Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra believes Mohsin Khan’s absence is going to be felt by Lucknow Super Giants in the upcoming season. The lanky paceman had impressed with his skills in the previous season of the tournament and had played an instrumental role in taking LSG to the playoff stages.
Khan had consistently bowled over 140 km/h and also had a good slower ball in his repertoire. The left-arm fast bowler took 14 wickets in the nine matches he played and conceded his runs at an economy rate of 5.97.
However, the fast bowler from Uttar Pradesh will miss the majority of IPL 2023 due to a shoulder injury.
“They have Avesh Khan and Mohsin Khan – it is going fifty-fifty for him because of injury. I am hearing good things about Mayank Yadav. Mohsin Khan’s absence will be felt because he did extremely well last year. Avesh Khan went down, you want him to follow an upward trajectory. There might be some potential concerns in bowling,” said Chopra on his YouTube Channel.
The renowned commentator added that leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi should have a good season for LSG if they have to savor success. Bishnoi had scalped 13 wickets in 14 matches of the previous season for the KL Rahul-led team.
“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,” Chopra added.
Meanwhile, LSG also roped in the services of Jaydev Unadkat, who has been in terrific form in the domestic circuit, especially in the Ranji Trophy. Chopra feels Unadkat was not bowling well when he was being paid more. The left-arm seamer from Saurashtra was brought for INR 50 lakhs by LSG in IPL 2023 mini-auction.
“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,” 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.
