In pursuit of the 194-run target set by the Rajasthan Royals, the Lucknow Super Giants encountered early setbacks when opener Quinton de Kock fell prey to Trent Boult’s delivery in the very first over.
With all eyes then on Devdutt Padikkal and KL Rahul to anchor the innings for the Super Giants, hopes were shattered as the Royals’ premier speedster once again showcased his bowling prowess.
In a gripping turn of events, Boult unleashed a menacing bouncer at Padikkal on the first ball of the third over. Attempting a pull shot, Padikkal momentarily lost sight of the ball, resulting in a forceful impact on his helmet that sent his neckguards flying.
The LSG physio rushed onto the field as concussion protocols came into play. Following a brief assessment, the 23-year-old Karnataka batsman was deemed fit to continue batting, only to be left stunned by Boult’s exceptional delivery.
ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴇꜰᴛ ᴀʀᴍ ʀᴀᴍᴘᴀɴᴛ 🎯
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 24, 2024
Trent Boult & Nandre Burger get 3️⃣ wickets in the power play for @rajasthanroyals 🙌@klrahul & @HoodaOnFire with the rebuilding 💪
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The aftermath of the intimidating bouncer proved decisive as Boult delivered a precisely aimed length ball on the following delivery.
— Grahman (@Grahman326048) March 24, 2024
Still unsettled by the earlier blow, Padikkal failed to move his feet adequately, missing the line as he attempted to slog the ball over mid-wicket. This resulted in his dismissal, as the ball evaded the bat and pad, crashing into the middle stump.