Quinton de Kock's return to India for IPL 2023 sparks team selection dilemma for LSG

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have had a mixed start to their campaign in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL). While some of their players have displayed impressive performances, there have been some concerns as well.

One of the positives for LSG has been the form of Caribbean duo Kyle Mayers and Nicholas Pooran. Mayers, who was given the opportunity to open the innings with KL Rahul in the absence of Quinton de Kock, has been in destructive form and has scored two half-centuries at a strike rate of over 200. Pooran, who was bought for a whopping ₹16 crore at the auction, has also displayed glimpses of his abilities in both the matches played so far.

However, there have been concerns about the form of skipper KL Rahul, who has failed to make any notable contribution with the bat in the first two games. With de Kock expected to make his comeback, all-rounder Marcus Stoinis might make way for the Proteas batter in the playing XI.

KL Rahul and De Kock have been rock solid for LSG

In the previous season, Rahul and de Kock were the bulk of the run-scoring for LSG, with both scoring more than 500 runs. Deepak Hooda was the only other consistent performer amongst the batters with more than 400 runs. LSG will hope that Mayers and Pooran can continue their good form and support Rahul, de Kock, and Hooda with the run-scoring this season.

On the bowling front, Mark Wood had a good spell in the first match against Delhi Capitals, picking up a fifer, but was hammered for runs in the second match against CSK. Lead spinner Ravi Bishnoi has been in good form, picking up five wickets at an economy of less than 8.

LSG had a decent debut season in the IPL, finishing third on the points table but losing to Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Eliminator. Ahead of the 2023 auction, they released several players including Jason Holder, Manish Pandey, and Evin Lewis. At the auction, they made some quality additions to their squad, including Nicholas Pooran, Daniel Sams, Jaydev Unadkat, and Romario Shepherd.

One of the major concerns for LSG has been the absence of left-arm seamer Mohsin Khan, who is expected to miss most of the season due to injury. Khan was the second-most economical bowler in the previous season and his absence could be felt by the team.

LSG have also used Krishnappa Gowtham and Ayush Badoni as impact players in the first two games and might look to use either of them in the same role again.

Overall, LSG has shown some promising signs in the early stages of the IPL but they will need to address their concerns and maintain consistency to have a successful campaign this season.