Mayers Dropped, KL Rahul To Open With De Kock; LSG's Strongest XI For IPL 2024

LSG team in action [X.com]LSG team in action [X.com]

To the delight of fans across the globe, the much-awaited seventeenth season of the Indian Premier League is set to commence on March 22. The tournament, which will see ten top-class teams compete for the coveted trophy, begins with a high-octane clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings. 

Talking about Lucknow Super Giants, the KL Rahul-led outfit will kickstart their IPL 2024 campaign against inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals before colliding with PBKS, RCB and GT in their subsequent games. 

The return of KL Rahul, who missed half of the previous season due to an injury, boosts LSG's batting lineup, while the inclusion of West Indies' young sensation Shamar Joseph gives their bowling attack a new dimension. So, before the season begins., let's see what could be the strongest starting XI for the Super Giants. 


Top order: Quinton de Kock, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal

The Super Giants have four genuine top-order options- Quinton de Kock, Kyle Mayers and Devdutt Padikkal, alongside skipper KL Rahul. 

However, Mayers might not feature in the starting XI, as De Kock outclassed him with the bat last season. So, in all probability, the South African superstar will open the batting alongside Rahul, with recent recruit Padikkal slotted at number three. 

Swashbuckling West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran will play as LSG's designated middle-overs enforcer, thanks to his exploits last year. Veteran all-rounders Krunal Pandya and Marcus Stoinis will bat in the lower middle order, providing their side with finishing touches. 

Young batter Ayush Badoni will likely pip Deepak Hooda for the extra batter's slot, with Shivam Mavi playing as the new ball specialist alongside talented left-arm seamer Mohsin Khan. 

Naveen-ul-Haq, famous for his camaraderie with Indian legend Virat Kohli, will play as LSG's slog overs specialist, while Ravi Bishnoi will spearhead their spin department. 

The SuperGiants will likely include Yash Thakur among the impact substitutes alongside Amit Mishra, Deepak Hooda, Prerak Mankad and Kyle Mayers. 


LSG's strongest playing XI

Quinton de Kock (WK), KL Rahul (C), Devdutt Padikkal, Nicholas Pooran, Krunal Pandya, Marcus Stoinis, Ayush Badoni, Naveen-ul-Haq, Ravi Bishnoi, Shivam Mavi, Mohsin Khan

Impact Substitutes: Amit Mishra, Yash Thakur, Deepak Hooda, Prerak Mankad, Kyle Mayers