Aakash Chopra voiced doubts about Devdutt Padikkal’s effectiveness as an opener for the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2024. He suggested the potential inclusion of Quinton de Kock or Kyle Mayers as alternatives to partner with Padikkal. KL Rahul, the skipper of the Lucknow Super Giants, is expected to bat in the middle order in the forthcoming season. The franchise from Lucknow secured Padikkal from the Rajasthan Royals through a trade, relinquishing young pacer Avesh Khan to the Jaipur-based franchise.

Aakash Chopra Highlights Devdutt Padikkal’s Excellent Form

In a YouTube video he shared, Aakash Chopra deliberated on potential opening combinations for the Lucknow team in IPL 2024. While discussing Devdutt Padikkal’s inclusion in the absence of KL Rahul, Chopra expressed uncertainty regarding Padikkal’s performance.

“If KL Rahul had been opening, I would have considered Lucknow to have a very stable opening pair because you’d definitely expect 500 runs from there. However, with him not opening now, it’s uncertain. Quinton de Kock or Kyle Mayers, as they showed interest in playing Mayers last year,” Chopra remarked.

“If De Kock doesn’t open, Mayers is inconsistent, and alongside him will be Devdutt Padikkal, a new player in this slot after some time. He’s in great form, but it’s unclear which direction his performance will take,” he added.

Devdutt Padikkal commenced his IPL journey as an opener for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). However, with the Rajasthan Royals, he did not feature as an opener, as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler took charge at the top of the order in the lucrative league.

The cricketer hailing from Karnataka amassed 261 runs in 11 innings last season, averaging 26.10 with a strike rate of 130.50. Across his IPL career, the left-handed batsman has accumulated 1521 runs in 57 matches, holding an average of 27.65 and a strike rate of 125.39, with a highest score of 101.

Aakash Chopra Suggests Pat Cummins as Possible Captain

The former cricketer turned commentator highlighted a potential selection dilemma for the SunRisers Hyderabad regarding their opening partnership. He mentioned the options of Abhishek Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, and Travis Head.

“In Hyderabad, there could be a dilemma regarding the opening pair. Abhishek Sharma performed well last season, and Mayank Agarwal showed promise before departing. It’s uncertain if they will be chosen to open this year. Travis Head might also open, especially if Pat Cummins assumes the captaincy,” Chopra stated.

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Both Mayank Agarwal and Abhishek Sharma encountered challenges in their performances for SunRisers Hyderabad last season. Agarwal scored 270 runs in 10 innings at an average of 27.00, while Sharma managed 226 runs in 11 matches with an average of 20.55.