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As the cricketing world gears up for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are set to make strategic moves to fortify their squad. The KL Rahul-led side, which delivered an outstanding performance in the previous season, finishing as the third-best team, will enter the auction with a purse of INR 13.9 crore.
With an eye on maintaining their competitive edge, LSG have released quite a few players, the franchise aims to strike a balance between experienced players and emerging talents as they prepare for the 2024 edition.
LSG’s strong performance in the previous season
The Super Giants showcased their cricketing prowess in the previous IPL season, securing the third position after the finalists Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans (GT). With a successful campaign behind them, LSG aims to build on their strengths and address specific areas of improvement through strategic player acquisitions in the upcoming auction.
Release of 8 players sets the stage
In preparation for the upcoming edition, the Super Giants have released eight players from their squad, creating room for fresh talent and strategic acquisitions. Notable exits include Jaydev Unadkat, Daniel Sams, and Karun Nair, indicating a strategic shift in the team’s composition.
Also READ: 5 teams that can target Lockie Ferguson in the IPL 2024 auction
Five potential targets for LSG in IPL 2024 auction
As the auction drama unfolds, let’s have a look at five players that LSG could potentially target to bolster their squad for the IPL 2024 season:
Pat Cummins (Australia) – Base Price: INR 2 crore
- Profile: Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins is renowned for his express pace and ability to take wickets consistently.
- Attributes: Cummins is a proven match-winner with both the new and old ball. His athleticism and aggressive approach make him a valuable asset in the fast-bowling department.
- Role: LSG, or any team, could benefit from Cummins’ ability to provide early breakthroughs and control the game during the middle and death overs.
- Previous season: Cummins didn’t play the last season. But in 2022, he represented KKR and bagged 7 wickets.
Jason Holder (West Indies) – Base Price: INR 1 crore
- Profile: West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder is known for his prowess in all departments.
- Attributes: Holder’s international experience and leadership qualities make him a versatile player. He can contribute with both bat and ball, adding depth to the team’s composition.
- Role: Holder’s adaptability makes him an ideal candidate for LSG, providing options in the middle order and an additional bowling resource.
- Previous season: Holder played for the Rajasthan Royals last season, taking 4 wickets in eight matches.
Jaydev Unadkat (India) – Base price: INR 50 lakh
- Profile: Indian left-arm fast bowler Jaydev Unadkat is a veteran and has a prior IPL experience.
- Attributes: Unadkat brings valuable left-arm pace and a wealth of T20 experience. Despite being released, his ability to deliver crucial overs and pick up wickets makes him an interesting option.
- Role: LSG may consider bringing back Unadkat for his familiarity with the conditions and his knack for providing breakthroughs.
- Previous season: Unadkat plied his trade for Lucknow in IPL 2023 and went wicketless after playing only 3 games.
Shardul Thakur (India) – Base price: INR 2 crore
- Profile: Known for his aggressive pace bowling and lower-order hitting, Shardul Thakur is a Indian star.
- Attributes: Thakur has showcased his ability to thrive under pressure in both domestic and international T20s. His aggressive style with the bat adds depth to the team’s lower order.
- Role: LSG could target Thakur to strengthen their Indian pace attack and add firepower to the lower middle-order batting.
- Previous season: Thakur represented KKR in IPL 2023 and bagged 7 scalps in 11 matches.
Shahrukh Khan (India) – Base Price: INR 40 lakh
- Profile: Shahrukh Khan is an emerging Indian batter who is known for his aggressive batting style and finishing skills.
- Attributes: Shahrukh has impressed with his power-hitting and ability to accelerate the run rate in the middle overs. He can be a game-changer with his destructive approach.
- Role: LSG may consider investing in young talent like Shahrukh to infuse energy into their batting lineup and groom a promising player for the future.
- Previous season: Shahrukh played for PBKS in IPL 2023. In 14 matches last season, Shahrukh scored 156 runs.
