Lucknow Super Giants' had a dismal performance in a must-win match against Delhi Capitals on Tuesday, which began with yet another top-order collapse in the powerplay.
LSG's chances of qualifying for the playoffs are close to none as their fate depends on other teams' match outcomes.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, head coach Justin Langer admitted that they haven't capitalised in their powerplays, 'We haven't capitalised in our power plays like some of the other teams have, but I would probably argue that we haven't played on Lucknow wickets, which have been more competitive. That's probably what brings it down a little bit.'
Langer, however was all-praise for the strong-hitting observed in powerplays across games in the IPL 2024, 'But overall, it's been absolutely amazing watching some of these power plays. It’s almost transformed the game and whether people can continue to do this, and whether they can do it during the World Cup, time will tell, but it's certainly been ultra aggressive cricket.'
LSG's Arshad Khan, who waged a battle in their pursuit of victory against Delhi Capitals, garnered applause from the head coach, 'Yeah, I think Arshad is a very, very good cricketer. He bowls, you saw that, he swung the ball early. He's a good fieldsman. And then to be able to bat like that. He's a very good package.'
Khan remained unbeaten on 58 even as LSG lost the game by 19 runs, he also scalped a wicket during the first innings in the first over itself.
'I think he's a…I've thought the whole way through watching this tournament that he's got huge potential. And he showed some of that tonight. So when he becomes more consistent, particularly with his bowling, he could be a real handful and a very, very good all round cricketer,' Langer concluded.