Follow UsRoyal Challengers Bangalore registered a narrow 18-run win against Lucknow Super Giants to record their fifth win of the season and consolidate their position in the points table with 10 points.
Faf du Plessis-led outfit defended 126 runs at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow to open up the table for other teams as the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League heads into the business end.
The home team suffered a massive blow in the second over of the first innings as KL Rahul limped off the field with a hip flexor injury and walked into bat at number 11.
In the post-match press conference, Ravi Bishnoi stated the injury was indeed a setback for Rahul and the team in their bid to chase down the target on a sluggish surface.
"On this wicket, a score around 125 to 127 was chaseable, and it was important for us to have a good start. We played a few poor shots as well and had a bad day with the bat. That's why we were unable to chase that score otherwise, and it was a good wicket to bat on."
"The injury to KL Rahul was a setback, and we were one batter short," he further added.
Despite the wicket being difficult for strokeplay, Bishnoi believes it is about adapting to the situation and the conditions on offer. "We will have to play on the given wicket; it is not in our hands. We need to adapt according to the conditions, and we are trying that."
"Out batting didn't click, so we couldn't chase down totals in the last two matches in Lucknow. In the last match, we at least got close," he further added.
One of the significant reasons for Lucknow's dismal performance in the middle overs is the lack of runs from Deepak Hooda. The right-handed batter has managed only 53 runs in nine innings at an average of 6.63 and a strike rate of 89.83.
"He is a good player and has done well for India and for us in the last season. Ups and downs happen in the game, and I am sure he is going through a rough patch, and he will come back stronger," he concluded.
The Super Giants take on Chennai Super Kings in an afternoon encounter on Wednesday, May 3, at the same venue.