In the IPL 2024 auction, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured the services of six players, strategically building a strong backup roster for their potential first-playing XI, which appears formidable.

Under the leadership of KL Rahul, the franchise achieved playoff berths in both IPL 2022 and IPL 2023, aiming to clinch the championship this season. Notably, the team undergoes a coaching change with Justin Langer taking over as the head coach, succeeding Gautam Gambhir.

Lucknow retained key foreign players Quinton de Kock, Mark Wood, Kyle Mayers, and Marcus Stoinis, who played significant roles in the previous season. Additionally, the Indian core featuring Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, Yash Thakur, Amit Mishra, and Ayush Badoni contributed significantly to the team’s success in reaching the last four.

In a bid to fortify their pace attack, LSG added Shivam Mavi and David Willey, aiming to bring more pace and swing to the bowling unit. This move followed the trade of Avesh Khan to Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Devdutt Padikkal. As we delve into this article, we examine LSG’s strongest playing XI heading into the IPL 2024 season.

See Also:IPL 2024: Best Playing XI for Rajasthan Royals (RR) Post Mini Auction

The potential playing XI for LSG in IPL 2024 features:

1. Devdutt Padikkal: Opening the batting, Padikkal, acquired through a trade, brings stability to the top order. With KL Rahul expected to bat in the middle order, Padikkal’s inclusion strengthens the team’s Indian opener slot.
2. Quinton de Kock (WK): Partnering with Padikkal, de Kock, who retired from ODI cricket, focuses on making an impact in T20 cricket. Having scored 508 runs for LSG in IPL 2022, he plays a key role as the wicketkeeper-batsman.
3. Deepak Hooda: Slotting in at three, Hooda, a consistent performer for LSG, aims to contribute significantly after scoring 451 runs in IPL 2022. Despite a quieter season in 2023, he remains a crucial part of the middle order.
4. KL Rahul (C/WK): Rahul, the captain, will bat in the middle order at four, leading the side and making a strategic shift from his usual opening position, aligning with his role for the Indian national team.
5. Nicholas Pooran: Pooran, at five, adds explosive power to the middle order. Scoring 358 runs last season with a strike rate of 172.95, he brings a dynamic batting style and valuable experience.
6. Marcus Stoinis: Batting at six, Stoinis serves as the specialist all-rounder, providing big-hitting ability and the option to bowl useful overs.
7. Krunal Pandya: Playing at seven, Krunal Pandya, another valuable all-rounder, contributes with both bat and ball, bringing aggression to the lower order.
8. Shivam Mavi: Mavi, one of the Indian pacers, was added to the side for 6.40 crores, aiming to provide pace and swing to the bowling attack. Released by Gujarat Titans, LSG secured his services.
9. Mohsin Khan: The second Indian pacer in the lineup, Khan, has impressed with his performances. Picking 14 wickets in his first season and three in his second, he adds depth to the pace department.
10. Mark Wood: The overseas specialist pacer, Wood, brings experience to the XI, having picked 11 wickets in four matches before being ruled out due to injuries in the previous season.
11. Ravi Bishnoi: Bishnoi, the specialist spinner, is a regular feature in the LSG playing XI. Recently ranked as the number-one T20I bowler, he adds variety and skill to the bowling department.

Impact Sub: Ayush Badoni: Badoni serves as the super sub, playing a floating role in the batting order. Used similarly in the last season, he brings flexibility and depth to the lineup.

With a mix of experienced overseas players and promising Indian talents, LSG aims to field a well-balanced XI under the leadership of KL Rahul and the guidance of head coach Justin Langer in their quest for IPL success in 2024.

LSG IPL 2024 FULL SQUAD

KL Rahul (c), Quinton de Kock, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Kyle Mayers, Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda, Devdutt Padikkal, Ravi Bishnoi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Krunal Pandya, Yudhvir Singh, Prerak Mankad, Yash Thakur, Amit Mishra, Mark Wood, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, K. Gowtham, Shivam Mavi, Arshin Kulkarni, M. Siddharth, Ashton Turner, David Willey, Mohd. Arshad Khan.