KL Rahul's half century went in vain as Gujarat Titans defeated them by 7 runs in an IPL 2023 match on Saturday. Chasing the target of 136 runs, captain KL Rahul and his opening partner Kyle Mayer provided a strong start to the Lucknow Super Giants as they added 55 runs for the opening wicket, but the bowlers of Gujarat Titans May Day came back and dismissed the Lucknow Super Giants at 128 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. There are several experts who are criticising KL Rahul for his strike rate, but coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad, Tom Moody, comes out in support of Rahul, saying that the other players have let him down.
During a discussion on ESPNCricinfo, Moody said that "I don't think any blame is on KL Rahul. I think the team has let him down. He and Kyle Mayers, at the top of the order, set the ideal platform to chase the target down. Whether Krunal Pandya should have come at No. 3 or not, his contribution was still adequate after that start. The rest of the team and the way it was structured, as in the strategy around the batting order, was the difference."
Rahul was still at the crease when the team needed 12 runs as the final over began, but he lost his wicked square leg off the second ball.