The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) made their debut in IPL 2022 and are led by KL Rahul and made it into the playoffs in their first season itself, losing to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Eliminator.
During the IPL 2023 auction, the biggest buy for the LSG franchise was West Indian Nicholas Pooran, who they bought for INR 16 crores. Then they added some players as backups with Romario Shepherd, Amit Mishra, Daniel Sams, and Naveen Ul Haq being the prominent names.
They have a strong core of many Indian and foreign players and expect the KL Rahul-led side to put up a strong front in the upcoming IPL 2023.
Keeping this in mind, Team COC presents its predicted best playing XI for the LSG in IPL 2023.
Like last year, LSG is expected to open the innings with KL Rahul, and Quinton de Kock, who did a wonderful job with the bat upfront with De Kock going hammer and tongs and Rahul anchoring one end.
They also have the impressive Kyle Mayers in case they need an all-rounder up front, who can bat at the top. Deepak Hooda has done well for himself since the last IPL and will be hopeful of continuing that good form with the bat further impressing the Indian selectors with an eye on the ODI World Cup this year.
LSG replaced Evin Lewis with his West Indian teammate Nicholas Pooran to strengthen their batting and with him and Marcus Stoinis, expect some fireworks in the middle order during the IPL 2023. The LSG also has formidable finishers in the impressive young Ayush Badoni and all-rounder Krunal Pandya.
They can also rely on all-rounders like Romario Shepherd, and Prerak Mankad for backup if needed.
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Ravi Bishnoi was the standout performer with the bowl in the spin department and he is expected to lead the attack with Pandya and possibly with Amit Mishra as well, on pitches that aid spin.
The pace department of LSG has both speed and guile to go with Mark Wood, Daniel Sams, and Mohsin Khan bringing the heat and Jaydev Unadkat and Naveen Ul Haq bringing in the guile.
LSG will face Delhi Capitals in their tournament opener on April 1 in their home of Lucknow.
COC Predicted best playing XI for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG):
KL Rahul (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Marcus Stoinis, Ayush Badoni, Krunal Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, Mark Wood, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan
