'Team That Has Always Played Above Their Potential': Gavaskar Picks One of the Top 4 Contenders in IPL 2024

The Lucknow Super Giants will be searching for their maiden title when they enter the forthcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Lucknow-based franchise has made it to back-to-back playoffs since making its debut in the tournament in 2022 but has yet to reach the finals. Under the wings of newly-appointed head coach, Justin Langer, Rahul & Co. will look to start afresh as the much-anticipated T20 league is around the corner.

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The focus will be majorly on skipper KL Rahul who has been enjoying a great run in the middle-order lately. Last year in the 50-over World Cup at home, the Karnataka batter scored 452 runs in 11 games, scoring a century and a couple of fifties. However, his calibre as a middle-order batter is yet to be tested in T20s. Since coming back from the injury, Rahul has mostly played ODIs and a few Tests and the forthcoming IPL will provide him with the platform to put forth his case for a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad.

Meanwhile, former India captain and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar reckoned that Nicholas Pooran should bat at the No. 3 if KL Rahul plays at No. 4. While speaking on Start Sports Network, Gavaskar was asked about LSG’s batting in the IPL 2024 to which he responded saying,

“They are a good team. They have been a team which has somehow always played above their potential. If they continue to do that, they will be in the periphery of the top four all the time. KL Rahul might bat at No. 4, Nicholas Pooran can bat at No. 3,” Gavaskar said.

“Nicholas Pooran, the more overs that he gets, the more destructive he can be. I saw in the Major League Cricket, he was just sensational. So clearly I think Pooran needs to get a few more overs,” he added.

Padikkal to pair with QDK at top of the order

The LSG earlier traded Devdutt Padikkal from the Rajasthan Royals who will likely open the innings alongside seasoned wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock. Gavaskar said LSG’s batting looks sorted for the season.

“Quinton de Kock, the opening bat. Devdutt Padikkal, who they have bought, might be the opener with him. So I think their batting seems to be definitely sorted. It’s the bowling where they need to do a little bit more so that they continue to be in the top four,” Gavaskar said.