IPL 2022 | Super Giants ride on robust squad to set the first step on IPL map

The newly-formed Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are all set to put their first foot in the cricketing arena as the franchise will debut under the leadership of KL Rahul in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. With many prominent faces, Lucknow have embarked on the chase of glory after forming a well-balanced T20 side.

KL Rahul has made a shift from Punjab Kings (PBKS) and will now marshal the Super Giants. Although the Karnataka-born batter has not had a successful captaincy career yet, things could change in his association with Lucknow.

Quinton de Kock will be drafted as an opener alongside Rahul. While Rahul gradually ups his strike rate, his new opening partner can aid his slow innings progression by adopting an attacking approach. Manish Pandey has not had a good last few seasons but will likely be included in the starting XI as a number three. The middle-order forms a strong group that majorly include the likes of Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Jason Holder. However, Stoinis and Holder will miss the initial few games and hence, LSG may have to rely on domestic talent to fill the void.

Krunal Pandya and Krishnappa Gowtham will perform the all-rounder's duties. Ayush Badoni does not have much domestic exposure, but Lucknow are likely to pick him before Gotham in the playing XI. LSG have quality bowlers in Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, and Dushmantha Chameera.

Squad for IPL 2022

KL Rahul (c), Ravi Bishnoi, Marcus Stoinis, Quinton de Kock (wk), Manish Pandey, Jason Holder, Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya, Avesh Khan, Ankit Rajpoot, Krishnappa Gowtham, Dushmantha Chameera, Shahbaz Nadeem, Manan Vohra, Mohsin Khan, Ayush Badoni, Kyle Mayers, Karan Sharma, Evin Lewis, Mayank Yadav, Andrew Tye.

Strongest Playing XI

KL Rahul (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Manish Pandey, Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Jason Holder, Krunal Pandya, Krishnappa Gowtham, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Dushmantha Chameera

Flaws

Lucknow Super Giants boast of solid domestic talent, but the unavailability of the premium foreign players for the first few games is their pivotal concern. Jason Holder and Marcus Stoinis, the sure-shot starters, will join the squad after their respective international assignments. Hence, LSG needs to find their replacements within the current pool, which is undoubtedly a challenging task.

The side has announced Andrew Tye as Mark Wood's replacement after an elbow injury ruled him out of the tournament. Tye has IPL experience to his name but was unsold in the latest auction, indicating his recent record.

LSG have Dushmantha Chameera in their squad, but there is no certainty what the pacer is bringing to the table as he is returning after an injury.

X-Factor 

Proven all-rounders and a vast pool of domestic talents add to Lucknow's strength. Marcus Stoinis, Jason Holder, Deepak Hooda and Krunal Pandya will enforce their multidimensional skillset and provide the team with the required balance needed in T20 cricket. 

Enough Indian bowling options is another asset for LSG and can help them in the long run.

Analysis 

Lucknow Super Giants have put in a good effort on the auction table and are definitely the team for the playoffs. The side has filled every department with capable performers. However, all will boil down to the leadership of Rahul, who will eye redemption in the upcoming IPL season.