IPL 2023: PBKS vs LSG | Rahul's strike rate in focus again as Lucknow faces Punjab in crucial mid-table clash
The Hindu
Indian Premier League 2023 Punjab Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants in Mohali on April 28, 2023
Lucknow Super Giants would be looking to move on from an inexplicable batting performance when they take on Punjab Kings in a crucial mid table clash in the Indian Premier League in Mohali on April 28.
Halfway into the competition, both teams have four wins from seven games and would be aiming to find consistency in the tight race to the IPL play-offs.
Though Lucknow pitch has not been ideal for batting, skipper K L Rahul's strike rate became the talking point again as his team failed on Saturday last to chase down 136 against Gujarat Titans from a commanding position.
Rahul has a strike rate of 113.91 so far in the competition and can surely do better on that front.
Though 200 has not yet been scored at the PCA Stadium in the season so far, the pitch here should be friendlier for the batter compared to the 22 yards in Lucknow.
The absence of pacer Mark Wood, who has not played since April 15 due to illness, has weakened the LSG attack considerably and the team would be wishing for his early return. Wood still remains the leading wicket taker for them despite missing three games.
Punjab Kings, on the other hand, would look to return to winning ways at home after a couple of losses. Full time captain Shikhar Dhawan has missed the last three games due to a shoulder injury but could return for the LSG fixture.
Asian Games champion Avinash Sable opened his season in the 3000m steeple chase with a silver in the Portland Track Festival, a World Athletics Continental Tour bronze event, in Oregon on Saturday. He clocked 8:21.85s. Asian champion Parul Chaudhary took the bronze in the women’s 3000m steeple chase in a season-best 9:31.38s. Former Asian bronze medallist Sanjivani Jadhav struck gold in the women’s 10,000m in 32:22.77s, a time which was a second off her personal best, while Seema was sixth in 32:55.91s.