IPL 2023: 3 Players who can replace KL Rahul as opener in LSG squad

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) suffered an 18-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the ongoing IPL on 1 May 2023. But, it went worse as their skipper, KL Rahul got injured while fielding. He reportedly suffered a hip-flexor injury. As a result, he did not come out to bat as an opener and Ayush Badoni came out along with Kyle Mayers.

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Now, reports have come out that his further participation in the competition is completely dependent on the Indian Cricket Board, and most likely, he will be unavailable for the remainder of the IPL. So, in his absence, Krunal Pandya will be the stand-in skipper but LSG have to look for a new opening pair. 

Also Read: IPL 2023: 3 Players who can replace Jaydev Unadkat in LSG Squad

Here are three players who can replace KL Rahul as an opener in the playing XI of LSG for the remainder of IPL 2023: 

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1. Quinton De Kock

This wicket-keeper batter from South Africa should be the first preference to replace KL Rahul as an opener in the lineup. This season, he joined the team lately and as of now, has not played a single game. In the last season, Quinton De Kock played as an opener for LSG and scored 508 runs in 15 matches, at an average of 36.29. He also smashed three fifties and one century.  

2. Marcus Stoinis

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This star Aussie all-rounder can play as an opener. He has the experience of opening in the Big Bash League. However, Stoinis is having a good season so far with the bat in the middle order. Marcus Stoinis has scored 229 runs in nine matches, at an average of 28.63 and a strike rate of 144.94. He has already smashed two fifties.    

3. Manan Vohra

This batter is known for representing several franchises over the years in IPL. LSG retained him this season. However, in IPL 2022, Manan Vohra played only two matches and scored 19 runs. However, fans have witnessed his ability to score quick runs for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP, currently known as Punjab Kings, PBKS) as an opener. So, he can be an option for LSG to replace Rahul as an opener.