New Delhi: Lucknow Super Giants wanted to have a strong batting order packed with international batters and an all-India bowling line-up, disclosed team owner Sanjiv Goenka, who also revealed that they have identified who would lead the side.
LSG spent Rs 27 crore to bring in Rishabh Pant, making him the most expensive cricketer in the Indian Premier League’s history, while also buying South African batter Aiden Markram and Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh.
They had earlier retained West Indian Nicholas Pooran, leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi, pace sensation Mayank Yadav and uncapped players Mohsin Khan and Ayush Badoni.
Having let go of KL Rahul, who led the team in last year, LSG need to name a new captain for the new edition that will be held in March-May window next year.
When asked if there would be a surprise choice for captain, Goenka said fans have to be a little patient as an announcement would be made in due time.
“People get surprised very quickly. According to me, I don’t give surprises. It has been decided but we will announce it in the next few days,” Goenka said on Aakash Chopra’s YouTube channel.
‘Breaking the bank for Pant’
LSG splashed the cash for Pant, bidding a record amount to get the India keeper-batter, who was their topmost choice in the mega auction that was held in Jeddah on November 24 and 25.
Explaining how they arrived at the mind-boggling amount, Goenka said they were aware of Delhi Capitals’ interest in Pant and wanted to build a strong middle-order with ample number of finishers.
Delhi used the right to match card for Pant at Rs 20.75 crore. Goenka knew they had to bid an amount that Delhi wouldn’t be willing to bid.
“They (Delhi Capitals) bid for Shreyas (Iyer) till Rs 26.50 crore. That means for their No. 1 player, they had that kind of a budget, and knowing Parth’s (Jindal) extreme fondness for Rishabh, I felt they might spend a little more on him than they would on Shreyas. So that is why two bid amounts extra,” he responded.
“We decided that we had to make our middle order strong and have an Indian core. However, auctions don’t go exactly the way you plan it. We made a very big go for Jos Buttler but we fell one or two bid amounts short. Zak (Zaheer Khan) JL (Justin Langer), and the captain will decide it.”
Goenka also said that two among Pant, Markram and Marsh would be asked to open the innings, with mentor Zaheer Khan and coach Justin Langer taking the final call.
“Options are to open with Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh, Marsh and Rishabh Pant, or Markram and Rishabh. Now that is a call they have to take whether Rishabh will come at No. 3 or No. 2. Those are calls that frankly are beyond my capability and competence,” Goenka said.
LSG spent Rs 27 crore to bring in Rishabh Pant, making him the most expensive cricketer in IPL’s history, while also buying South African batter Aiden Markram and Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
