What Went Right For LSG in IPL 2023?


image-li0py34mLSG finished league stage at the third spot in IPL 2023 (IPLT20.com)

Consistently playing exceptional cricket in the Indian Premier League is an exceedingly arduous task. With the intense competition and every team giving their utmost on the field, winning games regularly becomes not just tough, but an extremely challenging endeavor.

The Lucknow Super Giants, in particular, have displayed remarkable consistency since their establishment last year. In the 2022 season, under the captaincy of KL Rahul, they were exceptional and secured the third position on the points table. However, they were defeated by RCB in the Eliminator match.

In the current IPL 2023 season, the team has once again made it to the top four. They finished the league phase in the third spot, with eight wins, five losses, and one match ending in no result. It is worth noting that their captain, KL Rahul, had to step aside due to a thigh injury in the middle of the season. Nevertheless, under the leadership of Krunal Pandya, LSG has successfully qualified for the playoffs.

As LSG prepares to face the Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday, let's take a look at what has contributed to the franchise's success in IPL 2023.

Performance of foreign batters

LSG's overseas batting contingent has exhibited an astonishing batting display in IPL 2023. Standing tall among their batting luminaries is Marcus Stoinis, who has amassed a staggering 368 runs at a scorching strike rate of 150.20. His resolute presence at the crease has been an invaluable asset for LSG. 

On the other hand, opener Kyle Mayers may, who has found himself confined to the benches in LSG's recent encounters, has made an impact throughout the season which cannot be undermined. Th West Indians an impressive tally of 361 runs, accompanied by an awe-inspiring strike rate of 144.40. Though momentarily out of the team, his earlier exploits have been instrumental in LSG's successful campaign so far.

image-li0q2v89Nicholas Pooran & Marcus Stoinis in action (IPLT20.com)

Nicholas Pooran who has emerged as the epitome of a finisher extraordinaire in this season. His pyrotechnics with the bat have left bowlers in disarray, amassing a jaw-dropping 358 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 173.78. Pooran's ability to seamlessly navigate the complexities of the game's climax has proven to be a game-changer for LSG. Collectively, these batters have assumed pivotal roles for LSG which is why they find themselves in the top four.

Plethora of all-rounders

LSG have been fortunate to have a multitude of talented all-rounders such as Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya, Kyle Mayers, Krishnappa Gowtham, and many others who have consistently contributed with both the bat and ball at critical moments. 

image-li0q5srcMarcus Stoinis & Krunal Pandya celebrating a wicket (IPLT20.com)

The team's abundance of options has proven to be a valuable asset, as they have effectively utilized the diverse skill sets of these players, extracting the very best from them. This has undeniably had a positive impact on LSG's overall performance and is one of the contributing reasons in their success.


Ravi Bishnoi’s spin prowess

Ravi Bishnoi has been exceptional in the middle-overs, effectively containing and restricting opposing batters. With an impressive tally of 16 wickets in 14 matches, he has maintained an impressive economy rate of just 7.76 runs per over. 

image-li0q024qRavi Bishnoi has been impressive in IPL 2023 (IPLT20.com)

As the upcoming game is scheduled to take place in Chennai, a pitch known for favouring spin bowling, the talented leg-spinner aims to capitalize on his outstanding form. Bishnoi will strive to further enhance his performance and contribute significantly towards securing a victory for his team.

Bowlers bowling in tandem

While Ravi Bishnoi has shouldered the burden admirably, it is imperative to acknowledge the collective contribution of the other LSG bowlers who have harmoniously bowled in tandem to contribute to LSG’s success. Yash Thakur has artfully garnered 10 scalps in a mere eight encounters, displaying an economy of 9.16 that further bolsters his mettle. 

image-li0q8mv9LSG bowlers have bowled as a unit in IPL 2023 (IPLT20.com)

On the other hand, Mark Wood, despite featuring in only four contests, etched his name upon the scorecards with a tally of 11 wickets, even boasting a remarkable five-wicket haul. Krunal Pandya, Avesh Khan, and Naveen-ul-Haq have also made notable contributions of 9, 8, and 7 wickets, respectively. As the coveted clash against the formidable five-time champions beckonns, the Super Giants will be eager to secure a resounding victory and making their place in the Qualifier 2 encounter against Gujarat Titans.