On Sunday afternoon, the Lucknow Super Giants lost to Gujrat Titans by 56 runs in Ahmedabad. GT set a massive target of 228 runs and LSG were 102/1 in 10 overs but could not capitalize after a good start and were restricted to 171/7.
However, one of LSG’s moves caught many by surprise. Deepak Hooda was sent to bat at no. 3 after Kyle Mayers was dismissed in the ninth over.
Deepak Hooda has been a flop in this IPL season, scoring only 53 runs in 9 games so far.
The LSG backed Hooda and promoted him ahead of Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni. Hooda scored 11 off 11 balls.
Former India opener Virender Sehwag voiced his dismay on LSG’s move saying the move resulted in their defeat.
“They were 102/1 after 10 overs. I believe Pooran, Marcus Stoinis, Krunal, or Ayush Badoni should have batted. Who was responsible for this blunder? What was the management thinking?”
“LSG lost the game. With the way he plays, Nicholas Pooran could have walked in and possibly struck a 20-ball 50. You cannot win if you need 100 runs in five overs.”