Lucknow Super Giants In IPL 2023: Preview, Strongest XI, Schedule - All You Need To Know

After finishing third in the league stage of IPL 2022, Lucknow Super Giants will be squaring off against Delhi Capitals on Saturday in their campaign opener. Led by KL Rahul, who emerged as team's highest run-scorer with a total of 616 runs in 15 matches, LSG lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Eliminator match last season. Dropped from the playing XI in Test matches, stripped of vice-captaincy across formats and demoted in the annual central contracts category, Rahul will need to make a personal statement not only with the bat but also as a leader of men.

However, going into IPL 2023, Lucknow will be without their most impressive bowler Mohsin Khan, who made a strong mark with his skills taking 14 wickets in nine matches, at least in the first half of IPL this year owing to a shoulder injury.

LSG wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock is all set to miss the first two games at least given that South Africa will face the Netherlands with their 50-over World Cup qualification on the line.

LSG have bolstered their side this year by adding West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran for a whopping Rs 16 crore, who led the Caribbean side in the last T20 World Cup.

Pooran's addition adds more to the flexibility in picking their wicketkeeper, with South Africa's Quinton de Kock being the primary option.

The biggest area of strength, however, is the list of all-rounders on the LSG roster. Along with India's Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya, Krishnappa Gowtham, Prerak Mankad, LSG also have a rich overseas presence of Marcus Stoinis, Daniel Sams, Kyle Mayers and Romario Shepherd.

The spin department will have the likes of veteran India bowler Amit Mishra along with Ravi Bishnoi, whereas in Mark Wood and Jaydev Unadkat, they