Strongest playing XI for Lucknow: Can this star-studded team win the title in first shot ?
KL Rahul (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images
The upcoming fifteenth edition of the Indian T20 league shall see two new teams. One among them is Lucknow, who were absolutely superb during the mega auction. While they had already announced that KL Rahul would be leading the franchise in the upcoming edition, they purchased some top-class players. So what would their ideal playing XI look like? Today, we shall be taking a look at the strongest playing XI for Lucknow in the 2022 edition.
1) Openers- KL Rahul (C) and Quinton de Kock (WK)
Lucknow have arguably the best opening pair. Both KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock are right amongst the best players of this era. Besides, both of them have been in sensational form in the shortest format of the game . Thus, the captain and keeper of the side are expected to light fireworks at the top of the order.
2) Middle-order- Manish Pandey and Deepak Hooda
The Indian batters are expected to bat with responsibility during the middle overs. Manish Pandey, as well as Deepak Hooda, would want to prove a point to the Indian selectors. Thus, they couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity than this. Pandey loves playing the pacers, and as for Hooda, he is a very good player of spin.
3) All-rounders- Marcus Stoinis, Jason Holder, Krunal Pandya and Krishnappa Gowtham
Lucknow’s team is filled with all-rounders. Thus, from five to eight, they have the batting all-rounders as well as the bowling all-rounders. Marcus Stoinis will be the designated finisher, and Jason Holder and Krunal Pandya will be expected to hit the big blows towards the end. However, a lot will be expected from them with the ball as well. As for Krishnappa Gowtham, his role in the team is primarily that of a bowler.
4) Bowlers- Mark Wood, Avesh Khan and Ravi Bishnoi
The Rahul-led side boasts a fiery pace duo of Mark Wood and Avesh Khan. Both of them can not only bowl in the powerplay overs, but they can also bowl at the death overs as well. Opposition batters are going to find it really hard to face them. As for Ravi Bishnoi, a lot will be expected from the talented leggie. It is to be noted that he was among the three players to be retained ahead of the mega auction.
