LSG batting order is fragile without KL Rahul: Wasim Jaffer

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have done well in their debut IPL season to secure six victories in nine league matches. They won their last league match by 20 runs against Punjab Kings (PBKS). In Match 45 of the ongoing season, they are facing Delhi Capitals (DC). In the latest interaction, the former Indian cricketers Wasim Jaffer and Mohammad Azharuddin shared their views on the LSG team and Krunal Pandya.

Jaffer thinks KL Rahul is the vital cog in the LSG batting line-up, and with only his contribution, the team can think of scoring a strong score on the board. He reckoned that the batting order has been unstable as the number three position is a concern for them, with multiple batters tried at that spot. Jaffer also added that their batting order is fragile, as the finishers like Ayush Badoni and Marcus Stoinis have not been in good form in the last few games.

“If KL Rahul scores run, they reach the score which they want, like 170-180 or more. Quinton de Kock hasn’t stepped up. The number three position in their batting order is not fixed, with Manish Pandey and Deepak Hooda coming on alternate occasions. Even though they have got good finishers in Ayush Badoni, Marcus Stoinis, and Jason Holder, their batting order is fragile if you take KL Rahul out of the line-up,” said Jaffer on Sky247.net presents ‘Not Just Cricket’ Show on CricTracker.

Both experts hail Krunal Pandya’s performances in IPL 2022

In nine appearances, Krunal has scalped nine wickets at an economy of 6.19. In the last fixture against PBKS, he finished with 2/11 off four overs, which helped the team to secure a victory. Jaffer said that the Baroda all-rounder has shown a lot of improvements in his wicket-taking abilities and has been economical as well, and mentioned that he is not afraid to bowl to left-handers. On the other hand, Azharuddin also said that Krunal has done well for LSG after getting a key responsibility.

“I think you can see a lot of improvement in his game as compared to the last few seasons, in his economy, and has taken wickets as well. The length at which is bowling [has been good], and [he is] varying his pace well. He is not afraid to bowl to left-handers and is not letting right-handers go away,” added Jaffer.

“He has got the responsibility this season and has delivered well. Until last season, he already had many stalwarts in the MI team. But in the current LSG team, he is one of the senior members and giving his best,” added Azharuddin.