IPL 2021: Not enjoying batting as per the requirements of Punjab Kings, says KL Rahul

Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper KL Rahul admitted that he did not enjoy the style of batting expected from a player like him, while representing the Punjab-based franchise. Rahul is known for his aggressive approach to the game along with the desire to smash the ball to all corners of the ground. However, the cricketer has been largely subdued in his approach while batting for the Punjab-based franchise, with the wicketkeeper-batsman terming it as something enforced upon him being the leader of the team. Rahul expressed this viewpoint after PBKS’ defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in an IPL 2021 encounter.

“Our batting has let us down”

“I wouldn’t say I haven’t enjoyed wearing it (the Orange Cap) but I would have been happier if we had qualified. It was a score that was par. Maybe 10-15 runs extra. When a guy like Maxwell comes in with that sort of form, it makes it difficult. But with the bat, the last couple of years have been disappointing. If I have to be honest, our batting has let us down,” said Rahul as quoted by Cricinfo.

“I’ll be lying if I say it doesn’t play on my mind that I play a role that the team demands. It’s not something that I enjoy, but when you lead the team, you have to accept the responsibility. In T20, the top two or three do score a bulk of the runs. You won’t have people in the middle order scoring 500-600 runs. But we have missed someone in the middle who scores those 30-40 quick runs. Shahrukh and some of the other Indian young guys have been going well,” he added.

“Feels amazing”

Kohli was extremely pleased following the triumph, terming it as an amazing feeling.

“Feels amazing. After 2011, we haven’t done it with games to spare. Eight wins out of 12 games is a great campaign. We have two more opportunities to finish in the top two. Should give us motivation to play even more fearlessly. When you don’t have any wickets on the scoreboard, you can take more risks. Which myself and Dev [Padikkal] have to. 15-20 runs on this ground can be crucial. We have to plug those areas,” stated the RCB skipper.

“As a side, we have had an endeavour to improve, whether in losses or wins. We knew the wicket would get slower and slower. KL and Mayank batted really well, but we knew we were just two wickets from coming back into the game. (On the bowlers) The resurgence of Siraj, ever since he has done well in Test cricket. Harshal’s inclusion has been outstanding. Yuzi has chipped in, as has Shahbaz. Garton has come in. If the players don’t step up, then the campaign goes off track,” he added.

Glenn Maxwell was named as the player of the match, having scored a quick-fire half-century to help RCB post a competitive total.

“Came in at a nice time to bat. Lucky to hit the first couple of risks out of the middle. I feel like the last two years of IPL I have batted nicely. To have it set up by the openers today gave us some time to get an idea of the wicket. Coming into RCB they wanted me to do the exact same role (as with Australia). This (Sharjah) is probably the most difficult to adjust to. The spinners get it to skid on which means you have to be sharper at the start of your innings,” stated the Australian cricketer.