Former Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has suggested that the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) should consider opening with either Deepak Hooda or Marcus Stoinis if their skipper KL Rahul is unavailable for their upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 clash against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Chopra made this recommendation while previewing the match in a video shared on his YouTube channel.
KL Rahul, who suffered a leg injury in LSG’s last game against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, is unlikely to be fit for the game. Chopra believes that either Hooda or Stoinis should bat at the top of the order in Rahul’s absence. He believes Stoinis can be best utilized as an opener because he is not likely to score runs anywhere else. He also thinks that Chennai’s bowling attack will try to get good fast bowling rather than bowl spin at the start of the innings, so Stoinis could capitalize on this with his aggressive batting style.
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Chopra also discussed the possible changes in the LSG’s lineup. He said that he does not see Quinton de Kock playing in the XI even if Rahul is unavailable. Regarding the bowling attack, he suggested that Avesh Khan would play if it is a red-soil pitch and not if it is a black-soil pitch. He also advised resting Naveen-ul-Haq and playing Mark Wood if it is a red-soil pitch, but seeing Naveen-ul-Haq playing again if it is a black-soil pitch. Naveen has been outstanding on black-soil pitches, taking three wickets in each of the last two games.
The LSG and CSK will face each other at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow in the afternoon game on May 3, 2023. Both teams will be looking to secure a win to strengthen their position in the IPL 2023 points table. Chopra’s suggestions may be taken into consideration by the LSG’s management when making their team selection for the match.