Despite being a part of their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have taken several cricket experts by a surprise by building one of the best squads so far at the two-day event in Bengaluru. LSG, who had retained KL Rahul, Marcus Stoinis and Ravi Bishnoi as their three players, managed to buy several key players in Quinton de Kock, Jason Holder, Krunal Pandya, Manish Pandey and Deepak Hooda.
Speaking to official broadcaster Star Sports on Day 2, Gambhir shared his experience of building a squad. “I have been at the auction table before but never have a built a squad from scratch as there was always a core team around which we built the squad,” Gambhir said.
Gambhir also highlighted a signing from Day 2 which according to him, was a steal deal for Lucknow. “I think getting Krishnappa Gautham for 90 lakhs was a steal deal. He went for 9.25 crore last time around. We were looking for somebody to add firepower at No. 8 and with Krunal Pandya already a part of the squad, we were very happy to buy Gowtham as well,” Gambhir said.
LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka also express satisfaction after signing several key players on Day 1 of the IPL mega auction. “We are very happy with the way it’s gone so far. We have got our top preferences as of now and it’s gone well so far for us. We have got a great opener in Quinton, a very good all-rounder in Jason Holder. We have two quality Indian batsmen. Out of the seven people we had in the squad so far, I think there is a balance beginning to emerge. So far, it is very much on track for us,” Goenka said in the virtual press conference.
Lucknow are among the two new teams that have been added to the IPL roster along with Gujarat Titans (GT). Rahul, who was previously the skipper of Punjab Kings (PBKS), will be leading Lucknow in IPL 2022.
