The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) appeared to be on track to finish in the top two of the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL), but all they got was an Eliminator appearance and a disappointing loss.
LSG will want to go a few steps further this time after an interesting IPL 2023 auction in which they made one massive purchase. KL Rahul and company have a decent squad to work with, though there are a few holes that can be exploited.
Who will play for the Super Giants in their first game of the season? Here is LSG’s predicted starting lineup for IPL 2023 Match 3 against DC.
Given the plethora of all-rounders available in the Indian contingent, LSG’s initial playing XI for the game is very likely to feature only three overseas players. However, because we don’t know the outcome of the coin toss, we chose the best overall combination in this article.
With Quinton on international duty, Kyle Mayers is expected to bat at the top of the order alongside captain KL Rahul. The duo will need to bat with purpose while also keeping in mind that LSG are unlikely to have much batting depth after No. 8.
Deepak Hooda had a strong IPL 2022 season and will want to build on that, while Ayush Badoni will try to turn his obvious promise into a tangible end product.
LSG’s season could hinge on Nicholas Pooran. The southpaw, who was signed for a whopping 16 crore, is one of the few players on the team who can take on both pace and spin. On Saturday, as a left-hander in the lineup, he will be tasked with opposing Axar Patel.
Marcus Stoinis was not at his best for Lucknow last year, and he will need to finish the innings without fail this time. With Krunal Pandya by his side, the Australian all-rounder has a lot on his plate.
The LSG bowling attack will be led by Avesh Khan, Mark Wood, and Ravi Bishnoi. Wood missed the entire IPL 2022 season and will be looking forward to his first full season in the league.
LSG’s predicted playing XI against DC: KL Rahul (c), Kyle Mayers, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Ayush Badoni, Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, Avesh Khan, Mark Wood, Ravi Bishnoi, Jaydev Unadkat.