Lucknow Super Giants most balanced team in IPL 2023: Virender Sehwag

LUCKNOW: Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag termed Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as the most balanced side of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. IPL 2023 is now entering a tough week as teams will make the last dash to qualify for the playoffs in their coming games.

On Saturday, Sunrisers Hyderabad host Lucknow Super Giants in the first double-header and in the evening game Delhi Capitals host northern rivals Punjab Kings in their backyard. With two crucial points on the line, all four teams will look to go all-in, because winners will stay in the playoffs contention in IPL 2023. Both LSG and PBKS will try to stay afloat in the competition with wins in their upcoming games. But a loss for SRH and DC might all but end their journey in this edition.

Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag reckons LSG has been one of the most balanced sides in the ongoing competition. Speaking on Star Sports' Cricket Live, Virender Sehwag said, "Lucknow Super Giants are one of the best and most balanced teams in this tournament. They have done well playing away from home but their performance at home ground in Lucknow hasn't been up to the mark."

Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar is impressed with the way Punjab Kings' wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has performed this season and claimed the Punjab cricketer has been a key member of the side. Speaking on Star Sports' Cricket Live, Sunil Gavaskar said, "Jitesh Sharma has been contributing well for PBKS, he's been striking the ball at a good rate at the back end of the innings. He's giving Punjab just the push and momentum towards the last 4/5 overs, which they have not had in the previous years. So his contribution with the bat cannot be undermined."

Jitesh is making a massive impact as a finisher/power-hitter for PBKS. In 11 games so far, he has scored 239 runs at an average of 26.55 and a strike rate of 165.97. His best score this season is 49*. He has turned up with small, but impactful scores for his team in this season.