“We really don’t know in which direction that would go” – Aakash Chopra sheds light on Lucknow Super Giants’ opening pair

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra is not sure who Lucknow Super Giants will back as openers in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. With skipper KL Rahul set to bat in the middle order, it will be interesting to note who the franchise will back as openers among Quinton de Kock, Kyle Mayers and Devdutt Padikkal.

Padikkal had impressed in his debut season as an opener while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore but batted in the middle order for his former team, Rajasthan Royals. The southpaw amassed 261 runs at an average of 26.10 and a strike rate of 130.50 in 11 innings in the previous season.

Meanwhile, the 23-year-old has scored 2227 runs in 31 first-class matches at an average of 44.54. The left-hander has been in terrific form in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, scoring 556 runs in four matches at an impressive average of 92.66 and thus he was rewarded by the selectors for his consistent performances as he was added to the Test squad.

On the other hand, LSG had opened with Kyle Mayers in the previous season of the tournament.

Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “When I go towards Lucknow, I would have said they have a very stable opening pair if KL Rahul had been opening because you definitely expect 500 runs from there. However, since he .will not open now, we really don’t know. Quinton de Kock/Kyle Mayers because they had a lot of interest in playing Mayers last year.”

“If De Kock doesn’t open, Mayers is hit and miss and Devdutt Padikkal, who is a new player at this slot after a while, will be alongside him. He is in great form but we really don’t know in which direction that would go,” the former India opener added.

Meanwhile, the renowned commentator reckons Venkatesh Iyer could open the innings with either Jason Roy or Rahmanullah Gurbaz for KKR.

“Are KKR ready? It could be Iyer with either Gurbaz or Jason Roy. It’s a very decent pair. Can this be very consistent – I can’t say. Can they be the most explosive – might or might not be. We don’t know what sort of pitches Kolkata will prepare.”

IPL 2024 will begin with defending champions CSK taking on RCB at Chennai on 22nd March.