If Lucknow Super Giants are on the verge of making the play-off of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the second time in two years, it is because they have no “absolute superstars” in the team, said all-rounder Marcus Stoinis.
Lucknow finished third on their IPL debut last year and are level on 15 points with Chennai Super Kings, one behind table-topper Gujarat Titans, who have already secured their place in the play-off.
Stoinis smashed 89 not out off 47 balls against five-time champions Mumbai Indians on Tuesday to help Lucknow post 177-3 in the crucial home match.
Mohsin Khan conceded only five runs in the final over to restrict Mumbai to 172-5 and eke out a victory for Lucknow, who are being led by Krunal Pandya after a thigh injury ended regular captain K L Rahul’s season earlier this month.
Australian Stoinis hailed the balance of the side and felt the lack of star players was a blessing in disguise for Lucknow.
“We’ve shown over the last two years we are a real team in terms of there is no absolute superstars that are winning every match or anything like that,” the strapping 33-year-old said after collecting the player of the match award.
“It’s different people contributing in different times, standing up in different moments,” he said.
“We are missing K L this year after his injury but other people are standing up. We got KP (Pandya) leading us really well now.”
Stoinis heaped praise on left-arm seamer Mohsin for his nerveless last over display while bowling to Mumbai’s big-hitting Australian duo of Cameron Green and Tim David.
“He had been injured for a year, had not played since last IPL and played only one game this season. A big moment for him to come in and bowl the final over.”
A win in their last group match against Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday would secure Lucknow’s place in the play-off.