Lucknow Super Giants ended their debut campaign in IPL with a loss in the eliminator. Although it was a good performance by the KL Rahul-led squad, the team does have a few issues that need to be addressed. The next auction will be crucial for the team to achieve it. On that note, in this article, we take a look at three players Lucknow Super Giants can target for IPL 2023 to address issues in the current squad.
1) Ben Stokes
The lack of a reliable left-handed batter in the middle-order haunted LSG in IPL 2022. At times, they had to bring in Krunal Pandya and Evin Lewis in the role, although both are better off in their natural slots.
If Ben Stokes makes himself available for IPL 2023, LSG must go after the England Test Captain. Be it at No.3 or maybe even at No.4 or No.5, there are hardly any other established left-handed batters available apart from Stokes right now. He also offers leadership qualities and a few overs of medium pace. Stokes will surely be expensive but he will solve half the issues for Lucknow.
2) Colin Munro
If Stokes is unavailable, which might be the likely scenario, there are not many other options available in the market. Eoin Morgan and Shakib Al Hasan do offer a case but they seem past their prime, at least in IPL. In Shakib’s case, he is more of an anchor, a role that is not needed by the franchise.
Hence, they can go ahead with a cut-price option like Colin Munro. In recent tournaments, the Kiwi has done well in the middle-order, although he is a genuine opener. At No.4, a player of his experience can be useful. When the pitches are slow, he can also be useful with his medium pace.
3) Suresh Raina
Players from his U19 batch like Dinesh Karthik and Shikhar Dhawan are still doing well in IPL. Hence, a comeback for Suresh Raina cannot be ruled out.
If he has put his mind to making a return, LSG can target the veteran. The No.3 role was concerning for the franchise in IPL 2022. They tried too many options, including a new one (Manan Vohra) in the eliminator. If Suresh Raina is in form, he will be an apt fit at No.3. He can provide the necessary impetus and also solve the issue of the absence of a left-hander in the middle order. Raina hails from Uttar Pradesh and he will also help with improving the fanbase of the franchise.
