The Lucknow Super Giants, one of the two new recruits to the IPL, fared rather well in terms of resource preparation ahead of the 2022 season. They not only roped in strong players before the auction, but their auction tactics resulted in them acquiring formidable possibilities for IPL 2022.

They face Gujarat Titans on Monday. 

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Lucknow Super Giants has bought KL Rahul for a staggering Rs 17 crore, the biggest compensation this year in IPL and joint-most in IPL history with Virat Kohli. Then they kept Marcus Stoinis for Rs 9.2 crore, with a purse reduction of Rs 10 crore, and uncapped Ravi Bishnoi for Rs 4 crore.

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Lucknow was able to secure a fantastic first-choice 11 – the one shown in this post – for Auction. Their main goal was to bring in as many all-rounders as possible, and they succeeded admirably. As many as five all-rounders appear to be sure-fire starters in their starting lineup. LSG also has some very talented pacers and hitters in their lineup.

Lucknow Super Giants Squad:

Batters and WKs: Evin Lewis, Manan Vohra, Manish Pandey, KL Rahul (C&WK) & Quinton de Kock (WK).

All-rounders: Ayush Badoni, Deepak Hooda, Jason Holder, Karan Sharma, Krishnappa Gowtham, Krunal Pandya, Kyle Mayers & Marcus Stoinis.

Bowlers: Ankit Rajpoot, Avesh Khan, Dushmantha Chameera, Mark Wood, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Ravi Bishnoi & Shahbaaz Nadeem.

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Openers:

While LSG already had KL Rahul as a formidable captain opener, the addition of Quinton de Kock nearly completes their opening equation for IPL 2022. The pairing of KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock might be the most potent opening combination in IPL 2022.

From a role standpoint, KL Rahul can be the anchor, like he has been in previous IPLs, and Quinton can be the aggressor, as he has been for the Mumbai Indians and South Africa. KL Rahul may also seek to play freely with a good batting line-up behind him. Hopefully, we will witness the 2018 KL Rahul, who was not just dangerous but also consistent.

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Middle-order:

Manish Pandey, Marcus Stoinis, and Deepak Hooda will constitute LSG’s middle order. While Manish will be the anchor at number three, Marcus Stoinis and Deepak Hooda may be the aggressors. Deepak Hooda’s ascension to international cricket should instil confidence in KL Rahul, the captain.

All-rounders:

LSG has another well-balanced trio of finishing all-rounders. They have three competent all-rounders that could fill this job. The batting order can be adjusted, but LSG should ideally bat Krishnappa Gowtham at number six, Krunal Pandya at number seven, and Jason Holder at number eight. Not only will they gain batting depth, but with Marcus and Deepak already on board, they will also get two more solid bowling options.

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LSG possesses five all-rounders in their starting 11 — a luxury that no other team has. LSG will field three pure bowlers, as well as Jason Holder and Krunal Pandya as bowling all-rounders, and Marcus Stoinis, K Gowtham, and Deepak Hooda as batting all-rounders. This is KL Rahul’s finest opportunity to ensure LSG makes the playoffs and beyond.

Bowlers:

When it comes to pure bowlers, LSG has a lot of them. Ravi Bishnoi will spearhead their spin assault, having impressed in his limited opportunities with PBKS and Team India. Mark Wood and Avesh Khan’s speed appears to be too hot to handle from a pace attack standpoint.

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It will be intriguing to see if Mark Wood stays healthy and available for the full season. LSG would want its main pacer, Mark Wood, to be available throughout the IPL after investing about a million dollars on him. Along with Avesh and Holder, he may create a dangerous trio.

Overall, the Lucknow Super Giants’ strongest playing 11 might be the strongest playing 11 among all teams. There aren’t many flaws in their starting lineup, and if they maintain their form, there’s no stopping them from finishing in the top two.

Possible XI of Lucknow Super Giants: KL Rahul (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Manish Pandey, Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda, Krishnappa Gowtham, Krunal Pandya, Jason Holder, Ravi Bishnoi, Mark Wood & Avesh Khan.