NEW DELHI: Lucknow Super Giants skipper
KL Rahul
expressed his surprise at the performance of young Delhi Capitals batter
Jake Frazer-McGurk
, highlighting his impactful debut in the IPL match.
Rahul noted that Frazer-McGurk's performance caught his team off guard, particularly as they were missing the services of express pacer
Mayank Yadav
, who is recovering from a lower-abdomen niggle.
Despite Lucknow Super Giants posting a competitive total of 167 runs, Delhi Capitals chased down the target with ease in 18.1 overs, losing only four wickets in the process.
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Frazer-McGurk played a crucial role in the chase, smashing a quick-fire 55 runs off just 35 balls on his IPL debut. He formed a significant partnership with
Rishabh Pant
, contributing to Delhi Capitals' successful run chase.
Rahul acknowledged the absence of Mayank and the impact it had on the team's performance, indicating that he may need more time to recover fully before returning to action.
"McGurk, the new guys when they come in, was very unknown. We've watched a lot of videos of him but he hit the ball really well, credit to him," said Rahul.
Giving an update on Yadav, whose tearaway pace has rattled many a batters in IPL 2024, Rahul said, "Mayank is not too bad; he looks good, feeling good but we also want to make sure we don't rush him back in too early.
"He's young, we need to protect his body. He's itching to go, we just have to pull him back a little, maybe a couple of more games, before he comes back," added Rahul, who scored 39 on Friday.
The home team skipper conceded his team fell a good 20 runs short.
"We were 15-20 short, should've capitalised to get 180. There was a bit of help for seamers, odd-ball was keeping low and Kuldeep (Yadav) put the brakes on our batting group. We fought till the end."
Kuldeep was the most successful DC bowler, returning figures of 3/20 in four overs.
"We were in the game till the 10th over, then a dropped catch and then Rishabh-McGurk took it away from us. In hindsight, can wonder if we could've done something differently (with Nicholas Pooran's batting position)," said Rahul.
Frazer-McGurk expressed his feelings about being frustrated while sitting on the bench, indicating his eagerness to contribute to the team's success on the field.
"Spent five-six games on the sidelines itching to get out there, stoked! Was just more about trying not to swing too hard and lose shape. That's what I've done over the last 12 months.
"I'm so happy to be here, different world in terms of cricket. Never seen anything like it, to be able to savour eight weeks, hopefully more, is amazing," added the Australian.
Kuldeep, who was adjudged Player of the Match, revealed that he had sustained an injury during his first IPL outing. Despite the injury, he chose to play in the second game, which unfortunately worsened the situation, leading to his absence from the next three games.
"Wasn't fit for a couple of games, got injured in the first game. Was difficult to see the team struggle in the middle overs. (Today) the execution was right. I was clear with my plan, length matters a lot as a spinner," said Kuldeep.
(With PTI inputs)
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