- Mar 4, 2024
- Oct 10, 2022
In a significant move ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League, the Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Supergiants have agreed to swap players Devdutt Padikkal and Avesh Khan. The two franchises have finalized the deal and are just waiting for approval from the Indian Cricket Board.
Padikkal, a promising young left-handed batsman, has struggled to find his footing in the Royals’ lineup in recent seasons. Despite being acquired for a substantial sum of ₹7.75 crore in the 2022 IPL mega-auction, the southpaw failed to live up to expectations during his stint with the Royals. His struggles were particularly evident in the 2022 IPL season when he played in all 17 matches but could only manage a modest 376 runs at a disappointing strike rate of 122.08.
Padikkal’s struggles continued in the 2023 IPL season, where he featured in 11 matches but once again failed to make a significant mark. The lack of impact with the bat, coupled with his seemingly awkward fit in the Royals’ lineup has prompted the franchise to seek a trade, ultimately leading to his move to the Lucknow Supergiants.
The trade to Lucknow presents Padikkal with a fresh start and an opportunity to rediscover his form. In a new environment, he may find the freedom and confidence to express himself more effectively and establish himself as a valuable asset to the Supergiants’ batting lineup.
Avesh Khan, on the other hand, was acquired by the Lucknow Supergiants for a significant sum of ₹10 crore in 2022. He demonstrated his bowling prowess by taking 18 wickets in the season. However, his performance in the 2023 IPL season was less impressive, with only 8 wickets to his name. This decline in performance, coupled with the Supergiants’ desire to strengthen their batting lineup, led to the decision to trade him to the Rajasthan Royals.
Fans will hope that the change brings good luck for both players as they are exciting prospects who can serve Indian Cricket for a long time.
Here’s how fans have reacted to the news:
Rahul and Rahul ultra pro max batting together
— Pricviz (@Pric_viz_) November 22, 2023
Rajasthan Royals had to many top order batters..
Good move.
— Extraa Cover (@ExtraaaCover) November 22, 2023
RCB to RR to LSG, wish you good luck Padikkal🔥
— Manu (@virat_facts) November 22, 2023
Paddikal and KL Rahul to open
6 over 36 runs no wicket— AP (@AksP009) November 22, 2023
Is Rahul planning to bat in middle order? Otherwise LSG have lot of openers in QDK, Kyle Mayers, Rahul and now Devdutt
— Tejas Nitin Lad (@tejasytl) November 22, 2023
Sahi Rahega RR Acche Se Use Nhi Kr Rahi
— Woke Indian 🇮🇳 (@wokeindian14) November 22, 2023
Win win situation for all the three parties.
— Ajitdeep (@CHAIHOLIC_) November 22, 2023
Advantage RR imo
— Khabis Insan (@IamUmarJav) November 22, 2023