IPL 2022 | KL Rahul praises 'calm approach' of his teammates after nail-biting win over CSK

KL Rahul-led Lucknow Super Giants have registered their first victory in the IPL 2022. They defeated Chennai Super Kings by six wickets at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday (March 31) while chasing a massive total of 211 runs.

CSK posted a competitive total of 210 runs on the back of a stunning half-century from Robin Uthappa and quick-fire scores from Moeen Ali (35) and Shivam Dube (49). For LSG, Avesh Khan, Andrew Tye and Ravi Bishnoi picked up two wickets each.

While chasing, KL Rahul (40) and Quinton de Kock (61) stitched a 99-run stand within 10.2 overs. Later, Evin Lewis smashed a breath-taking fifty (55) and quick cameos from others helped them win the match with three balls to spare.

After the win, Evin Lewis, who won the Player of the Match, said: "Very good pitch; once you get in, you can score freely. I just backed my strengths and ability. I think he is a very confident guy. I saw him (Badoni) in the nets. I try to keep it simple and want to do the best for the team."

Quinton de Kock, who provided a flying start to the team, said winning such close games helps the team. He also added that they were confident in chasing the total.

He said: "It was unbelievable. Winning these types of close games is always good for team morale. Great win, boys batted really well. We came out fighting and to come out on top is always special. We thought we could chase down 210. After the first two or three overs, we understood that it was a really good wicket. I'd say it was a par score on this wicket. It was nice to bat out there; I wasn't in too much rush."

"I had to get out there and spend some time. I knew it was a good enough wicket. It was just a matter of doing that, and it's also nice for a couple of the other boys to get out there and bat a bit. Evin played a hell of a knock tonight, which was unbelievable, and so did the youngster. It was great for everyone. It was nervy; chasing 210 is always a close game, but the boys were quite calm. It was mixed emotions among everyone. I was pretty calm myself. We knew what was going on out there, but getting it done is still a hell of a job done," he further added.

KL Rahul, the winning captain, has applauded the team. He added that they got the start needed when a team is chasing a massive score in the T20s and also praised Badoni for his cool head towards the end.

He said, "He has a big heart (Badoni), and he is a fighter for a young boy. It shows the character bouncing back with the wet ball. He is someone who wants to grow and learn. He spends time with the spin coach. Credit for that should go to Vijay Dahiya and GG. They were the ones who wanted him. His batting has been phenomenal. Can bowl as well. Great find for Indian cricket. You can give yourself a couple of overs."

"If you get a couple of boundaries, it settles the nerves. We got the start we wanted for a big chase. I told him before the first game that he would be batting at three. Doesn't matter. Spinners or fast bowlers, he knows one way. His timing has gotten a lot better. Great to see players coming in and winning games. Puts a smile on the captain's face," KL Rahul concluded.