Former New Zealand and RCB coach Mike Hesson delivered a bold assessment Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Playoff prospects in the ongoing IPL 2024 after their embarrassing defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 8.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)’s playoff hopes hang in the air after a crushing 10-wicket defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 57th match of the ongoing IPL 2024 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad.
SRH managed to reach the 166-run target in just 9.4 overs. However, LSG still has a good chance of making it to the IPL 2024 playoffs if they pick up wins in their last two league games, but Hesson believes Lucknow faces a tough task to save their playoff ambitions due to their bowling attack and to revive his campaign.
LSG’s relegation will continue in IPL 2024: Mike Hesson
The Jio Cinema cricket expert further pointed out that LSG’s campaign in the ongoing IPL 2024 is almost over with the massive defeat against LSG SRH on Wednesday in Hyderabad.
Additionally, Hesson pointed out that injuries to key players like Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan have significantly weakened LSG’s bowling attack and mentioned the lack of an X-factor in their bowling line-up.
Hesson also said that Ravi Bishnoi’s disappointing performances in the ongoing IPL 2024 have further weakened LSG’s bowling arsenal. The former RCB coach also predicted LSG’s further relegation in the IPL given their weak bowling attack, which played a major role in their woes this season.
Mike Hesson said on Jio Cinema when asked if LSG’s campaign in the ongoing IPL 2024 is over: “I think so.“He further explained: “With Mayank Yadav missing, they don’t really have the X-factor in their bowling. Even Mohsin Khan didn’t play today. Ravo Bishnoi was not at his best in this IPL. So their bowling attack doesn’t look threatening. Their slide will continue.”
SRH vs LSG IPL 2024 Match Highlights
Meanwhile, after opting to bat first in Hyderabad, the Lucknow team managed to post a score of 165/4 thanks to Nicholas Pooran’s unbeaten 48 runs and Ayush Badoni’s unbeaten 55 runs against SRH. LSG’s batting display led many to speculate that the pitch was not suitable for stroke play, and head coach Justin Langer shared the same opinion.
Langer considered 160 a competitive total. However, the game was different with SRH openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma chasing the target with utmost ease. The dangerous SRH opening duo managed 166 runs in just 9.4 overs, setting a new IPL record for the highest score by any team within the first 10 overs.
Head’s impressive innings of an unbeaten 89 off just 30 balls included 8 fours and 8 sixes, while Abhishek Sharma was equally impressive, contributing an unbeaten 75 runs off 28 balls, including 8 fours and 6 maximums against LSG.
This remarkable win took SRH to the third position in the IPL 2024 points table with 14 points from 12 games, while LSG is struggling at the sixth position with 12 points from 12 games in the tournament.