The IPL 2023 season is upon us as the opening match between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings will start on 31 March and to be played at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad in front of a sold-out crowd.
Lucknow Super Giants lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore in the eliminator during the 2022 IPL season at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata. “They are very different players, and their strengths and weaknesses offset each other. So, I think if they are going to have a big season. I think the home-ground advantage for LSG this year,” Finch said on Star Sports.
KL Rahul finished as the 2nd leading run-getter last year with 616 runs from 15 matches ( 15 innings) with 2 centuries and 4 half-centuries to his name at an average of 51.33 and strike rate of 135.38. He registered the best score of 103 not out.
His opening partnership Quinton de Kock also performed brilliantly in the tournament with 508 runs from 15 matches ( 15 innings) with 1 century and 3 half-centuries to his name at an average of 148.97. Both added record partnerships against Kolkata Knight Riders.
“He’s someone who strikes it at such a high strike rate, particularly early in his innings. So, for me, he is the player to watch out for. The X-factor for me this season for Lucknow I see being Deepak Hooda. He’s someone who has taken the responsibility of batting at number 3. He’s someone who strikes at a good strike rate, particularly in the first 10 balls. He continues to keep being aggressive,” Aaron Finch further added.
Lucknow Super Giants’ middle order needs to fire
The Lucknow Super Giants would be hoping that their middle order fires with the likes of Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, and Deepak Hooda. KL Rahul led side bought West Indies power-hitter Nicolas Pooran for Rs 16 Crore.
LSG retained KL Rahul, Ayush Badoni, Karan Sharma, Manan Vohra, Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, Krishnappa Gowtham, Deepak Hooda, Kyle Mayers, Krunal Pandya, Avesh Khan, Mark Wood, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan.
They have bought Jaydev Unadkat for Rs 50 Lakhs, Yash Thakur for 45 Lakhs, Romario Speharad for 50 Lakhs, Daniel Sams for Rs 75 Lakhs, Amit Mishra for 50 Lakhs, Prekark Mankad for 20 Lakhs, Swapnil Singh 20 Lakhs, Naveen UL Haq 50 Lakhs and Yudhvi Charak 20 Lakhs.
Lucknow Super Giants would be hoping to go a long way in the tournament. They will start their campaign against Delhi Capitals on 1 April 2023 played at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow.
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