The Lucknow Super Giants entered the IPL in 2022 with a bang, exceeding expectations by reaching the Eliminator in their debut season. They continued that momentum in 2023, solidifying their place as a force to be reckoned with. LSG finished the 2023 league stage in a commendable third position, winning 8 out of 14 matches.
Key to their success was once again a strong batting line-up. KL Rahul's consistent leadership and his 616 runs were instrumental. Quinton de Kock's explosive opening partnership with Rahul and the impactful middle-order batting of Deepak Hooda (451 runs) provided stability. The addition of Nicholas Pooran's firepower further bolstered the batting.
The bowling attack, though lacking a genuine pace spearhead, impressed with its variety. The young duo of Avesh Khan (18 wickets) and Mohsin Khan (14 wickets) continued their wicket-taking prowess. Veteran all-rounder Marcus Stoinis chipped in with crucial wickets and his all-around abilities.
The experience of Jason Holder (14 wickets) also proved valuable. In this article, we have compiled a list of 5 moments where bowlers showcased their class and performed exceptionally well.
5) Naveen-ul-Haq – 4/38 against Mumbai Indians (IPL 2023)
Lucknow Super Giants' pace bowler Naveen-ul-Haq had a memorable outing against Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2023 Eliminator, even though his team ended up on the losing side.
Naveen delivered a fiery spell, picking up an impressive 4 wickets while conceding only 38 runs in his 4 overs. His economical bowling and crucial breakthroughs, including the prized wicket of MI captain Rohit Sharma, helped restrict Mumbai Indians to a total of 182.
Despite his best efforts, LSG's batsmen faltered, falling short of the target by a significant margin.
4) Yash Thakur – 4/37 against Punjab Kings (IPL 2023)
Young pacer Yash Thakur emerged as a hero for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their IPL 2023 match against Punjab Kings (PBKS). Thakur's impressive spell of 4/37 in 4 overs played a pivotal role in LSG's convincing 56-run victory.
Against PBKS, he stepped up a notch, taking crucial wickets at key moments. His dismissal of the in-form Sikandar Raza (36 off 22) proved to be a turning point, derailing Punjab's chase.
Thakur then went on to claim the wickets of Jitesh Sharma, Rahul Chahar, and Shahrukh Khan, effectively dismantling the middle and lower order of the Punjab batting line-up.
3) Avesh Khan – 4/24 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL 2022)
Young pacer Avesh Khan played a pivotal role in Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) convincing victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2022 IPL season.
Khan delivered a spell for the ages, picking up a career-best 4 wickets for just 24 runs in his 4 overs. His devastating bowling attack crippled the SRH batting line-up, taking crucial wickets at the top order.
Khan's exceptional control and accuracy throughout his spell put immense pressure on the SRH batsmen, effectively putting LSG in control of the match.
2) Mohsin Khan – 4/16 against Delhi Capitals (IPL 2022)
Mohsin Khan stole the show for the Lucknow Super Giants in their IPL 2022 match against the Delhi Capitals. Khan produced a spell of exceptional bowling, claiming a career-best 4 wickets for just 16 runs.
Khan's wickets included crucial dismissals of in-form batsmen like Rishabh Pant and Rovman Powell, derailing Delhi's chase of a challenging 196-run target.
This phenomenal performance cemented Khan's reputation as a rising star in Indian cricket and played a pivotal role in LSG's eventual victory by a narrow margin of 6 runs.
1) Mark Wood – 5/14 against Delhi Capitals (IPL 2023)
Lucknow Super Giants' pacer Mark Wood turned heads in IPL 2023 with a scorching spell against the Delhi Capitals. In a display of raw pace and accuracy, Wood dismantled their batting order, taking a career-best haul of 5 wickets for just 14 runs.
Wood struck crucial blows, removing Prithvi Shaw, Mitchell Marsh, and Sarfaraz Khan in quick succession. He returned later in the innings to polish off the lower order with two more wickets, sealing a dominant 50-run victory for LSG.