IPL 2022: 5 Players Lucknow Super Giants might target in mega auction

The RPSG group is all set to play its second IPL innings. So far by signing giants like KL Rahul, Marcus Stoinis and Ravi Bishnoi, Lucknow has laid a stable foundation. However, to further assemble a massive squad, the management has to additionally cover a lot more bases. Firstly the team requires a chief pacer both Indian and overseas. Much like this even all-rounders or multi-skill set players have to be signed to stitch a versatile and resourceful squad.

Here are the 5 players that Lucknow might target in IPL 2022 mega auction:

1. Mohammed Shami

In recent times, Mohammed Shami has become an outstanding IPL bowler. From the past three seasons, Shami’s bowling has grown remarkably. Even in terms of his economy, it stands now around 7. For PBKS, this spearhead was their chief pacer grabbing 58 wickets from 42 games. Comprehensively, his three-year stint with Punjab has also made him the franchise’s fourth-highest wicket-taker.

As the 31-year old is now openly available, Lucknow might find him tailor-made for their needs. Because the team essentially requires a principal pacer, Shami can be a befitting option. Though there are other candidates like Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar available, their multi skillsets will eventually cost whopping amounts.

That’s why compared to the other marquee Indian pacers, Shami might be available at an equitable deal. However, his former franchise PBKS might also aggressively bid to bring back its old stallion. Also expect teams like MI, CSK and SRH to go full throttle to purchase this ace Indian spearhead.

2. Josh Hazlewood

Just like picking a chief local pacer, the Lucknow franchise also has to sign an overseas spearhead. At least from the marquee lists, the management has to bag a sturdy fast-bowler. Perhaps in such a pursuit, the likes of Rabada, Bravo, Cummins and Boult will be on the wish-list of almost all franchises.

Maybe that’s why hunting for someone like Hazlewood would be an interesting choice and as he specifically won’t be on the radar of all teams, he might get available at a relatively fair deal. Though his two former teams (MI and CSK) will bid wholeheartedly, they unnecessarily also avoid providing colossal contracts to overseas bowlers.

Overall, for Hazlewood, Lucknow will certainly experience a bidding war. However, their sizable purse must seal the deal for them.

3. Devon Conway

After signing skipper KL Rahul, the Lucknow team might gaze their eyes on Devon Conway. As Conway can smoothly bat in the top five, his position could be determined as per the team’s game plan. If the franchise wants KL Rahul to exhibit himself explosively then the Kiwi can open the batting and score big.

The 30-year old cricketer can also dwell in the middle-order and become versatile with his gameplay. In terms of striking the ball, the New Zealand batter in T20Is has numbers touching 140. Overall, Conway can offer batting flexibility, part-time wicket-keeping and gun fielding.

Even pricing-wise the southpaw falls under a category of INR 1 Crore. Hence, if the management wants to fetch him then it could become one of the best signings. However, expect teams like MI and DC to battle hard for this prodigy.

4. Deepak Hooda

After bagging their frontline pacers, the Super Giants’s next agenda will be to sign a solid lower middle-order batter. In such a category, the team would also prefer batters who can roll their arms. Perhaps in such a quest, many franchises also aim for finishers who are local rather than overseas. That’s why to accompany Marcus Stoinis, Lucknow might set their eyes on Deepak Hooda.

Though there are also other contemporaries available like Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, K Gowtham and Krunal Pandya, their secondary skills will eventually make them over-priced. Of course, even Hooda for sure will enjoy high demand but Lucknow won’t mind spending extra if it handsomely settles their lower middle-order.

Overall, as the 26-year old also bowls now, he will establish himself as a batting all-rounder. Apparently just like Lucknow, almost every IPL team will strive hard to acquire players like Deepak Hooda.

5. Suresh Raina

Fortunately, if Super Giants bags all of the above players then even signing Suresh Raina won’t be an issue. As a local boy, Raina would instantly establish a connection between the franchise and fans. Secondly, as the management also has to shop for Indian batters, the southpaw will become available at a viable fee.

Additionally, the 35-year old can rightly fill in the leadership boots in case any crises occur. Also, in terms of his batting role, Raina can freely exhibit himself if there are players like Stoinis and Hooda in the backend.

Overall, though not many teams will bid for Raina, CSK might intervene and make an emotional purchase. All in all, if Lucknow gets batters who are fiery and dynamic then even Raina should be signed.