IPL 2024 – Match 11, LSG vs PBKS: KL Rahul to Drop Devdutt Padikkal? Lucknow Super Giants Probable Playing 11 vs Punjab Kings
LSG traded Avesh Khan Devdutt Padikkal during IPL Trade Windows.
The eleventh game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 will witness Lucknow Super Giants locking horns with Punjab Kings at Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Saturday, 30 March.
KL Rahul indicated his intention to play in the middle order before the start of IPL 2024.
However, in the first game against Rajasthan, he opened the batting alongside Quinton de Kock. This decision surprised many observers.
It appears that Rahul intends to continue with this opening combination. Consequently, the opening partnership will likely remain unchanged for the duration of the season.
Devdutt Padikkal and Ayush Badoni are set to anchor the middle order for the Lucknow franchise. Padikkal is expected to bat at number 3, with Badoni following at number 4.
In the previous match against the Rajasthan Royals, both players had a quiet performance. They struggled against the depth of the Rajasthan lineup and were dismissed swiftly by the left-arm quicks Nandre Burger and Trent Boult.
However, Padikkal and Badoni aim to bounce back strongly in the upcoming match, especially on their team’s home ground.
Nicholas Pooran who usually plays the middle order role for teams around the world will now try to enhance his reputation as a late-order hitter with Marcus Stoinis who has had an underwhelming career graph for a year now which has also led him to missing on a Central Contract.
Krunal Pandya and Ravi Bishnoi will make up the spin department of the Lucknow team, but if the pitch at Ekana continues to be the pitch every team encountered in a year or so, then either of Amit Mishra or Krishnappa Gowtham coming as an impact substitute shouldn’t be a surprise.
Naveen-ul-Haq is likely to maintain his position in the team despite the presence of Shamar Joseph in the Lucknow squad. This decision is due to the valuable skill set Naveen brings, particularly his ability to bowl effective slower deliveries that grip the Ekana pitch.
On the other hand, Shamar Joseph’s deficiency in defensive skills makes it challenging to compensate for. Lucknow already faces the challenge of two vulnerable bowlers Yash Thakur and Mohsin Khan.
Mohsin Khan, who missed half of the previous season, is yet to rediscover his form
If the pitch at Ekana turns and slows down as the game progresses, Amit Mishra or Krishnappa Gowtham could come in as the Impact Substitute.
Here’s how the XI of Lucknow Super Giants is shaping up for their encounter with the Punjab Kings:
Probable XI of LSG vs PBKS
KL Rahul (C & WK), Quinton de Kock, Devdutt Padikkal, Ayush Badoni, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Krunal Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, Yash Thakur, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mohsin Khan
Impact Player: Deepak Hooda/ Amit Mishra
