IPL 2022: Although KL Rahul’s strike rate is less, he scores consistently – Mohammad Kaif

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has showered praise on KL Rahul for scoring runs consistently in the IPL.

It has been noticed that Rahul scores his runs at a sedate strike rate whenever he has been given the onus of captaincy. The right-hander also played in a similar fashion for Punjab Kings.

However, Rahul has been a consistent performer in the IPL over the last couple of years. Rahul has scored 108 runs in three matches in the ongoing season at an average of 36. In fact, his strike rate has been impressive as he is striking at 140.26.

It is known that KL Rahul takes his time in the initial phase of his innings and he can change the gears if he gets settled. As LSG has a potent middle-order and the young guns like Deepak Hooda and Ayush Badoni are performing well with the bat, Rahul can bat with more freedom.

Mohammad Kaif said while talking to Sportskeeda, “I would praise KL Rahul because although his strike rate is around 120-125, he is such a player that he scores 400-500 runs every year. So you can learn from him that although your strike rate is not that high, you can score consistently in every game and that’s what KL Rahul does. So his role of batting at the top and through the innings is something that he does to perfection.”

On the other hand, Anrich Nortje is available for selection in Delhi Capitals’ playing XI and he is definitely going to add strength to their bowling line-up against Lucknow Super Giants.

Kaif added, “He has the ability to bowl 150 kmph consistently and had a very good last year. Delhi retained him ahead of Rabada because he has the speed and ability to take wickets in the powerplay.”

Meanwhile, Avesh Khan will play against his former team, Delhi Capitals. Khan had scalped 24 wickets in 16 matches for DC in IPL 2021. Kaif, who was Delhi’s fielding coach in the last season, added he is looking forward to Avesh Khan vs Rishabh Pant contest.

“While Pant was batting, it looked like he would take the game away from the opposition. But he got out in both his games to similar short deliveries, once to the third man and then to fine leg. So he is getting out to the short ball. But I liked Pant’s attacking approach.”

“Pant vs Avesh Khan is a match-up I am looking forward to. Because these two are very dear friends. Rishabh Pant backed Avesh Khan last year and he reaped rewards from Pant’s captaincy. So that is one match-up I am excited to watch.”

DC and LSG will face off each other at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai on Thursday.