Skipper KL Rahul’s superb half-century (72 from 48 balls)  could not have come at a more opportune moment, both for his team and for him personally as he helped Lucknow Super Giants notch up an impressive 196 for five after being asked to bat by the Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson at the Ekana Stadium here on Saturday. LSG had lost two quick wickets of in-form batters Quinton de Kock and Marcus Stoinis. Things did not look rosy as the home team plummeted to 11-2 in two overs. Then, the LSG captain raised his game to the level he is known to, to navigate his team out of trouble.

Timely knock

KL’s knock was a timely reminder to the national selectors about his form and fitness, making him a strong contender for a berth in the Indian team for the upcoming T20I World Cup. The selectors are set to meet captain-designate Rohit Sharma in Delhi today and the team should be announced in a few days; the deadline set by the ICC being May 1. Rahul had made a delightful 82 in the previous home game against CSK and adding another half-century, has enhanced his chances.