Analysis
Three players Lucknow Super Giants might release ahead of IPL auctions 2024
Lucknow Super Giants have been pretty good as a franchise. Given the fact that the franchise has been just 2 seasons young, it has already made it to the playoffs of both seasons, much like Gujarat Titans. In 2022 and 2023, LSG entered the eliminator stage of the tournament. Sadly, LSG has not been able to win the match from that stage yet, which they would be looking forward to, come the IPL 2024.
But for that to happen, LSG must take some harsh calls. From the outlook of their squad in IPL 2023, it is quite evident that they have some very good players in the squad. To buy some quality batters, especially at the top, LSG might be willing to release some of its pacers. With some very good players already in their rank, LSG would be looking forward to getting better options at the auctions of the IPL 2024.
Here are three players who might be released by LSG ahead of the auctions of the IPL 2024:
3. Daniel Sams
Daniel Sams (Source: Twitter)
Daniel Sams has represented 4 different franchises in the IPL in the last few years. The left-arm pacer has been a part of franchises like Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC), Mumbai Indians (MI), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). But in no franchise, Sams has been able to perform. For his support, there has not been a longer run given to him by the franchises.
Sams is a good bowler with the new ball. The left-arm pacer has a natural outswinger against the left-handers. With the old ball, Sams can take the pace off from the batters and can cause some trouble. With the bat, the right-handed batter can score some runs lower down the order. But since Sams has been a bit predictable as a bowler, LSG might be looking for some better options from the auctions.
2. Jaydev Unadkat
Jaydev Unadkat (Source: Twitter)
Jaydev Unadkat has been a seasoned campaigner with the ball. The experienced batter has been playing in the IPL since the early 2010. For Rising Pune Supergiant, Unadkat had a stellar season in 2017, where he was the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament behind Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Since then, Unadkat has not been up to the mark, despite being paid highly by the franchises.
Notably, Rajasthan Royals had paid him a lot in the 2018 and 2019 seasons. But since then, he has been part of different teams. In 2023, Unadkat was a part of LSG. But he could not make a mark in the limited number of opportunities provided for him. Moreover, LSG has some good bowlers for Powerplay overs. Hence, Unadkat might not be very useful for them with the ball. It might lead to LSG releasing him.
1. Avesh Khan
Avesh Khan (Source: Twitter)
Avesh Khan was an expensive buy at the auctions from LSG. The right-arm pacer was bought for a huge price of INR 10 crores. For the amount he got, he proved to be not-so-good for LSG. With the ball, Avesh conceded a lot of runs despite bowling mostly in the bowler-friendly conditions of Lucknow. Avesh went for runs in all the phases of the game. Some of the youngsters in the team like Yash Thakur bowled better than him.
The issue with Avesh is his price tag. He has not been able to live up to the expectations. Ahead of the IPL 2024, he might be released by LSG. In auctions, Avesh might be available at a lower price, in case LSG opt to buy him back. Either way, releasing him would be a good idea from the perspective of LSG. With that, LSG would get a purse deficit of INR 10 crores, which would be helpful for them to look for other options.
