NEW DELHI: The stage is set for a high-octane clash between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Former Indian cricketer
Wasim Jaffer
highlighted concerns over LSG's batting order, emphasizing the need for captain
KL Rahul
and opener
Quinton de Kock
to step up.
"I think part of the problem is that KL Rahul is not getting runs so is Quinton de Kock if they get going they will set a platform.
No. 3 position is an issue and it's been for a while. Because they tried
Devdutt Padikkal
, now they have gone back to Deepak Hooda who is at low score at that number also," said Jaffer.
Jaffer proposed a reshuffle, suggesting
Marcus Stoinis
bat at No. 3 and Nicholas Pooran at No. 5. He voiced doubts over Ayush Badoni's suitability at No. 4.
"I personally feel Stoinis should bat at No.3. Then you will probably go with Prerak Mankad at four and Nicholas Pooran at 5 then Krunal Pandya and Ayush Badoni. I dont think Ayush Badoni at No. 4 is the right call," the former Indian batter added.
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In the IPL, LSG had a strong history of defending totals above 160, but recent performances raise doubts. Despite their history, LSG struggled to contain totals above 160 in consecutive matches, signalling a change in their hitting strategy.
"I think there is a lot of pressure on Pooran as well. If de Kock doesn't fare.....I am surprised by how he is playing. He is looking ultra-aggressive, I think he is playing a little bit of a high-rise game," Jaffer added.
With LSG aiming to break their two-game losing streak, they face the formidable CSK on their home turf at the Ekana Stadium, seeking to rectify their batting woes and return to winning ways against the defending champions.
(Inputs from ANI)
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