Players LSG could release before the mini-auction

Lucknow Super Giants (Source: IPLT20.com)

Lucknow Super Giants were brilliant in the group stages of last IPL, however; they were quite opposite of the word 'Super Giants' when the knockouts came, or in the business end per say. They lost two out of three group stage games (the one they won was also a two-run win), before getting knocked out of the tournament by Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Eliminator. 

In the initial part of the last season, LSG emerged as one of the strongest sides - but they had some evident flaws that were exploited by the opposition in the business end. 

What were the flaws, you ask? I will tell. 

Over-reliance on the top-order batters and no death-over specialist as such were their main drawbacks. With the trading window still open, here are some options that Lucknow could release before the mini auction for IPL 2023. 

Manish Pandey

The first Indian to score a hundred in the Indian Premier League, but also the one who couldn't live upto the expectations and could never justify his talent. Pandey was bought by Lucknow for INR 4.6 crores to play the 'anchor's' role, but again he failed to live upto the expectations.

The KL Rahul-led side ahead of the mini-auction could free the Karnataka batter as that would help them go with a bigger purse for shopping on December 23. Plus, they have players in their ranks who could do the job better than Pandey. 

Jason Holder

A modern day great for West Indies in the longest format, that's Holder for you. That's quite the opposite of current-running Windies cricketers' pedigree, but that's been the case of Holder. The all-rounder hasn't performed upto the mark in the T20 format as Holder - the batter has merely done wonders with the bat. 

Coming to the Holder-Lucknow relation, the franchise acquired his services for INR 8.75 crores - which now seems heavily paid for an all-rounder who would barely contribute with the bat.

Dushmantha Chameera

The Lankan Express, who has been Sri Lanka's backbone for the last couple of years - at least among pacers, was fast-tracked by the Lucknow franchise to strengthen their bowling arsenal. The franchise showed immense faith in Chameera and gave him a long rope - but he couldn't hold onto it. 

The 30-year-old, who was worth INR 2 crores, has also been been suffering from a chronic calf injury - which could also go against him while the LSG think of retaining him.

Andrew Tye

Once the purple cap holder and one of the deadliest bowlers in the death overs - but Tye's magic could only last for a season or two. Batters started picking his variation as he became too predictable and his economy and strike rates transpired. 

The 35-year-old Australian seamer came to the Super Giants as a replacement for Mark Wood, and now with the later returning it might be the end of roads for Tye with LSG. 

If the LSG franchise release all four of these players then their purse would be of INR 21.35 crores that will give freedom to go after their desired players in the mini-auction. Although it is going to be interesting to see as they haven't released or traded any player as of yet. 

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