IPL 2023 | Predicted Playing XI of Lucknow Super Giants Against Punjab Kings
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Lucknow Super Giants (Source: BCCI/IPL)
This Friday (April 28), all eyes will be on the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium in Mohali, as Punjab Kings (PBKS) prepare to host Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the highly-anticipated Match 38 of IPL 2023.
LSG will seek to avenge their earlier loss to PBKS and get back on the winning track. PBKS had defeated LSG by 2 wickets in their previous encounter this season in Lucknow. Currently, PBKS is in the top half of the table, having won four of their seven matches. In their last match against Gujarat Titans, LSG lost by seven runs after giving away a winning position. Skipper KL Rahul and the middle-order batsmen had a disappointing performance in that match and will need to change their approach going into this game. Despite the loss, LSG's bowlers, apart from Ravi Bishnoi, performed well and restricted Gujarat Titans to a total below 150.
It will be interesting to see what changes LSG will make for the away game against Punjab.
Openers:
KL Rahul and Kyle Mayers
LSG are likely to stick with the same opening pair of Rahul and Mayers.
The leader of the team, KL Rahul, has been facing a rough patch in the tournament as he struggles to find his rhythm and maintain a quick pace. His recent knock against the defending champions, Gujarat Titans, saw him score a modest 68 runs off 61 balls, with just eight boundaries indicating a lack of aggression. Such an approach could prove detrimental to the team's performance, prompting Rahul to alter his strategy and deliver a big score.
On the other hand, Kyle Mayers' performance has been inconsistent, failing to replicate his earlier successes. As a result, the team management may consider replacing him with Quinton de Kock, whose arrival will likely invigorate the team's top order. De Kock will be eager to build vital partnerships with Rahul, while Mayers could still hold the title of Impact Player in the upcoming game.
Middle-order:
Deepak Hooda
Hooda has been going through a rough patch in the league lately, as he has been dismissed for single-digit scores in his last five innings. His inability to score runs has been a concern for LSG as they rely on him to provide valuable runs in the lower order. It remains to be seen whether the team will stick with him or try out other options. However, Hooda will have to step up and score runs, especially with the second leg of the tournament about to begin. Given his experience, the team management is likely to give him another chance to prove himself.
Krunal Pandya
Pandya, a seasoned player in the team, has been a consistent performer with the bat and ball this season. His impressive batting record includes 103 runs in seven innings at an average of 20.6 and a strike rate of 115.73. Along with his batting prowess, he has also showcased his slow left-arm spin, picking up six crucial wickets at an average of 20.32. With such a commendable performance, Pandya's confidence is at an all-time high, and he could potentially be the game-changer for LSG in their upcoming match against PBKS.
Marcus Stoinis
Despite being dismissed for a duck in the previous game, the Australian all-rounder, Marcus Stoinis, proved to be an asset with the ball as he took two crucial wickets, conceding just 20 runs. Throughout the season, Stoinis has blown hot and cold with the bat, scoring 144 runs in seven matches, with an average of 24 and a strike rate of 145.45. His medium pace bowling has also been a valuable contribution to the team, earning him the trust of the captain. However, Stoinis will be eager to improve his consistency with the bat. The Mohali surface should provide him with an ideal opportunity to showcase his batting prowess.
Nicholas Pooran
Pooran has been a consistent performer for the Super Giants this season, fulfilling the expectations set by the team management and captain. With 171 runs in seven games, he has been one of the most powerful strikers for the team, maintaining an average of 28.5 and a strike rate of 185.86. The southpaw has exhibited his exceptional batting skills throughout the tournament, and he will be eager to play a significant knock in the upcoming match against Punjab.
Ayush Badoni
Despite being a young and talented player, Badoni has not been able to make an impact in his recent outings. In his last three games, he has struggled to score, with only 14 runs in total. However, Badoni is determined to turn things around and show his true potential in the upcoming match against PBKS. He is aware of his capabilities and is striving to make the most of his opportunity. With lack of quality Indian batting options, he is likely to retain his place in the team.
Bowlers:
Ravi Bishnoi
The talented leg-spinner has been a valuable asset for the team. Although he had a forgettable outing in the previous game, conceding 49 runs at an economy of 12.25, his impressive economy rate of 7.77 in the tournament cannot be ignored. With eight wickets under his belt in just seven games, Bishnoi has been a vital cog of the franchise, showcasing his skill and experience on the pitch. He will be looking to weave his magic with the ball against Punjab in Mohali and continue to prove his worth as an exceptional bowler.
Yudhvir Singh Charak
Yudhvir Singh Charak, a budding fast bowler, had an unfortunate outing against Rajasthan Royals where he was pummeled for 27 runs in two overs, without a single wicket to show for his efforts. Despite this setback, he remains a promising prospect for the team, with his potential to make an impact in both the powerplay and middle overs. Though he was dropped in the next match against Gujarat, the pitch at Mohali, with its helpful conditions for fast bowlers and wide boundaries, may just provide the ideal opportunity for Charak to redeem himself. Given the chance to bowl in this venue, he could showcase his skills and prove his worth to the team management.
Naveen-ul-Haq
Naveen-ul-Haq has proven himself to be a fitting replacement for the formidable Mark Wood. Despite featuring in only two games for LSG so far, the right-arm pacer has exhibited his skills to keep the rival sides in check. In both outings, he was able to restrict the opposition by conceding a mere 19 runs, and in the last game against Gujarat Titans, he claimed his first wicket in the tournament. With such impressive performances, Naveen is certainly a valuable asset for the LSG team.
Avesh Khan
Avesh had a rather tumultuous beginning to the tournament, but his morale was greatly boosted when he clinched three wickets in a thrilling away game against the Rajasthan Royals. In his recent match against the Titans, he was unable to obtain any wickets and fell short of bowling his full quota of four overs. Nevertheless, he caught the attention of many by holding the scoring rate in check with a commendable economy rate of 7 runs per over. As Avesh prepares to take on Punjab, he will be motivated to further enhance his performance, given the unwavering support he has received from the team management.
Probable Impact Players:
- Amit Mishra
- Jaydev Unadkat
- Krishnappa Gowtham
- Quinton de Kock
- Prerak Mankad
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