IPL 2019: KL Rahul backs the decision to give the 4th over to Mujeeb

Hyderabad: While the Sunrisers Hyderabad got their 2nd biggest IPL total of 212/6 on Monday, the off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman conceded a record 66 runs in his four overs. The Afghanistan spinner bowled his 4th over during the 18th over of SRH’s innings despite going for 40 runs in his first three. Mujeeb was taken for as many as 26 runs with his country-mate Mohammad Nabi hitting him for a couple of maximums.

Talking about the strategy of handing the 4th over to Mujeeb Ur Rahman who was already expensive, Rahul pointed about the lack of alternatives in the playing XI. KXIP came into the game with only five specialist spinners and none of the remaining six players even bowled an over this season. In such a scenario, Rahul wanted to back and trust the bowlers they picked rather than trying differently which doesn’t promise any better case.

“When you are playing with only five bowlers, you have to bowl him. We didn’t have any other option to bowl. It’s not an excuse but there are a few injuries in the team which doesn’t allow us to go with 6th bowling option or an all-rounder,” says the 27-year-old.

“Looking back, if he got a couple of wickets, it could have been other way around. When you have gone with five full-time bowlers, you have to trust them.” Rahul told the reporters at the post-match press conference in Hyderabad.

He has a lot of skill

Rahul also expected Mujeeb to bounce back quickly as even some of the best bowlers get hit for runs on and off day. He also pointed out Mujeeb’s exploits with the ball for Kings XI and felt there is nothing to worry for him after a disastrous outing.

“Every day one of the bowlers get targeted and goes for runs. He (Mujeeb) is a young guy and has a lot of skill. This is the first time he has gone for that many runs. Before that, he has done really well for the Kings XI.” Said Rahul about the off-spinner Mujeeb-ur-Rahman.

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