Under-fire Kings XI Punjab skipper KL Rahul has shrugged off talks over his strike-rate, stating that numbers can be misleading at times. According to many cricket pundits, Rahul has adapted to a steady role in order to cover up for the lack of depth in the KXIP batting line-up.
Rahul has been the highest run-scorer so far this season. However, his strike-rate in powerplays - 113.3 doesn't do justice to his potential or past heroics. His slow approach came under the scanner in the match against Rajasthan Royals. While Mayank Agarwal was scoring freely, Rahul made a 54-ball 69 in Sharjah. Punjab eventually lost the game in spite of putting up a solid total on board.
Yesterday, the elegant batter made a 16-ball 11 while chasing 202. "Strike-rates are very, very overrated," Rahul opined after the game. "For me, it's only about how I can win games for my team. And if on a certain day I think a strike-rate of 120 can win the game for my team, I will do that. This is how I bat and I would like to take responsibility as a leader. We all make mistakes, I'm not saying I have not made a few mistakes but you learn each day as a leader, as a batter.”
The skipper had a word of praise for his bowlers for pulling back things after David Warner-Jonny Bairstow’s scintillating first wicket stand. Rahul said he is happy with the way bowlers kept coming back, especially at the death overs. Punjab currently finds themselves at the bottom of the points table with a solo win in six games.
Powered by Froala Editor
Powered by Froala Editor