November 20, 2024: Ahead of the IPL 2024 mega auction, former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has suggested that Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) should target Arshdeep Singh aggressively, as the young left-arm pacer could thrive in the conditions at Ekana Stadium.
Uthappa recommended that LSG should not only use their Right-to-Match (RTM) on Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, but also bid for Arshdeep, who he believes would enjoy bowling in the larger, bouncier venues in Lucknow.
Arshdeep Singh’s Strengths
Arshdeep has been a standout performer in the IPL and for India, particularly with the ball in T20s. Having represented Punjab Kings (PBKS) since his IPL debut in 2019, Arshdeep has taken 76 wickets in 65 matches at an average of 27.00, with a standout performance of 5/32. His performance for India in T20Is has been equally impressive, making him one of the most successful pacers in the format. He was also part of India’s 2023 ICC T20 World Cup squad, where he finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets at an average of 12.47.
Uthappa highlighted that the larger dimensions of Ekana Stadium, which offer bounce and movement, would suit Arshdeep’s strengths, particularly his ability to swing the ball and bowl yorkers in the death overs. With these conditions, Uthappa feels Arshdeep would be a great fit for LSG.
In addition to discussing potential player acquisitions, Uthappa also touched on the leadership situation at LSG. He suggested that Nicholas Pooran, the West Indian wicketkeeper-batter, is likely to take on the captaincy unless an Australian player with leadership experience is brought in, given that LSG’s head coach is former Australian opener Justin Langer.
Uthappa also addressed the potential signing of Ishan Kishan, the wicketkeeper-batter released by Mumbai Indians (MI). He suggested that Kishan might not be the ideal fit for LSG, given the conditions at Ekana Stadium, which might not suit his aggressive style of batting. Uthappa believes that Kishan would perform better on pitches with more pace and bounce, such as those found in Gujarat (for the Gujarat Titans).
Opening Options for LSG
When it comes to opening options, Uthappa suggested that LSG could bring back Quinton de Kock (QDK) and Kyle Mayers, or consider other international openers like Will Jacks and Devon Conway. He mentioned that while Conway plays spin well, he believed CSK (Chennai Super Kings) would likely retain him using their RTM card, meaning he might not be available for LSG.
The IPL 2024 auction will see a total of 574 players, including 366 Indian and 208 overseas players, with 318 uncapped Indian players and 12 uncapped overseas players. The auction will also feature some high-profile marquee players, such as Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Arshdeep Singh, and Yuzvendra Chahal, as well as international stars like Mitchell Starc, Jos Buttler, and David Miller.
LSG, along with other franchises, will look to deploy their RTM cards strategically, as they aim to strengthen their squads for the upcoming season. The auction promises to be a high-stakes event, with teams looking to build competitive squads and make strategic moves that could shape the future of their campaigns.
Robin Uthappa’s insights highlight the potential for LSG to strengthen their squad by targeting players like Arshdeep Singh, Marcus Stoinis, and possibly looking for specific opening options. The IPL 2024 mega auction will be a crucial moment for all franchises, with LSG looking to further build on their promising squad, particularly by adding key players who could thrive in the conditions at Ekana Stadium.
