Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will go into the IPL 2024 auction with the lowest purse as they didn’t have to make dramatic releases, unlike a few other teams. The reason is, the KL Rahul-led side has been one of the most consistent teams in the last 2 editions, reaching the playoffs on both occasions. However, they were involved in a strategic trade wherein LSG traded Avesh Khan with RR to get top-order batter Devdutt Padikkal.
LSG Retained, Released, and Traded Players
Current squad: KL Rahul (c), Quinton de Kock, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Kyle Mayers, Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda, Ravi Bishnoi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Krunal Pandya, Yudhvir Singh, Prerak Mankad, Yash Thakur, Amit Mishra, Mark Wood, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Devdutt Padikkal
Released players: Jaydev Unadkat, Daniel Sams, Manan Vohra, Swapnil Singh, Karan Sharma, Arpit Guleria, Suryansh Shedge, Karun Nair
Traded players: Devdutt Padikkal from RR, Avesh Khan to RR
Purse remaining: 13.15 crores
What are some of the weaknesses in their present squad?
LSG won’t have to do much at the IPL 2024 auction as they need a couple of standby players for their regular crop of players. With the inclusion of Padikkal, they have solidified their batting order, which proved too costly for them on occasion. They might need a fast bowler, especially overseas, as a backup to Mark Wood.
Players LSG will Target in the IPL 2024 Auction
1. Gerald Coetzee
After having a stupendous World Cup for South Africa, Gerald Coetzee will be one name that might be on many teams’ radar, and that includes LSG. While Wood is injury-prone, Naveen-ul-Haq is the only other pacer in the team, and LSG may need another overseas quick bowler. So Coetzee does seem like a good fit.
2. Shardul Thakur
With Avesh Khan traded to RR, Lucknow lacks a solid Indian pace bowler, and Shardul Thakur could very well be the answer to their void. Thakur can also contribute with the bat, which makes his selection all the more compelling.
3. Shahrukh Khan
LSG struggled with batting down the order in the last season, and they would want to address that by adding someone like Shahrukh Khan in the ranks. The latter is known to be a dangerous finisher and can play that role to perfection for LSG in the coming season.
