Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) had the lowest spend in the IPL auctions with just Rs 12.20 crore spent. They made retentions worth Rs 86.85 million, retaining most of their players for the next season. However, LSG managed to build a strong team by making some crucial purchases at the auctions. The Lucknow-based franchise looks set for the IPL 2024 and they can be one of the teams that qualify for the playoffs with the type of lineup they have.
The most expensive buy for LSG was Shivam Mavi who fetched Rs 6.40 crore. They also bought English all-rounder David Willey for Rs 2 million and Australian batsman Ashton Turner for Rs 1 million. The strength of this team abroad is enormous, with players like Quinton de Kock, Kyle Mayers, Nicholas Pooran, Mark Wood and Marcus Stoinis already present in the team.
Lucknow Super Giants finished third in the points table during IPL 2023 and were eliminated by Mumbai Indians in the knockout round of the playoffs. LSG has been eliminated from the playoffs for two consecutive seasons and this time they would hope to change the trend. KL Rahul will lead the team with Krunal Pandya as his replacement. The team looks very balanced on paper and they can prevail under the mentorship of IPL legend Suresh Raina.
The impact player rule was introduced last season and has been appreciated by teams as it allows them to make a substitute in play between matches. Lucknow Super Giants have a good number of players who could be considered for the impact player role as they have invested a lot in young Indian players who can really leave an impact if given ample opportunities.
IPL 2024: 3 players LSG can use as impact players in the tournament
1. Ayush Badoni:
Ayush Badoni was LSG’s first-choice impact player in IPL 2023. He scored 238 runs in 12 innings in IPL 2023 and boasts a strike rate of 134.42 in T20 cricket. Ayush is a versatile batsman who can play multiple positions and can be of great use to the franchise as an impact player as he cannot contribute much with the ball. LSG can use him as an impact player to strengthen the bowling attack during their bowling and then add him as a substitute when they are batting.
2.Amit Mishra:
The veteran leg-spinner can also be a good option for LSG to use as an impact substitute. He took seven wickets in seven matches for LSG at an impressive average of just 21.29. He is a veteran of the IPL and is 41 years old, making him one of the oldest players in the league. He can’t contribute much with the bat so it is better to use him as an impact player. Using Amit Mishra as an impact substitute will not put much burden on LSG’s batting and will strengthen their overall bowling.
3. Deepak Hooda:
Deepak Hooda is also an option for LSG to use as an impact substitute. He had a terrible season in the IPL last year, but he has a knack for playing aggressive cricket and his bowling will not be used much this season due to the other bowlers present in the team. He can be played as an impact substitute to improve the order and make some runs.
