Strongest playing XI for Lucknow: Can they win the title in first shot ?

Lucknow performed excellently at the Indian T20 auction and roped in some quality players. Among the few teams with the least gaps and concerns, Lucknow was ranked highly by the experts. This season will be their first-ever appearance in the Indian T20 League. Here is the strongest playing XI for the team.

Top Order

KL Rahul- KL was their biggest pick from the draft. He was also named the skipper of the side. He will have a huge responsibility of getting the team in a position where they can win matches. His leadership skills will also be tested this season.

Quinton de Kock- Quinton de Kock is an attacking opener and can compliment KL Rahul well. De Kock has retired from Test cricket thus only has white all cricket to focus on. He has done well for the teams he played in the past and should be able to do that here as well.

Manish Pandey- Manish Pandey is a top-class Indian batter but his form has been a major concern for a while. He fits in well at the number three position and will have a huge responsibility of setting the platform for a big launch in the latter end of the innings. He will have to be more consistent to win his team matches.

Middle Order

Marcus Stoinis- Stoinis is another player that Lucknow put a lot of trust in. He is a genuine all-rounder and can contribute a lot to the team. Batting at number four can be tricky but he can surely take on that responsibility. He can also bowl a few handy overs when required

Manan Vohra- Manan Vohra is a little less experienced player, but he is a talented youngster. Good performances in Indian T20 League will raise his stocks and help him get back into the race for a place in the Indian team.

Krunal Pandya- Pandya has been a seasoned player for Mumbai for many years now. He has bailed them out of many difficult situations in the past and Lucknow will hope that he can do the same for them this season.

Jason Holder- Holder is a genuine all-rounder but is very underrated. He has a lot to offer in all three departments of the game. He is a good batter, always takes wickets, and is electric in the field.

Deepak Hooda- Hooda has good potential to perform well but he sometimes gets carried away. He has played some good cameos in the past and can do a lot better. Lucknow will have good expectations from him this season.

Lower Order

Ravi Bishnoi- Ravi Bishnoi has impressed everyone with what he can do with the ball. His performance in the tournament has earned him an Indian call-up. Lucknow was smart to buy him in the draft before he got his maiden international cap.

Mark Wood- Mark Wood is not a regular in the Indian T20 League but appears regularly for England. He has a good understanding of the T20 format and will be a valuable asset for the Lucknow team.

Avesh Khan- Avesh Khan had a fantastic 2021 season and was second in the run for purple cap. He has good pace bowls smart lines and lengths. If he can replicate his performance of last season in 2022, Lucknow will have a good season.