'We Never Gave Up'- Krunal Pandya After LSG's Thrilling Win Despite Rinku Singh's Heroics
LSG players [Image- IPLT20]
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper Krunal Pandya was an extremely relieved man at the post-match presentation after his side sealed a nervy 1-run win over the Kolkata Knight Riders to book their place in the IPL 2023 playoffs.
Defending 177, LSG looked firm favourites to win the match after they had reduced KKR to 136/7 at the end of the 18th over, but as teams have found out this season, no game against the Knight Riders is not over until Rinku Singh is dismissed.
LSG had had a first-hand account of it last season as well, so throughout the next 2 overs, the same script played out as Rinku hit beast mode after a sedate start, only to agonizingly fall short by 1 run.
Speaking to the host broadcaster in the post-match presentation, Krunal paid tribute to Rinku for his yet another heroic knock while also lauding his bowlers for never giving up despite the assault.
Here’s what Krunal Pandya said-
"(My) First reaction is satisfaction. We never gave up, we were put under a lot of pressure but credit to the boys."
"Rinku (Singh) has been special this year, every game when he's there you can't take it easy. He showed it again, but it was a high-pressure situation while bowling death overs to execute our plans. I was talking to my bowlers after each ball, I asked them to execute their plans, if after that the batter plays a good shot there's nothing we can do."
"I go with my gut, last game there was some reverse swing so I went with Mohsin. Today I went with Yash because the pitch was slow and he was confident after a couple of good overs."
LSG have booked their spot in the playoffs. They will now head to Chennai to feature in the Eliminator fixture, which will take place on May 24.
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