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Amidst fervent discussions among cricketing veterans regarding his potential inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad, the captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), KL Rahul, remains steadfastly focused on his batting prowess. Rahul delivered a masterclass against Rajasthan Royals on Saturday (April 27), etching his name in the annals of Indian Premier League (IPL) history with a scintillating 76 runs innings.
KL Rahul’s masterclass: Leading from the front for Lucknow Super Giants
Despite the early departure of his opening partner, Quinton de Kock, Rahul assumed the mantle of leadership, guiding LSG’s innings with impeccable finesse. The dismissal of Marcus Stoinis, without adding to the score, momentarily intensified the pressure. However, Rahul, displaying nerves of steel, forged a resolute partnership with Deepak Hooda, anchoring the team’s charge with unwavering resolve. Rahul’s innings was a symphony of power and precision, punctuated by two colossal sixes and eight elegant boundaries, propelling Lucknow’s total to a commanding 196/5 after 20 overs, although RR eventually chased down the target with seven wickets in hand.
Rahul’s record-breaking innings
With this breathtaking display against RR, Rahul emerged as the fastest opener to reach the monumental milestone of 4,000 runs in the cash-rich league. Remarkably, he achieved this feat in a mere 94 innings, eclipsing the record previously held by his esteemed compatriot and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stalwart, Virat Kohli, who reached the milestone in 107 innings. Among the esteemed players on this illustrious list are veteran RCB batter Chris Gayle, who achieved 4,000 runs in 122 innings, and David Warner, who accomplished the feat in 162 innings.
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All KLass in 𝟒𝐊 💙 pic.twitter.com/302XHlU5mR
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) April 27, 2024
Batters with more than 4000 runs in IPL as an opener:
- 6362 – Shikhar Dhawan
- 5909 – David Warner
- 4480 – Chris Gayle
- 4041 – Virat Kohli
- 4010 – KL Rahul
Rahul’s reign: Second on IPL 2024 orange cap list
Rahul’s back-to-back half-centuries have catapulted him to the second position on the IPL 2024 Orange Cap list, amassing an impressive tally of 378 runs in just 9 matches, embellished by three scorching half-centuries in the ongoing season. While RCB grapples with challenges in IPL 2024, their iconic skipper, Kohli, continues to adorn the prestigious Orange Cap with an impressive haul of 430 runs.
Rahul’s journey to the 4,000 runs milestone has been a testament to his unwavering dedication and unyielding determination. Earlier in the tournament, he etched his name in LSG’s history books by becoming the first player to surpass the 1,000 runs mark for the franchise. Additionally, Rahul’s blistering form has seen him claim the title of the fastest opener to reach 4,000 IPL runs, solidifying his stature as one of the league’s premier batters.