The Lucknow Super Giants were pretty good in their inaugural Indian Premier League season as they finished third and did well overall. However analysing them ahead of the new season, cricketer turned analyst, Aakash Chopra share dhis thoughts on LSG’s bowlingn lineup.
While LSG have some exceptional options there are a few concerns here and there. Chopra lauded the signing of Jaydev Unadkat and feels that the left arm pacer will have a role to play in for his new franchise.
“They have Jaydev Unadkat. He used to be with Mumbai and is now part of this team. I think it’s a good acquisition. The Ekana ground is big and Jaydev Unadkat is growing as a bowler. When he was not bowling that well, he was getting more money. He is getting less money when he is bowling better,” Chopra shared on his YouTube channel.
However he is concerned with English speedster Mark Wood’s availability. The Englishman has been unfortunate with several injury concerns and his workload will be of primary concern of the English cricket board.
“It’s always a question mark whether Mark Wood will be available for the entire season because the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) might want their players back towards the latter half. There is a possibility, so that will have to be paid attention to,” he added.
However Chopra feels that if Wood plays the entire season, he will finish as the franchise’ highest wicket taker for the season. He wants Wood to bowl in the middle and death overs and now with the new ball.
LSG have suffered a major blow with Mohsin Khan’s injury this season. Mohsin was exceptional for LSG last season but now they will rely on Avesh Khan to deliver for them this time. Chopra also feels that Ravi Bishnoi will have a big season despite being inconsistent last time. He also feels that veteran spinner Amit Mishra will be used as an “Impact Player” by the franchise.
“Ravi Bishnoi has to have a good season. Last year he was blowing hot, blowing cold, but despite that, the team did well. I feel Amit Mishra is their Impact Player in bowling and he will be a part of the XI if they bowl first,” he concluded.
Lastly he feels allrounders such as Daniel Sams and Romario Shepherd are mostly back up options and will not feature in their strongest lineup. However if Wood is unavailable then one of the two may play for LSG.
