IPL 2023: Three Players Who Can Become LSG’s Captain if KL Rahul Gets Injured

IPL 2023: KL Rahul and his team have done a decent job in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League. Lucknow Super Giants are ranked third on the points table and have won five out of nine games this season. LSG has 10 points and an NRR of +0.639. They have equal points with CSK, RCB, and PBKS, but because of the better NRR, they are sitting up at the table. However, it wasn’t a good game for them.

LSG faced RCB on Monday and suffered an 18-run defeat at home. Though, the game was highlighted by some heated exchanges between the players from both teams. But LSG suffered a big blow when skipper KL Rahul sustained an injury in the first inning of the game. He got injured in the second over and left the field.

Rahul even batted at No. 11 and wasn’t able to run for a single. It will be a big setback if he misses the coming games. Notably, LSG is all set to face the Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday in the afternoon game. Although there is no official statement on Rahul’s injury, if he gets injured, it will be a big question for the management as to who will lead the side.

IPL 2023: Three Players who can replace KL Rahul as LSG’s captain in coming matches

3. Krunal Pandya

After KL Rahul left the field on Monday against RCB, it was spin all-rounder Krunal Pandya who took charge of the LSG’s captaincy. Thus, the management can appoint him as the stand-in captain if Rahul misses out or play him as an impact sub. Krunal has also done a decent job so far, and he was the prime example everyone saw against RCB. He used all his bowlers brilliantly and rotated them from time to time. Krunal can also bat anywhere in the batting order, which can be another advantage. The all-rounder has captained the Baroda team in the Indian domestic circuit and has enough experience to do it at the IPL level.

2. Quinton de Kock

Veteran South African wicketkeeper and prolific run-scorer in the IPL, Quinton de Kock, can be an ideal candidate. The left-hander has a considerable amount of experience leading South Africa in white-ball formats (ODIs and T20Is). He was also the second-highest run-scorer for LSG in the IPL 2022. Although he hasn’t played any games this season, he can replace Rahul perfectly. Because he can also open and captain LSG in the coming games. De Kock scored 508 runs in 2022 in just 15 innings at an average and strike rate of 36.29 and 148.97, respectively. He also scored one century and three half-centuries, with a best of 140 not out.

1. Marcus Stoinis

A player who can contribute to the win should become the captain, and Marcus Stoinis certainly falls into that category. The Australian all-rounder is in great form now and is contributing with both the bat and the ball. His all-round skills provide a great balance for the team. He has scored 229 runs at a strike rate of 144.94, with 15 sixes. With the ball as well, he has taken five wickets at an economy rate of 8.14. Notably, Stoinis has some experience leading the franchise in the Big Bash League. And he can also open the inning if Rahul misses out.