After LSG’s 18-run loss against RCB in Lucknow, Krunal Pandya says, “We could not carry out our plans.”

Vice-captain Krunal Pandya took charge of the game in KL Rahul’s absence after the latter received a terrible injury while fielding. Under his direction, the Lucknow Super Giants limited Royal Challengers Bangalore to 126 runs in the first innings. Their bowlers performed admirably that evening, with star pacer Naveen-ul-Haq taking three wickets and spinners Ravi Bishnoi and Amit Mishra each taking two.

All-rounder Krunal Pandya said they were pleased with their bowling performance at the halfway point but that after that, things became difficult. Pandya stated that the second inning’s failure of the hitters to carry out their strategies is what he thinks led to LSG’s 18-run loss to RCB.

“We restricted them quite well in the first half. Great teamwork was put out. Really pleased with our performance in this tournament. We would have taken 126 when the game first began. But we simply were unable to carry out our intentions, Krunal Pandya remarked during the post-match awards ceremony.

In lieu of Rahul, Ayush Badoni was dispatched to start the batting for them. But neither he nor Kyle Mayers, his opening partner, were able to get the team off to a strong start. Along with Deepak Hooda and Krunal Pandya, the home team lost four wickets during the powerplay.

Later, Nicholas Pooran and Marcus Stoinis, who each scored 13 runs off 19 deliveries, cheaply made their way back to the pavilion. However, despite Krisnappa Gowtham’s efforts to keep LSG’s innings steady, wickets continued to fall from the other end. Later, after making 23 runs off 13 deliveries, the 34-year-old was dismissed owing to a misunderstanding.

Naveen-ul-Haq and Amit Mishra attempted to take charge of the situation toward the end of the game, but RCB bowlers crushed them. KL Rahul did came to bat in the penultimate over after the young Afghan bowler was dismissed, but he could hardly move. Krunal provided an update on Rahul’s ailment, noting that the opener has injured his hip flexor but that the severity of the injury is unknown.

“It’s a tragic situation. I believe he pulled his hip flexor. I’m unsure of how bad it is. The medical staff will evaluate it, said Pandya.