Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra believes Lucknow Super Giants has a very good bowling lineup to face Chennai Super Kings in their second match of the league stage. KL Rahul-led secured a thumping win over Delhi Capitals in their opening encounter on Saturday, in Ekana Cricket Stadium.
The IPL 2023 is underway with all the teams playing a single match each, Cricketer-turned-commentator shared his insights on the match between Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. “The bowling is looking very good in terms of horses for courses. They have Ravi Bishnoi and Krunal Pandya, an option in the form of Krishnappa Gowtham in the spin department, and if they want they can play Amit Mishra as well,” speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said.
Aakash Chopra reckons Lucknow Super Giants can use Krishnappa Gowtham as an impact player similar to the Delhi Capitals game, where he came to face the last ball to hit a six and bowl an economical spell of 23 runs for 4 overs replacing Ayush Badoni.
“I feel Krishnappa Gowtham can once again be the Impact Player because this team does not have too many off-spinners. If you get to bowl first, you will see Krishnappa Gowtham in the XI itself and then you might see Ayush Badoni playing as an Impact Player later,” Aakash Chopra said.
Aakash Chopra feels that Lucknow Super Giants has a gun bowling lineup as they have Mark Wood, Avesh Khan, and Jaydev Unadkat in their team and also added that Chepauk pitch will aid their spinners to do well in Chennai conditions. Mark Wood was impressive in the opening game picking up 5-wickets for his team.
Kyle Mayers Was Outstanding For LSG – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra feels Lucknow Super Giants will continue with the same team, as Quinton de Kock is yet to join the squad, Chopra reckons that Mayers who had an exceptional debut in IPL will continue to open alongside their skipper KL Rahul.
“Quinton de Kock is still not available. Kyle Mayers did well, so you can stick with him. KL Rahul is there alongside him. KL Rahul was dismissed early in the first match but Kyle Mayers was outstanding. After that, there is decent depth in batting. First Deepak Hooda comes, then Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, and Krunal Pandya, and they use Ayush Badoni as well,” Aakash Chopra added.
Lucknow Super Giants has a deep batting lineup with the likes of Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Krunal Pandya, and Ayush Badoni in their middle order, who can take away the game from the opponents. LSG will look to continue their winning momentum against four-time champions.