Lucknow seems to be a smart franchise that takes calculative steps. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) did a good analysis to develop an unassailable playing 11 squad for IPL 2022.
Lucknow Super Giants were a step ahead before entering the auction pool as they picked KL Rahul (17crores), Marcus Stoinis (9.2 crores), and Ravi Bishnoi (4crores). A wicket-keeper captain, an all-rounder, and talented spinner boxes were checked by Lucknow at a reasonable amount for their world-class performances.
Gautam Gambhir did a heavenly job for a team gearing up for their 1st season against the mega giants like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. Their decisions were on point for a brawny squad. A quick glimpse of players picked by Lucknow in mega auction 2022.
The Super Giants have assembled. 🤩🤩
Lucknow, how’s our squad looking? 💪#TATAIPLAuction #IPLAuction #LucknowSuperGiants pic.twitter.com/41aHZ1wokj— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) February 13, 2022
LSG Playing 11 Squad For IPL 2022
1) KL Rahul (C)
KL Rahul can be considered as the one-man army in batting who had been carrying Punjab Kings with Mayank Agarwal’s support at the top order. KL Rahul opted to move away from Punjab Kings to a new franchise. An average close to 47 in 94 IPL games allured every team, however Lucknow Super Giants roped him in before going to the auction table.
2) Quinton de Kock (WK)
The ex-Mumbai Indians batter had a memorable run with the franchise but the team couldn’t afford his worth in this year’s auction. After battling it out with other teams in the auction, Lucknow laid their hands on the services of proteas wicketkeeper for 6.75 crores. He would probably be opening the innings alongside KL Rahul.
3) Manish Pandey
Manish Pandey proved that experience matters as he fetched 10crores for a deal from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). He has played over 150 games and has scored more than 3500 runs. An ideal choice for performing the anchor role in case Rahul departs early.
4) Deepak Hooda
The batting all-rounder hasn’t got a handful of opportunities to prove his metal at top order in IPL. However, he has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket. The batter could be part of playing 11 at number 4 in the batting line-up.
5) Marcus Stoinis
The Aussie all-rounder has performed unceasingly whether in IPL with Delhi Capitals or in the T20i World Cup 2021. Whenever the run-rate seems to go out of hand, this batter can bring it down with his those big biceps muscles.
6) Krunal Pandya
An outright spin all-rounder package holding a strike rate close to 140 and 51 IPL wickets. LSG would want him to perform just like the way he used to in Mumbai Indians as they have paid a hefty sum of 8.25 crores for his services. Thus, he could be a part of playing 11.
7) Jason Holder
Another impactful all-rounder in LSG squad 2022. Jason Holder was under-utilized according to his talent in the SRH squad where he was in and out of the team certainly because of overseas player limit. His account reads 35 IPL wickets in 26 games and has troubled the batters a lot with his bowling skills.
8) Krishnappa Gowtham
Krishnappa Gowtham rarely got a full-fledged opportunity to prove himself, yet the player has delivered some impactful innings to hold a strike rate close to 170. He could certainly break into LSG playing 11 with that strike rate.
9) Mark Wood
The English fast bowler would be a force to beat in the Mumbai grounds. The amount of pace and extra bounce this bowler generates tends to trouble the batters. Therefore, LSG playing 11 can definitely include him.
10) Ravi Bishnoi
The leg spinner has made every cricket enthusiast awful with his performances whenever he steps on the field. A young bowler who leaks runs at an economy under 7 is a cherry on the cake for every team.
11) Avesh Khan
Avesh Khan’s bowling account has 29 wickets in merely 25 IPL matches. The ex-Delhi Capitals fetched 10 crores from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). He can provide those early breakthroughs for the team and unsettle the opposition.
Also, read Delhi Capitals Playing XI.