Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra believes Lucknow Super Giants openers – KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock – are Orange Cap contenders in the upcoming season of the IPL. De Kock and Rahul had performed consistently in the previous season and they are once again going to hold the key.
While Rahul had scored 616 runs in 15 matches in the previous season at an average of 51.33 and a strike rate of 135.28, Quinton de Kock had amassed 508 runs in 15 matches at an average of 36.29 and a blistering strike rate of 148.97.
Thus, the left and right-hand opening batting pair played an instrumental role in taking LSG to the playoff stages in their maiden edition of the IPL.
“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,” said Chopra on his YouTube Channel.
On the other hand, KL Rahul has been under the scanner for his underwhelming performances in the recent past. Rahul was dropped from the third Test match against Australia after he returned with low scores of 20, 17, and 1 in the first two Test matches. The flamboyant batter, however, did score 75 runs in the first ODI but he will have a point to prove in the upcoming IPL.
“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,” Chopra added.
The renowned commentator added LSG should play Deepak Hooda at either three or four in the batting order. Hooda had scored 451 runs in 15 matches of the previous season.
“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,” said Chopra.
Lucknow Super Giants will commence their IPL 2023 campaign against Delhi Capitals at their home ground of Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on 1st April.
