with his impactful performances, Rahul needs to exhibit more aggression, capitalizing on field restrictions to enhance his chances of Indian team selection. Additionally, his fearless approach could aid LSG in achieving scores exceeding 200 runs, a trend in this IPL edition.

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Having suffered a defeat against Rajasthan Royals, LSG's trio of Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, and Nicholas Pooran must deliver towering hits to set up match-winning totals, especially against a struggling Mumbai bowling lineup. Mumbai Indians, currently languishing in ninth place on the points table, require a collective effort to revive their campaign. Key players like Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya need to find form and consistency ahead of the World Cup.

If you consider IPL stats & pick WC squad then KL should be ahead of Jaiswal/Gill

If you consider T20i stats and pick WC squad then KL should be ahead of Samson/Pant

if you Consider last WC performances Then why is Rohit Sharma going to play ?

What is the criteria ? pic.twitter.com/HgFSvYkpsz

— 𝙎𝙤𝙣𝙪 ✨ (@KLfied_)

As the playoff race intensifies, both teams will vie for crucial points, with the spotlight firmly on Rahul's performance and Mumbai's resurgence. The match promises to be a compelling encounter, with both sides eager to make their mark in this pivotal IPL clash.

Squads:

Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya (c), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Dewald Brevis, Jasprit Bumrah, Piyush Chawla, Gerald Coetzee, Tim David, Shreyas Gopal, Ishan Kishan (wk), Anshul Kamboj, Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal, Kwena Maphaka, Mohammad Nabi, Shams Mulani, Naman Dhir, Shivalik Sharma, Romario Shepherd, Arjun Tendulkar, Nuwan Thushara, Tilak Varma, Harvik Desai, Nehal Wadhera, Luke Wood.

Lucknow Super Giants: Quinton de Kock, KL Rahul (c & wk), Deepak Hooda, Ayush Badoni, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Krunal Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Shamar Joseph, Yash Thakur, Manimaran Siddharth, Prerak Mankad, Arshad Khan, Krishnappa Gowtham, Amit Mishra, Kyle Mayers, Ashton Turner, Matt Henry, Naveen-ul-Haq, Devdutt Padikkal, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Mayank Yadav and Arshin Kulkarni.

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