Dropped from the taking part in XI in Test matches, stripped of vice-captaincy throughout codecs and demoted within the annual central contracts class, Rahul might want to make a private assertion not solely with the bat but in addition as a pacesetter of males.
Rahul’s captaincy stint with Punjab Kings ended on a disappointing be aware and even in LSG’s play-off end in its maiden IPL look, nothing stood out so far as his captaincy was involved.
LSG completed third on the finish of the league stage final yr and bowed out of Eliminator following a loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore, with Rahul main the batting charts for the aspect scoring 616 runs in 15 matches at 51.33 with two centuries and 4 half-centuries.
If Rahul, usually criticised for his putting charge in IPL, topped the batting charts and led from the entrance, LSG and India’s right-arm quick bowler Avesh Khan completed as probably the most profitable bowler with 18 wickets in 13 matches.
However, going into IPL 2023, Lucknow shall be with out their most spectacular bowler Mohsin Khan, who made a robust mark along with his expertise taking 14 wickets in 9 matches, not less than within the first half of IPL this yr owing to a shoulder harm.
LSG wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock is all set to overlook the primary two video games not less than provided that South Africa will face the Netherlands with their 50-over World Cup qualification on the road.
It stays to be seen who will accomplice Rahul on the all-important opening slot.
STRENGTH
Lucknow Super Giants have bolstered their aspect this yr by including West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran for a whopping Rs 16 crore, who led the Caribbean aspect within the final T20 World Cup.
Pooran’s addition provides extra to the flexibleness in choosing their wicketkeeper, with South Africa’s Quinton de Kock being the first possibility.
The largest space of energy, nevertheless, is the record of all-rounders on the LSG roster. Along with India’s Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya, Krishnappa Gowtham, Prerak Mankad, LSG even have a wealthy abroad presence of Marcus Stoinis, Daniel Sams, Kyle Mayers and Romario Shepherd.
The spin division may have the likes of veteran India bowler Amit Mishra together with Ravi Bishnoi, whereas in Mark Wood and Jaydev Unadkat, they’ve skilled quick bowlers who’ve additionally gained main worldwide and home competitions.
WEAKNESSES
With the firepower of Rahul and Quinton de Kock on the high, LSG must discover a resolute middle-order which might reply as per want — principally to select up from the begins their openers present. Ayush Badoni began properly within the final IPL season however then his type tapered off.
Hooda could possibly be the enforcer within the middle-order however consistency shall be an enormous query for the younger India participant, who has been seen in nationwide colors frequently within the shortest format.
OPPORTUNITIES
Kyle Mayers, an thrilling left-hander from the West Indies is prone to open with Rahul within the first two video games until they go for an Indian possibility in Deepak Hooda. It shall be an amazing probability for Mayers to showcase his expertise in absence of Quinton de Kock, who’s lacking the primary two video games due to nationwide responsibility.
Young Jammu and Kashmir pacer Yudhvir Singh Charak or Vidarbha’s Yash Thakur may get a chance in some unspecified time in the future through the match.
THREATS
Mohsin Khan, a discover of final IPL season is out for not less than first 5 video games and it could possibly be much more and therefore Mark Wood is the one quick bowler with an x-factor within the line-up. Jaydev Unadkat has at all times been a lamb for slaughter within the elite T20 league save one season for Rising Pune Supergiants.
However with Wood additionally being a bit harm susceptible, it won’t be the very best proposition to rely upon a ace assault which solely has Avesh Khan and Unadkat as skilled India bowlers. The likes of Yudhvir, Thakur or Delhi’s Mayank Yadav are fairly uncooked and untested at this stage.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com