Following their defeat to the Delhi Capitals on Tuesday, television cameras captured the seemingly cordial exchange between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka and skipper KL Rahul on the outfield. However, this attempt to downplay the backlash from their earlier loss to the Sunrisers Hyderabad, where social media circulated visuals of Rahul being reprimanded by the team owner, was unconvincing.
From his dismissal during the match, it was evident that Rahul has a multi-faceted cricketing ability and can fulfill various roles and responsibilities. However, some criticize his fortune in playing 50 Tests, 75 ODIs, and 72 T20Is. Debating his Test and ODI numbers can wait, but his T20 and IPL career has fascinated and frustrated fans alike.
Rahul is one of only two batters, along with Virat Kohli, to have scored 600-plus runs in an IPL season four times. He held the record for the fastest IPL fifty (off 14 balls) for five seasons until Yashasvi Jaiswal surpassed it with a 13-ball half-century in 2023. Rahul also boasts four IPL centuries to his name.
Despite his ability to change gears and attack with a wide range of shots, Rahul’s strike rate has remained in the 130s for the past six IPL seasons. This approach seems outdated in the rapidly evolving T20 game, where sixes and higher totals are becoming the norm.
Rahul’s inconsistencies are reflected in his T20I numbers for India. While his overall returns are acceptable, a closer look reveals that he struggles in key moments. A prime example is the last T20 World Cup, where he managed only 128 runs in six games with an average of 21.33 and a strike rate of 120.75. He hasn’t played a T20I since.
Despite being considered for the wicketkeeper-batter role in this year’s T20 World Cup squad, Rahul’s omission was attributed to his inability to consistently attack from ball one. His 465 runs at a strike rate of 136.36 this season suggest that he hasn’t overcome his inhibitions.
While Assistant Coach Lance Klusener and Head Coach Justin Langer have defended Rahul, citing factors such as wicket conditions and team performance, his association with Lucknow seems uncertain given the recent events. As the mega auction approaches, Rahul may need a fresh start with a new franchise and a renewed outlook to resolve the enigma of his T20 career.
