IPL 2024
When the two teams play on Saturday at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in the state capital, the biggest worry for both the hosts, the Lucknow Super Giants, and the visitors, the Punjab Kings, is that the size of the field may present a challenge.
Prior to KL Rahul and Co.’s inaugural home match, PBKS’s spin bowling coach Sunil Joshi and LSG head coach Justin Langer revealed their strategies for resolving the problem.
Our goal for the Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign is a new beginning. Running between the wickets and fielding will be crucial, especially on a large field like this one “, Langer stated the night before the game.
Joshi, however, stated that he would direct his spinners to utilize the vast area by limiting the opponents to a meager total. Joshi stated, “My job is to make sure my bowlers win Player of the Match, and that is only possible when they make use of the big field by taking wickets.”
The former spinner for India has experience with the conditions having previously been Uttar Pradesh’s chief coach.
“I am familiar with the Ekana pitch and am aware of the best places to bowl. Despite the fact that batters in this format these days are better prepared with a wider range of shots, I will make sure that my spinners bowl in accordance with the game plan,” Joshi stated.
When asked if he expected any big surprises in the team’s lineup, Joshi replied. “Unless there is a last-minute change in fitness reports—which can also occur during final warm-ups—we will proceed with the winning lineup. If not, we can proceed with the same squad,” he declared.
But Langer is determined to help LSG, who have made the playoffs the last two years, win for the first time this year. As a strong fielding team, we will work to stop the opposition from scoring runs. Every team has won at home thus far, and tomorrow we expect the same here against the Punjab Kings,” he stated.
“Home advantage is crucial in the foundation game since it is your home game, and LSG is no exception. Although we have not decided on a lineup, a lot will depend on the pitch that we see tonight and tomorrow. Traditionally, we will use three international batters and one international bowler. In Lucknow, this combination has also had some success in the past.”
Regarding the prospect of facing West Indies bowling sensation Shamar Joseph, Langer stated that the only international bowler available will be Afghanistan’s pacer Naveen-ul-Haq. “I adore Shamar Joseph’s athleticism. Although he is still inexperienced and still learning, I do not think he will play tomorrow,” he remarked.
Langer also expects the relaid red clay at the Ekana stadium to respond differently. “I have been told that the last time the grass was not very even, and uneven wickets are difficult to have. But this time, there is gorgeous grass covering the wicket and the ground. Tomorrow, we hope to play on a nice pitch.”
Rahul’s slow scoring pace in the first game, which LSG lost by 20 runs, was excused by Langer, who claimed that Rahul’s strike rate was adequate. “KL has performed admirably for Team India on a regular basis and has been an excellent captain, batter, and keeper as well. KL’s batting style is typified by his composure. He is a great player to have on my team,” he remarked.
He did, however, add that Rahul and Quinton de Kock of South Africa will still open the innings. “We are a balanced side in both batting and bowling,” Langer remarked. “Both KL and de Kock will open the innings again.”
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