IPL 2023: KL Rahul Backs Kyle Mayers over South African Opening Batsman Quinton de Kock

IPL 2023: Ahead of the clash against Rajasthan Royals, KL Rahul, the captain of Lucknow Super Giants stated it is unfortunate that a player like Quinton de Kock has to sit back in the dugout despite being available to play on the field.

Lucknow Super Giants have found their new opening duo with KL Rahul and Caribbean batsman Kyle Mayers in IPL 2023. In the previous edition of the IPL, the Lucknow team franchise performed consistently well with their opening duo KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock.

Quinton de Kock scored 508 runs in the previous season of the IPL. He scored three half-centuries along with a ton in the 15 matches he played for Lucknow Super Giants. He made his highest score of 140* against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2022.

LSG has consistently been dependent on their opening top-order Batsmen for runs on the board. Ever since South African players have been available for selection in the squads, Quinton de Kock has not played a single match for Lucknow Super Giants.

Skipper KL Rahul expresses his disappointment since only four overseas players are allowed to play in an IPL match. He believes Quinton de Kock will have to wait for more time to walk on the field and make runs.

IPL 2023: KL Rahul’s statement over Quinton de Kock

“It’s very unfortunate that someone like Quinton has to sit out. But unfortunately, there are only four foreign players [per XI] that can play in this competition. He’ll just have to wait for some more time. Kyle is doing well. It’s a bit unfortunate. You feel bad. I’ve enjoyed playing and enjoyed opening with Quinton, but for now, he’s still not playing,” says KL Rahul.

Meanwhile, Kyle Mayers has displayed an incredible skill set on the IPL field. LSG has played six matches, and Mayers has scored 219 runs. He has already scored three half-centuries against Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, and Rajasthan Royals.

Lucknow Super Giants have their next match scheduled against the defending champions Gujarat Titans on 22nd April in their home ground Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow for the 30th Match of TATA IPL 2023.