Lucknow Super Giants made their IPL Auction debut on February 12th and 13th in Bengaluru. Coached by Andy Flower and mentored by Gautam Gambhir, it was expected that LSG would make a few smart picks. True to the predictions, the franchise has established a well-balanced squad with plenty of variations. A few have even said that they are one of the favourites for IPL 2022. In this article, we predict the strongest playing XI for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2022.
Openers: KL Rahul (C) and Quinton de Kock (WK)
KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock will open the batting for the strongest playing XI for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2022. Ahead of the auctions, it was interesting to see which player LSG would pick as KL Rahul’s partner. Eventually, they have gone ahead with Quinton de Kock, who recently quit Test cricket.
The opening combination of KL Rahul and QDK will be an exciting one. The South African did well at Mumbai Indians alongside Rohit Sharma. He will be expected to offer similar support to KL Rahul. Although LSG anyways had KL as the wicket-keeper, they will now have an upgrade in the form of Quinton.
Middle-Order: Manish Pandey and Deepak Hooda
Since LSG has picked many versatile players, the batting order is something we will get to know only when the season starts. Nevertheless, Manish Pandey is one player who could have a clear idea of where he will bat. He is likely to play at No.3. He will act as the anchor and will allow KL to be free at the top.
Deepak Hooda does bowl off-spin but his primary responsibility will be with the bat. In terms of skillset, Hooda’s main task will be to take on the spinners. Deepak having a confirmed slot in the playing XI will aid his confidence.
All-Rounders: Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, Jason Holder and K Gowtham
It will be a long list of all-rounders for the strongest playing XI for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2022. This will remain the USP of this franchise. Marcus Stoinis was retained by LSG and hence, he will have the responsibility of finishing games. He could play at multiple slots but No.5 seems the best for him.
Krunal Pandya and K Gowtham will be the spin-bowling all-rounders in this XI. Both these players will have different roles in the batting department. While Krunal will come in as someone who will add stability, Gowtham could be used as a floater. He is a powerful hitter and his big-hitting skills have to be used. Being a left-hander, Krunal could also get a promotion in the line-up.
In-demand all-rounder Jason Holder will play for Lucknow in IPL 2022. Compared to his role at Sunrisers Hyderabad, Holder will have more freedom in LSG. However, it will be in the bowling department that he must come good.
Bowlers: Ravi Bishnoi, Mark Wood and Avesh Khan
Ravi Bishnoi will lead the spin attack for this XI. A lot has to do with the confidence that he is given. If he does perform to his potential, with options such as Krunal and Gowtham around him, Bishnoi will be lethal for the franchise.
Mark Wood and Avesh Khan will form the core of the pace attack for this franchise. Avesh was purchased at INR 10 Cr and will play all the games. Wood will be the first preference but Dushmantha Chameera could also get a game or two.
