IPL Auction 2022: Ranking LSG's buys on Day 1

The Lucknow Supergiants (LSG) made a big splash at their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) auction on Saturday, as they gave some indication of the new team's identity. Starting with three retentions in skipper KL Rahul, all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and spinner Ravi Bishnoi, the new franchise made some smart buys to end up with a balanced-looking squad.

Although a lot depends on the individual and team performances on the field, LSG can be content with their picks on the first day of the IPL auction. Here's a ranking of LSG's buys on the day.

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#8 Krunal Pandya (INR 8.25 Cr)

Someone who spent years in the successful Mumbai Indians (MI) setup, Baroda all-rounder Krunal Pandya had a good auction personally as he commanded a winning bid of INR 8.25 crore. LSG fought off tough competition from several other suitors to get the elder Pandya's services.

Out of all of LSG's purchases on Saturday, Krunal's appears the least prudent. In the past four seasons, Krunal played regularly for MI but did not win even a single Player of the Match award. His skills with both bat and ball were often outshone by others in the setup, and in the year where MI struggled, Krunal was unable to lift the team.

While he might yet have a change in fortunes at the new franchise, the high bid for Krunal needs further justification through on-field performances.

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#7 Deepak Hooda (INR 5.75 Cr)

Deepak Hooda finds a new home at LSG.

Recently rewarded with an India cap, Deepak Hooda enters IPL 2022 high on confidence and gets a handy paycheck to go with it. Starting at a base of INR 75 lakh, Hooda drew interest from six different franchises en route a massive inflation of his price to be sold at INR 5.75 crore.

Unfortunately for Hooda, while he has done well in domestic cricket with Baroda and Rajasthan, the IPL has not been a happy hunting ground. He has compiled just three fifties from 80 games and has an average below 17. Hooda's acquisition makes sense if he finds his form in the LSG middle order - otherwise, his price looks a tad on the higher side.

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#6 Ankit Rajpoot (INR 50 L)

While Indian pacer Ankit Rajpoot is no stranger to the IPL, having been a part of the league since 2014, he is yet to become part of the core group of any team. Having played for teams such as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the past, Rajpoot heads to a new home in a new franchise.

While Rajpoot's price in itself is not concerning, his lack of consistency in the IPL might worry LSG. It seems like Rajpoot might warm the bench at the new team, but it depends on how the franchise utilizes the tall pacer's services.

#5 Mark Wood (INR 7.50 Cr)

In the quest for a pace spearhead, LSG splashed it out to acquire the services of English pacer Mark Wood. Fighting off stern competition from the Delhi Capitals (DC) and MI, LSG picked him up for INR 7.5 crore, a big jump from his base price of INR 2 crore.

Although Wood brings high pace and skills useful at various phases of the innings, his past IPL record does not inspire too much confidence, with his solitary IPL game resulting in figures of 0 for 49. However, given Wood's improvement over time and the need for an outright quick bowler, LSG might have made a fair bargain with Wood's purchase.

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#4 Avesh Khan (INR 10 Cr)

Avesh Khan, one of the breakout stars of the previous IPL season, was always likely to force franchises to break the bank for him. However, a figure of INR 10 crore would have been a dream for him, as LSG dished out more than half of their remaining purse at that point to avail of his services.

The right-arm pacer has been called up to India's squads of late and seems sure to debut for India soon. However, with a large chunk of the auction remaining, Avesh's price appears far too steep.

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#3 Manish Pandey (INR 4.60 Cr)

Manish Pandey is a smart middle-order buy for LSG.

Given that Manish Pandey went for INR 11 crore in the last mega auction, his acquisition at under INR 5 crore does appear to be a steal in this auction. Although Pandey's form has tapered off - and he did spend some time on the bench last season - he possesses experience and skill that could be valuable for the new team.

Pandey's former team, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), as well as DC, bid hard for him, but LSG prevailed. Pandey is a strong middle-order option for LSG to complement Marcus Stoinis, and if he finds his old touch once more, he could also be a part of LSG's leadership group.

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#2 Jason Holder (INR 8.75 Cr)

One of SRH's lone warriors in their disastrous IPL 2021 campaign, Caribbean all-rounder Jason Holder had a big payday at the IPL 2022 auction. Entering the bidding late, LSG won out after a tough bidding war with the Rajasthan Royals (RR) for Holder's services.

Although Holder's price is on the higher side, his abilities more than make up for it. Having added death bowling skills and six-hitting prowess to his repertoire, Holder is easily one of the biggest match-winners in the league, and LSG would be pleased to have him.

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#1 Quinton de Kock (INR 6.75 Cr)

Quinton de Kock could be crucial for LSG's fortunes.

One of the most fearsome white-ball openers in world cricket, Quinton de Kock moves to his fourth IPL franchise in LSG. The new franchise started the bidding for De Kock at INR 2 crore and prevailed over three other teams, including the South African's previous team MI.

De Kock is the aggressive opener most teams are after, and along with KL Rahul is likely to form a lethal opening combination. The 29-year-old is also a very reliable wicket-keeper, freeing some responsibility from KL Rahul's shoulders. LSG have managed to get a proven match-winner at a very reasonable price.