IPL 2022: Predicting first-choice overseas players of Lucknow Super Giants

Making their debut in 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL), franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were the only team to utilize their full purse at the mega auction. Ahead of the auction, LSG signed three players including KL Rahul, Marcus Stoinis, and Ravi Bishnoi. Led by mentor Gautam Gambhir and head coach Andy Flower, LSG were the only franchise to utilize their full purse of INR 90 crore in the mega auction.

LSG have picked 21 players in the auction and seven of them are foreigners. The overseas options that the franchise has are Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, Jason Holder, Dushmantha Chameera, Mark Wood, Kyle Mayers, and Evin Lewis. However, it is well known that a team is allowed to play only four overseas players in a match.

On that note, here are four first-choice overseas players of Lucknow Super Giants:

1. Marcus Stoinis

Australian allrounder Marcus Stoinis was signed for INR 9.2 crores by the franchise ahead of the mega auction. As he has shown in past IPL seasons, the allrounder could be very explosive with the bat and is a handy medium-paced bowler too.

The 32-year allrounder has played 56 IPL matches and has hit 914 runs at a staggering strike rate of 135.80. With the ball, the right-handed bowler has taken 30 wickets with an average of 32.30. Though Stoinis did not have the best of the tournament last year for Delhi Capitals, the Australian all-rounder has been drafted for such a price for his excellent form in the recently concluded Big Bash League and T20 World Cup.

Apart from his form, Stoinis can be a lethal option for LSG as he is a big match player who can win the matches in any situation and this ability has given him this privilege of retention. The Australian all-rounder will certainly be in the first XI of the squad for the franchise.

2. Quinton de Kock (South Africa)

South African wicketkeeper batter Quinton de Kock was bagged by LSG at a steal deal of INR 6.25 crore. The left-handed batter player has loads of experience and batting techniques along with his keeping skills. He was been with the five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians squad for the past three years and his valuable contributions helped the franchise to win two of five titles MI have.

The left-handed batter has scored 2256 runs in 77 IPL matches with a staggering strike rate of 130.93. The 29-year old wicketkeeper has taken 53 catches and inflicted 14 stumpings in his keeping role. It is almost certain that Quinton will open the inning with his skipper KL Rahul.

The duo of Rahul and De Kock could be lethal at the top and could take on any bowling line-up if they are in their full swing, especially during field restrictions. Apart from his batting and keeping contributions, De Kock could be very useful to help Rahul with field positions or in case of any difficult situations.

3. Jason Holder (West Indies)

4. Mark Wood (England)

English express pacer Mark Wood registered himself for IPL 2022 mega auction at a base price of INR two crore. However, Wood was sold for INR 7.50 crore after a three-way battle between Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and eventual buyers, Lucknow Super Giants.

The 32-year old pacer has played only one match in the biggest cricketing league in the world representing Chennai Super Kings. However, the pacer did not have a debut to remember as Wood gave away 49 runs in his full four-over quota going wicketless in the process as well.

Talking about his T20I career, Wood has represented England in 19 T20I matches in which he has scalped 26 wickets at an average of 24.08, but has an economy of 8.76. There would be a good headache for the LSG management to choose between Wood and Dushmanta Chameera as their premium fast bowling option. However, LSG will be looking to go with the former considering his experience at the international level more than the Sri Lankan pacer.

Other overseas options: Evin Lewis, Dushmanta Chameera, and Kyle Mayers