(Cricket news) The Lucknow franchise confirmed their three players they selected for the IPL 2022 as RPSG group had bid a record sum of INR 7090 crore to buy the Lucknow franchise. This is Goenka's second time buying an IPL team, having previously owned the Rising Pune Supergiants franchise for two IPL seasons in 2016 and 2017. Goenka is an ambitious person and that showed when he was not shy of replacing MS Dhoni as captain with Australia's Steven Smith in 2017, after the team's below-par showing in 2016. This year again they picked three players and raised the eyebrows of the experts.
The Lucknow team have appointed former Zimbabwe captain and England coach Andy Flower as head coach, and former India captain Gautam Gambhir as a mentor. Lucknow, one of the two new teams added to the IPL last October, will enter next month's mega auction with INR 59.89 crore .KL Rahul has been signed by the Lucknow IPL franchise for INR 17 crore, making him the joint-highest-paid player in the IPL across seasons, along with Royal Challengers Bangalore's Virat Kohli. Kohli was signed for the same amount by Royal Challengers in 2018, ahead of the last mega IPL auction. They also signed Australia allrounder Marcus Stoinis for INR 9.2 crore and uncapped Indian leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi for INR 4 crore. Bishnoi was the highest wicket-taker in the 2020 Under-19 World Cup and was then picked by Punjab Kings, where he has been impressive over two seasons. Marcus Stoinis provides the much needed all rounder that especially Gautam Gambhir was looking for since Ben Stokes opted out of the tournament.
Gambhir, who has won the IPL previously as captain of Kolkata Knight Riders, twice, said signing up Rahul was a "no-brainer". "He's a work in progress, he keeps, he opens the batting," Gambhir told Star Sports. "He consistently has been a phenomenal run-scorer. And what's better than someone who gives you three things?"
Goenka said that “the three players his franchise had picked would not only propel the team but also lay the foundation for the future. KL is not only an outstanding batsman but also a great wicketkeeper," Goenka also added by saying. "Marcus is a great finisher, a good bowler and a phenomenal fielder. Ravi brings a unique dimension to the spin department and is an exceptional fielder. We want players to be here for three-four-five-six-seven-eight years."
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Goenka also confirmed that Rahul would be Lucknow's captain. "Yes, KL will be the captain. I have been very impressed with not only his batting and wicket keeping, but also his leadership skills. He is evolving, growing, maturing as a leader. He is somebody I would have wanted to lead the team and I do believe that given the right atmosphere, environment, he will emerge as a remarkable leader."
