KL Rahul-led Lucknow Super Giants began their IPL 2024 campaign with a loss against Rajasthan Royals at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Sunday (March 24).

Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson won the toss and opted to bat first. The right-handed batsman led his team from the front, scoring an unbeaten half-century to help his team post a grand total of 193 for 4 in the allotted 20 overs. Samson scored 82 off 52 balls with the help of three fours and six sixes. Riyan Parag also played a crucial 43-run knock for the Royals.

In reply, Lucknow Super Giants fell short by 20 runs and finished on 173 for 6. Although KL Rahul and Nicholas Pooran scored fifties, the Royals registered a comfortable victory in the end. The Super Giants got off to a disastrous start and stumbled to 11 for 3 in three overs before KL Rahul and Deepak Hooda added 49 runs.

It was followed by an 85-run stand between Rahul and Pooran, but in the end it did not make much difference for the visiting team. Rahul was dismissed for 58 while Pooran remained unbeaten on 64.

KL Rahul on defeat:

Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, KL Rahul lamented that his team had not been able to bowl well consistently throughout the game. At the same time, he made sure not to be too critical of his teammates and insisted that the team would learn from mistakes.

“He bowls well in patches. The goal was not much. We made some mistakes. It’s good to see Mohsin back. Naveen has been crucial for us. We will learn from mistakes. We need to find ways to win cricket matches,” said KL Rahul.

He also spoke about the team’s new coach, Justin Langer, saying: “Langer has brought a lot of calm to the group. We enjoy having him around.”

Lucknow Super Giants will be in action on March 30 when they take on Punjab Kings at home. On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals’ next match will be against Delhi Capitals on March 28.