IPL 2023: 3 Players Who Will Be Crucial for Lucknow Super Giants to Win LSG vs DC Match No. 3

IPL 2023: The next edition of the Indian Premier League will kick off on March 31. The first game of the season will be played between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings. Meanwhile, the Lucknow Super Giants will start their campaign with the third match of the season against Delhi Capitals. It will take place on April 1 at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. LSG had a decent debut season, ending in the top four.

However, this time, they will look to make the most of the coming tournament. But for that, they need to perform well together. The franchise has added a number of new faces to the team, which will boost its strength. But facing DC in the first game will not be that easy. Thus, we will talk about three LSG players who will hold a key for Lucknow in their opening encounter against DC.

IPL 2023: 3 Key Players for Lucknow Super Giants in the LSG vs DC Match No. 3

3. Deepak Hooda

Since the 2022 season, one player who has impressed everyone is the Indian all-rounder Deepak Hooda. The 27-year-old was a consistent performer in the middle order and had some impact on the team. He was their third-highest run scorer in the tournament. Hooda scored 451 runs in 14 innings at 32.21 and a strike rate of 136.66, with a best of 59.

He also scored four half-centuries in the tournament. His IPL performance helped him to enter the Indian setup, and he played a handful of ODIs and T20Is for Team India. Hooda holds the key for LSG middle-order batting and can play both spin and pace well. He is also a useful spinner, which can certainly trouble DC batters. Thus, a lot will depend on Hooda against DC.

2. KL Rahul

KL Rahul has some incredible numbers when it comes to the IPL. Although his current form with the bat for India hasn’t been that impressive in the last year or so. But there is something extraordinary about him when he plays in the IPL. He is the only batter to score almost 600 runs or more in the last five seasons, which speaks volumes about his consistency.

Rahul also scored the second-most runs in 2022. He scored 616 runs in 15 innings at 51.33 and a strike rate of 135.38. The LSG skipper also scored two centuries and four half-centuries, with a best of 103 not out. Being a skipper, he has always done a good job and will be the rock at the top. He will be a big threat to DC if he gets going.

1. Quinton de Kock

Quinton de Kock is in the form of his life. That’s what he has shown in the ongoing T20I series against the West Indies. The Southpaw smashed a 43-ball century to help South Africa chase down a massive score of 259 runs in 20 overs. De Kock was also in great form in 2022 and was one of the prime reasons for LSG’s journey to the playoffs.

He scored 508 runs in 15 innings at an average of 36.28 and a strike rate of 148.97, with a best of 140 not out. The left-hander scored one century and three half-centuries. LSG would like him to continue his current form, and if he can, DC will be in a real battle in the game on April 1.