Top 3 Best Key Players for Lucknow Super Giants in TATA IPL 2023

The Lucknow Super Giants have shown their understanding of how the IPL operates by making it to the playoffs in their debut season. They were in contention for the TATA IPL title but were knocked out due to a whirlwind inning by Rajat Patidar.

The team heavily relied on their top line for most of the scoring, with Lucknow Super Giants’ middle order being tested only once with a good inning from Ewin Lewis and a few cameos from Deepak Hooda. Therefore, let’s take a look at who the key players for the Lucknow Super Giants will be in the TATA IPL 2023.

Quinton De Kock

KL Rahul and Quinton De Kock will share the responsibility of doing most of the scoring for their team. The dynamic duo scored 30% of their team’s total runs in TATA IPL 2022, showcasing their exceptional ability. As a left-hander, De Kock will have to neutralize the left-arm pacers, who pose a challenge for KL Rahul. The Lucknow Super Giants will be counting on the South African player to be in top form.

If De Kock performs well, Rahul can take his time to settle down. However, when De Kock bats, the opposition often tackles him with an off-spinner, which is a point of concern.

He is working on this weakness and is expected to be at his blazing best soon. One cannot forget his outstanding inning of 140 runs while opening for the Lucknow Super Giants against the KKR in TATA IPL 2022.

Krunal Pandya/Deepak Hooda

The Indian all-rounders will share the responsibility of managing the middle order of the Lucknow Super Giants. Deepak Hooda is primarily a batting all-rounder, whereas Krunal Pandya is a bowling all-rounder.

Although Krunal has not performed well in the past few IPL seasons, the LSG management needs to support his talent as he is a big-match player. Krunal’s presence gives the LSG team the option of having a left-arm spinner, making him a key player for LSG in IPL 2023.

The skill of being a left-arm spinner is rare and works effectively against right-handers. Deepak Hooda is a flexible player who can be used anywhere in the batting order. However, to make the best use of his skill, he should ideally play at number 4 or 5. Playing him below that position would be a waste of a valuable asset. Let’s take a look at Deepak’s stats:

Matches	178
Innings	148
Runs	3050
Average	25.8
Strike Rate	139.7

Ravi Bishnoi

Ravi Bishnoi, the spin spearhead of the Lucknow Super Giants, has the responsibility of ensuring that his 4 overs are economical. If his overs are not economical, he needs to take as many wickets as possible.

Gautam Gambhir, the LSG coach, has faith in Bishnoi’s ability and backs him. Bishnoi is a tough bowler to face because of his quick round-arm action, which is similar to Rashid Khan’s. However, Ravi Bishnoi stock delivery is googly, and he bowls it over 50% of the time.

Batsmen anticipate conventional turns and frequently get caught out. Since the arrival of Kuldeep Yadav, Bishnoi has slipped down the ranks of the Indian cricket team. A strong showing in TATA IPL 2023 would do wonders for his confidence and career prospects.