KL Rahul has said he will not compete for opening slot at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for IPL 2024. Reports claim he favours becoming a middle-order batter for the franchise and across other cricket formats heading into next season.
Rahul seems to be leaving his natural opening position where he had featured on 122 occasions for Team India as at mid-December 2023. His decision is known to Team India players and officials.
Players in the LSG team like Quinton de Kock, Devdutt Padikkal, and Kyle Mayers could see his decision have little to no effect on LSG in IPL 2024.
Issues Currently Faced by the LSG Ahead of IPL 2024
The LSG’s lacklustre performance throughout IPL 2023 calls for much concern given the level of talent in their line-up. It is obvious from several observations made by commentators and analysts that LSG have an unbalanced side, not an incapable one. They seem to have too many all-rounders with fewer specialist batters where they are required.
It is also clear that LSG lack enough pacers to lead a long campaign against top batters from opposing teams. Naveen-ul-Haq and Mark Wood are solid, but reinforcements to drive competition and serve as backup options are necessary.
Which Players Will the LSG Likely Target for IPL 2024?
Indications suggest that the LSG could seek capable additions to their lineup as IPL 2024 draws closer. The LSG could seek options in the pace bowling and batting departments. Here’s a look at some top options the team could go for before IPL 2024 gets off to a swinging start:
Pace bowlers
LSG fell short in the pace bowling area multiple times throughout IPL 2023 and would look to shore up options in that department. They seem to be in luck as some top pacers are available for the franchise to check out.
Players like Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood are available as experienced options. The team could also look to youngsters like England’s Josh Tongue and South Africa’s Gerald Coetzee as possible choices.
Opening batters
Great batters are in demand, and LSG could snatch a suitable specialist like Daryl Mitchell. He is on the auction list and may be an ideal option for LSG. However, the LSG already have foreign players in their line-up and it could be challenging to get more overseas cricketers given IPL restrictions.
LSG Likely Opening XI at IPL 2024
Probable Opening XI after IPL 2024 Auction
Quinton de Kock (wk), KL Rahul (c), Devdutt Padikkal, Krunal Pandya, Ayush Badoni, Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda, Krishnappa Gowtham, Ravi Bishnoi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mark Wood.
It seems likely that KL Rahul could cling on to his captaincy, albeit in a cameo role if he leaves the opening slot. However, capable foreign players in the squad like Quinton de Kock, Mark Wood, and Marcus Stoinis could give LSG an exciting 2024 season if all goes well.
LSG Squad Before IPL 2024 Auction
KL Rahul (c), Quinton de Kock, Devdutt Padikkal, Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda, Kyle Mayers, Ravi Bishnoi, Krunal Pandya, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mark Wood, Mohsin Khan, Yudhvir Singh, Ayush Badoni, Prerak Mankad, Yash Thakur, Mayank Yadav, Devdutt Padikkal.
KL Rahul Career Stats
KL Rahul Batting and Fielding Stats
| FORMAT | Mat | Runs | HS | Ave | 100s | 50s |
| Tests | 47 | 2642 | 199 | 33.44 | 7 | 13 |
| ODIs | 72 | 2743 | 112 | 50.79 | 7 | 17 |
| T20Is | 72 | 2265 | 110 | 37.75 | 2 | 22 |
| FC | 90 | 6539 | 337 | 44.18 | 17 | 31 |
| List A | 124 | 4753 | 131 | 47.05 | 11 | 30 |
| T20s | 212 | 7066 | 132 | 42.31 | 6 | 61 |
(stats are accurate as of December 16, 2023)
