Players LSG Likely to Release/Retain: After a fairly successful season in this year’s IPL season, Lucknow Super Giants now will set their aims on reaching the very pinnacle and clinching the coveted IPL title.
Into their second season in the IPL, LSG had a tremendous group stage, finishing third with 8 wins and 5 losses in 14 matches. In fact, they were par with veteran CSK on points, but the NRR kicked them down one place to third, thereby placing them in the playoff.
And that is where LSG encountered heartbreak, as perennial contenders Mumbai Indians, humiliated them in the play-off, bowling out the side for a meager 101 runs, with Akash Madhwal sweeping up a clinical fifer of 5/5 in just 3.3 overs to diminish LSG’s hopes.
But, they will be aiming no shorter than the very top as the team will be looking forward to taking their chances yet again.
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LSG will most definitely be looking to retain their premier batter and bowler from the past season: Marcus Stoinis and Ravi Bishnoi.
Stoinis notched up a fantastic 400 runs across 15 games in the campaign and was key in stabilizing the middle order for the Super Giants.
Bishnoi, on the other hand, was a pleasant surprise for all. The emerging spinner arrived at Lucknow and immediately established himself as the lead spinner of the squad, sweeping up 16 wickets in 15 outings for LSG.
Other notable names that LSG will be looking forward to retaining in their squad include the likes of Naveen Ul Haq, who was a consistent and versatile pacer in their ranks, and Nicholas Pooran, who alongside Stoinis played a huge role in anchoring the middle-order, and in providing valuable innings for the team when they were seemingly down and out.
Another unmistakable name LSG would be looking to hold onto for dear life is that of Protean Quinton de Kock, who lit up the Indian skies with his stellar batting in the ICC Cricket World Cup this past month.
One area for improvement is the form of KL Rahul, which was not up to par this season. But, given the wicketkeeper-batsman’s sublime comeback after injury for India, LSG has only good times to look forward to.
Additionally, LSG lacked a reliable backup for Rahul after his injury. Looking ahead, it would be beneficial for LSG to focus on acquiring a talented Indian batsman for the top or middle order in the next year to strengthen their lineup.
This is exactly why Devdutt Padikkal was brought in.
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In a blockbuster move, one name that took a departure from the Lucknow ranks was none other than the marquee buy of last season, Avesh Khan, for the likes of Devdutt Padikkal from Rajasthan Royals in a straight swap.
It was reported that the franchises and players agreed on the trade in the past week with the BCCI set to approve the transfer this week. And with the deal being confirmed, it means good business for both franchises.
Padikkal is a dynamic talent at the top of the order, who rose to prominence at Royal Challengers Bangalore, but somehow who rarely got a chance to do the same in RR.
He can now come in and compete with the likes of KL Rahul and Quinton De Kock for the opening slot in LSG’s batting ranks and make a name for himself.
On the other hand, there are a couple players, the likes of which LSG may be looking forward to let go of.
One of the names in the list would have to include Karan Sharma. The young batter has gotten seldom chances to stake his claim, but has also failed to fire on all cylinders whenever he had the chance.
Sharma obviously adds a bit more value as a all-rounder, but LSG might be looking at more surefire options at his position in order to strengthen their lineup.
Another name that may be on their way out is that of Amit Mishra. Mishra is not necessarily a bane on the team’s performances, but his age brings to light major questions regarding who they would want heading their spin attack.
One more player who may be on the chopping block is that of Jaydev Unadkat. He played a meagre three games in the tournament, but failed to deliver on any of the occasions, as he came out of the three fixtures without scalping a single wicket.
On top of it all, with an economy of 11.50, Unadkat’s below-par performance might lead to his release by LSG ahead of the IPL 2024 auctions. However, considering his experience, the franchise may seek to reacquire him at a reduced price.
Players Likely to be Retained by LSG:
KL Rahul, De Kock, Deepak Hooda, Badoni, Manan Vohra, Marcus Stonis, Krunal Pandya, Kyle Mayers, Mohsin, Wood, Ravi Bishnoi and Mayank Yadav
Players Likely to be Released by LSG:
Karan Sharma, K Gowtham, Amit Mishra, Jaydev Unadkat, Avesh Khan (traded for Devdutt Padikkal)
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