As captain of Kolkata Knight Riders, Gautam Gambhir excelled in strategy and execution of his plans. The result: Two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014.

New franchise Lucknow Super Giants pulled off a master stroke by roping in Gambhir as mentor, days after its coming into existence. It’s

no surprise that the former India opener has worked wonders at the mega auction, building an impressive Indian player base besides recruiting quality foreigners.

Strengths

The franchise has a strong left-right opening combination in captain KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock. If De Kock, who played many a memorable innings in Mumbai Indians’ success story, can fire in the Powerplay overs and Rahul anchors the innings, it could spell trouble for oppositions.

The presence of Manish Pandey, Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda, Jason Holder and Krunal Pandya provides balance and solidity in the middle-order.

Stoinis will be the X-factor of the side. The all-rounder can open the batting and has regularly done so with success at Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League. His medium pace bowling will also be of immense importance.

Stoinis and Holder, however, are expected to be available only in April due to their respective national commitments but the Super Giants have enough back-up options.

While the batting promises much, the bowling has lot of depth. Young pacer Avesh Khan, who was IPL 2021’s second-highest wicket-taker, and fast-rising leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi headline Super Giants’ bowling attack.

Concerns

Most of the youngsters like Avesh and Bishnoi lack experience and that could be a deterrent in the knockouts.

Key men: KL Rahul, Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis