Cricket News

Lucknow Supergiants likely to release 3 players ahead of IPL 2024

 

The Lucknow Supergiants have had a promising initiation into the Indian Premier League, qualifying for the playoffs in both their debut season last year and this year. However, their journey in both seasons ended in the eliminator, with a thrashing at the hands of the Mumbai Indians in Chennai this year. While it was a decent season for the Supergiants, there are areas that demand careful attention as they need rebuilding for the next season.

Determined to make a stronger impact in IPL 2024, the Lucknow Supergiants are poised to address the shortcomings that hindered their progress this season. With the deadline for submitting their retention list looming just around the corner, LSG may release a few players who are surplus to requirements.

Here’s a look at three players that LSG may release:

Manan Vohra

With a plethora of talented opening batsmen already in their ranks, Lucknow Supergiants might consider releasing Manan Vohra ahead of the impending IPL 2024 season. The presence of KL Rahul, Quinton de Kock, and Kyle Mayers severely limited Vohra’s opportunities, granting him a mere single appearance throughout the 2023 campaign.

Furthermore, Vohra’s recent performances have been marred by inconsistency. While he managed a couple of impressive knocks in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, his overall numbers in the tournament and the Vijay Hazare Trophy remain underwhelming, raising concerns about his ability to consistently contribute to the team’s success.

Considering the abundance of opening options available, Lucknow Supergiants might be better served by releasing Vohra and utilizing their resources to strengthen other areas of their squad. This strategic move could potentially enhance the team’s overall balance and pave the way for a more successful IPL 2024 campaign.

Jaydev Unadkat

Jaydev Unadkat’s IPL performances have been far from impressive in recent years. Over the past six seasons, spanning 46 matches, he has managed to secure only 35 wickets, a figure that raises concerns about his effectiveness. His economy rate has been a cause for worry as well, exceeding 9.5 in five of those seasons.

This year, Unadkat’s limited opportunities resulted in a wicketless streak, further compounded by his disappointing economy rate. Before succumbing to an injury that ended his season prematurely, Unadkat failed to deliver any noteworthy performances. Given his low performances, Lucknow Supergiants might follow the footsteps of Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians, who have previously released Unadkat due to his inconsistent contributions.

Deepak Hooda

Deepak Hooda’s IPL 2023 performance was an unmitigated disaster. His paltry 84 runs in 12 matches, coupled with a dismal strike rate of 93.33, epitomized his struggles throughout the season. The LSG management’s inconsistent approach, involving dropping and re-picking Hooda, further exacerbated the situation, failing to provide him with the stability and confidence to perform.

Hooda’s batting position was also subjected to constant change, further hindering his ability to settle into a rhythm and contribute consistently. With the emergence of talented youngsters like Prerak Mankad and Ayush Badoni, Lucknow Supergiants might seriously consider releasing Hooda to free up a substantial 5.75 crores. This significant sum could be judiciously utilized to address other pressing needs within the squad. Hooda’s underwhelming performance and the availability of promising alternatives should prompt Lucknow Supergiants to make a tough but necessary decision.