The newly formed Lucknow team has so much to look forward to in the upcoming Indian T20 League mega auction. They, not just have to build their entire team, but also what they believe as a team. For that, they have to choose players in the mega auction that match their ideologies.
They have named KL Rahul as their captain, Marcus Stoinis as their overseas all-rounder, and Ravi Bishnoi as their uncapped player. Lucknow has a budget of 60 crores remaining in the purse. They will have to be very careful of how much they spend on a player.
Here is a list of players that Lucknow can look to buy in the mega auction.
Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow at the top of the order is a very impressive player. He can bat according to the situation of the game. He can anchor the innings when needed and score at a faster rate when required. Bairstow can be their primary wicketkeeper so that KL Rahul can focus on his captaincy. It will be interesting to watch him open along with KL Rahul. Bairstow can compliment Rahul's playing style well, and these two can provide Lucknow with a good foundation.
Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan is the kind of player who is very flexible with his batting. He can open the batting if needed or even bat lower and finish the games. He is an aggressive player, and young blood who can be a match-winner has become a must in any T20 team.
Kishan is sure to get many bids in the auction for the various qualities he brings into the side. He also can put on the gloves and be asked to keep the wickets whenever needed.
Shakib al Hasan
Shakib al Hasan has been among the top-ranking all-rounders in the Player rankings for a long time now. He has done well for his team in recent years and can do that for any team that buys him in the auction. Lucknow already has Marcus Stoinis as their medium-paced all-rounder, Shakib can be another genuine all-rounder with different expertise. His hitting game provides for a good finisher and he can also complete his quota of four overs in every game.
Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada is one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket. His genuine pace can disrupt any batter. He has been very consistent with wickets as well, except for the last season. He won the purple cap in 2020 and helped Delhi reach the final.
Lucknow have not purchased any full-time bowler from the draft. Rabada can fill in that role for the team, and they can build a strong bowling unit around him.
Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the most experienced players available in the ITL mega auction. He brings to the table what many players can not, analyzing data. Ashwin is one of the very few players who give a lot of importance to data. He studies his oppositions well and more often than not is successful against them. Ashwin will be a hot buy in the ITL and will attract many bids in the first set of marquee players. There is a high possibility of Lucknow going after him in the auction.