Even though Delhi Capitals opening batsman KL Rahul scored the third-highest IPL score of 152, his effort helped Punjab Kings achieve the highest-ever successful run chase of 265 in the T20 format, according to winning captain Shreyas Iyer.
In a furious run chase in New Delhi on Sunday, Punjab overhauled DC’s 264/2 in 18.5 overs, surpassing their previous best run chase of 262 against KKR in IPL 2024.
Iyer stated that the team maintained a straightforward mentality after the game: “score one more than the opposition”.
“Kudos to KL (Rahul). The way he played was fabulous and pleasing to the eye. In my mind, I was just saying that whatever they get from here on, I think we just have to score one more run and ensure we become victorious,” PTI quoted Iyer as saying at the post-match presentation.
“That was the mindset, nothing more, honestly speaking, because whatever balls the bowlers were bowling at that particular time, I think he was improvising and he was playing beautiful shots (on KL). So it didn’t look like he was trying really hard. I just said to myself that if they can, we can too.
“We discussed that in the previous games, we chased around 220-225 with two overs left. So the mindset was very much similar. Get as many runs as possible in the powerplay and they just went bonkers from ball one and steadied the ship for us.”
In just 6.5 overs, Prabhsimran Singh (76 off 26 balls; 9×4, 5×6) and Priyansh Arya (43 off 17 balls; 2×4, 5×6) put on a 126-run opening partnership, recording the season’s highest power play score of 105/0.
“We just wanted to capitalise on the start. Right now, we just want to have as much fun as possible and relax because we had three days of hard work, practicing in the heat and playing in the heat. So, you know, relax a bit and then the day after, we’ll rejuvenate and probably go back to the drawing board…”
After Rahul’s outstanding 152 not out, it appeared to be a one-sided match at the innings break. He was named player-of-the-match and disclosed that he received a lot of advice from Abhishek Nayar to improve his T20 strategy.
“I was very pleased, very happy at the end of the first 20 overs. It’s something that I’ve been working on for a very long time behind the scenes. Just said this last year as well. I spent a lot of time with Abhishek Nayar,” said Rahul.
He emphasized the importance of reviewing his approach in light of changing trends.
“Just to step back a little bit and see where T20 games have gone and what the demand of T20 cricket is in today’s day and age.”
Rahul emphasized early aggression and six-hitting as crucial areas for development.
“I’ve spoken about six hitting and that’s something that I had to really work on and give myself that sort of freedom to go out there and take on the bowling from maybe ball one, ball two.”
He acknowledged that in today’s T20 cricket, the conventional method is no longer adequate.
“There was a time where T20 game was slightly different where I as an opener could take some time and then accelerate… but today’s demand is that the first six overs is the most important thing.”
Rahul stated that applying pressure and maximizing the powerplay were his main priorities.
“The power play is to get as many runs as you can and put the bowling under pressure.
“I stuck to being true to my game, which is to play cricket shots, but also find a way to be aggressive and play proper shots.”
