LSG is gearing up for the 2023 IPL with a home game against Delhi Capitals on Saturday, April 1. Aakash Chopra believes their top order, featuring KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock, is their biggest strength. The former Indian cricketer pointed out that the openers are contenders for the prestigious Orange Cap award. He noted that their success in the first season, finishing fourth, sets them up for a good chance of a strong campaign in the upcoming season.
“This team’s runaway strength is their top order because both are Orange Cap contenders – whether it is KL Rahul or Quinton de Kock. The form Quinton de Kock is in, he scores his own century in 10 to 12 overs.”
Aakash Chopra
KL Rahul may be looking to prove his critics wrong by showing his skill with his bat
“KL Rahul has a point to prove. In a way, he does not have a point to prove because he remains close to the Orange Cap every year. If scoring 600 runs was that easy, anyone would do it but he does that. But there are many naysayers, so the critics become slightly silent if he has a good season.”
Aakash Chopra
Rahul had an impressive run in IPL 2022, amassing 616 runs in 15 innings with an average of 51.33 and a strike rate of 135.38. Despite his strong performance, some experts and fans were critical of his slightly conservative approach at the top of the order, particularly in the Eliminator against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
“Keep him at three as he has done well there” – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra believes it would be beneficial for the Lucknow Super Giants to have Deepak Hooda batting at No. 3, noting that Kyle Mayers could serve as a reliable backup option, saying:
“Then there is Kyle Mayers if they want to use him. He can bowl one or two overs with the new ball and can play the big shots while batting. He can step in if Quinton de Kock is unavailable. Then you have got Deepak Hooda. You can play him at No. 3 or No. 4 – keep him at three as he has done well there.”
“After that, Marcus Stoinis and Nicholas Pooran, and then Krunal Pandya. The multi-faceted players give depth to this team’s batting lineup. You also see Ayush Badoni batting up or down the order at times. The top six to seven are still looking very, very good.”
Aakash Chopra
According to him, Marcus Stoinis should not be utilized for the last 15 balls and Nicholas Pooran should also be allowed to deliver his full potential.