Last Updated on 3 years ago by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Lucknow Supergiants IPL 2023 Preview: Big year for LSG? | LSG IPL 2023 SWOT Analysis: Can the franchise win the title?
After reaching the playoffs in their inaugural season, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will be looking to go to the next level in IPL 2023. LSG’s balance and depth were key factors in their run to the Eliminator, where they were ultimately undone by Rajat Patidar’s incredible 112* on the night.
In a competitive league, it is important to always look to evolve. Despite a promising season first up, LSG still made some key additions to their squad, including Nicholas Pooran, Mark Wood and Kyle Mayers. In this article, we will look at their possible XI, as well as their key strengths and weaknesses.
Read CricBlog’s other team previews for IPL 2023:
- Mumbai Indians MI IPL 2023 Preview: 6th title for MI?
- Chennai Super Kings CSK IPL 2023 Preview: Can CSK bounce back?
- Royal Challengers RCB IPL 2023 Preview: Is this the year of RCB?
LSG IPL 2023 Squad
| Player | Role | Price |
| KL Rahul (c) | WK/Batsman | 17 Crores |
| Nicholas Pooran | WK/Batsman | 16 Crores |
| Avesh Khan | Bowler | 10 Crores |
| Marcus Stoinis | All-Rounder | 9.2 Crores |
| Krunal Pandya | All-Rounder | 8.25 Crores |
| Mark Wood | Bowler | 7.5 Crores |
| Quinton De Kock | WK/Batsman | 6.75 Crores |
| Deepak Hooda | All-Rounder | 5.75 Crores |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Bowler | 4 Crores |
| Krishnappa Gowtham | All-Rounder | 90 Lakhs |
| Daniel Sams | All-Rounder | 75 Lakhs |
| Kyle Mayers | All-Rounder | 50 Lakhs |
| Amit Mishra | Bowler | 50 Lakhs |
| Romario Shepard | All-Rounder | 50 Lakhs |
| Naveen-Ul-Haq | Bowler | 50 Lakhs |
| Jaydev Unadkat | Bowler | 50 Lakhs |
| Yash Thakur | Bowler | 45 Lakhs |
| Ayush Badoni | All-Rounder | 20 Lakhs |
| Manan Vohra | Batsman | 20 Lakhs |
| Yudhvir Charak | All-Rounder | 20 Lakhs |
| Prerak Mankad | All-Rounder | 20 Lakhs |
| Karan Sharma | All-Rounder | 20 Lakhs |
| Mohsin Khan | Bowler | 20 Lakhs |
| Swapnil Singh | Bowler | 20 Lakhs |
| Mayank Yadav | Bowler | 20 Lakhs |
LSG Possible Playing XI for first match
1. KL Rahul (c), 2. Quinton de Kock (OS & wk), 3. Deepak Hooda, 4. Nicholas Pooran (OS), 5. Marcus Stoinis (OS), 6. Krunal Pandya, 7. Krishnappa Gowtham, 8. Avesh Khan 9. Mark Wood (OS), 10. Ravi Bishnoi, 11. Mohsin Khan
LSG IPL 2023 Preview: Strengths & Weaknesses
Here are some of LSG’s key strengths and weaknesses, also touching on opportunities and threats.
Strengths/Opportunities
Excellent mix of power and touch in their top five
Plenty of attention will be on KL Rahul’s strike rate. However, if at least two others in their top five can fire, LSG will be on track for some big totals in IPL 2023.
Watch out for Deepak Hooda. He could be in for a big season. When batting at three in all T20s, Hooda has smashed 961 runs in 30 matches at an average of 34.32 and strike rate of 148.76. To have such a player, who can also bowl handy offspin, coming in after the Rahul-de Kock opening stand can put opposition teams under immense pressure.
Wicket-takers among their pace bowlers & wide range of bowling options
Moisin Khan in the powerplay. Avesh Khan in the middle. Mark Wood (when available) at the death. All three seamers are genuine wicket-takers in T20 cricket, which can hold LSG in great stead. Also, Ravi Bishnoi’s wristspin provides an advantage where other teams, including MI and CSK, are lacking in that department.
Add Krunal Pandya, Krishnappa Gowtham, Deepak Hooda and Marcus Stoinis, and KL Rahul has the luxury of turning to different bowlers if one or two are having an off day.
Capable overseas options waiting in the squad
Daniel Sams came into his own towards the backend of IPL 2022 after a very difficult start. He is not expected to be a regular starter, but he can come in and offer value throughout the season.
The same applies to Romario Shepherd and Kyle Mayers. Both are hard-hitting all-rounders that can offer impact in a long campaign.
Weaknesses/Threats
Can Nicholas Pooran finally find consistency in the IPL?
LSG invested big in Pooran, who has often found the going difficult in the IPL. If he struggles again, LSG have a conundrum as that number four position is vital in effectively bridging LSG’s top order and finishers. If he fires, however, then this could be a huge gamechanger.
Can LSG effectively replace Jason Holder?
The decision to release Jason Holder has left a bit of a gap to fill. The all-rounder was an asset at number seven for the franchise, also bowling some of the toughest overs at the death. Krishnappa Gowtham could take that position, so whether he can deliver impact with both bat and ball remains to be seen.
Verdict
Overall, LSG looks extremely strong. They have batting quality right down the order with hard-hitters in their top five, along with wicket-taking bowling options throughout their attack.
If they don’t make the playoffs, it will be a surprise and disappointment for what looks to be an excellent T20 team.
Read CricBlog’s other team previews for IPL 2023:
- Mumbai Indians MI IPL 2023 Preview: 6th title for MI?
- Chennai Super Kings CSK IPL 2023 Preview: Can CSK bounce back?
- Royal Challengers RCB IPL 2023 Preview: Is this the year of RCB?
