Gautam Gambhir is the backbone of LSG: Two games and two brilliant fights put up by Lucknow Super Giants have got them as one of the favorites to qualify for the playoffs in their debut IPL season.
In their first match against Gujarat Titans, LSG were 29/4 before Deepak Hooda and Ayush Badoni with their half-centuries took them to a fightning total of 158; the bowlers then kept the game alive but lost it with only two balls to spare.
In the second game, LSG skipper KL Rahul looked clueless in the field as the Chennai Super Kings batters plundered 210. But, they weren’t getting bogged down by the pressure of the opposition, and recorded the fourth-highest run-chase in the history of the IPL.
It is no surprise that they have a man who is known as amongst the best leader of men in the IPL, Gautam Gambhir, in their dugout to help them thrive in high pressure situations. Gambhir’s acquisition as a mentor by LSG is one of their best decisions and this could take them to immense success in the franchise’s debut season.
Here’s why:
1) Gautam Gambhir has a very clear mentality, on and off the field.
Gautam Gambhir has his way of doing things – that’s bold and fearless. He isn’t afraid to say things that may not please people. He is someone who someone who calls a spade a spade. That would help the seniors and youngsters in the LSG squad look within themselves and grow.
He was plain serious when, before the start of the season, he had hinted – at KL Rahul – that players need to play according to the demands of the franchise and not use the IPL as path to the national side.
2) Winner in the past
Gautam Gambhir is one of the only three captains to have won the IPL title multiple times – Rohit and Dhoni are the other two – that shows that not only Gambhir has the tactical nous to win the trophy once, but also keep his and team’s temperament to do it again.
As a batsman Gambhir made two significant contributions in India’s two World Cup triumphs. He has a winner’s mentality, and will bring out the best in the LSG players.
3) Knows how to build a team
At the end of the mega-auction, the Super Giants were hailed to have, not just a solid first eleven, but one of the strongest squads in all of the 10 teams. And now, even without the availiability of Mark Wood, Marcus Stoinis, and Jason Holder, LSG have made a strong statement in their two games to the other teams that they are not here to fill up places – but to win the trophy.
The strength in depth of the LSG squad is envious and the inclusion of Stoinis and Holder will only further strengthen them.
4) Gautam Gambhir has full support of the franchise owners
Sanjiv Goenka, chairman of RPSG Group, owner of the LSG franchise, has been gushing about Gautam Gambhir’s credentials as a cricketer, and more importantly what he brings to the table as a mentor of the side since roping in the former batsman in the backroom staff.
Goenka has apparently given Gautam Gambhir the full freedom to run the dressing room his way, talk to the players in his style, and even make some decisions which may not make him look good. We may observe more of Gambhir’s involvement in strategic decisions going deep in the tournament.
5) Gautam Gambhir knows how to back young talents like Ayush Badoni
Whether it was Sunil Narine for KKR, or Ayush Badoni for LSG, Gautam Gambhir has an eye for unearthed talents. While the Delhi selectors and coaches had been ignoring Badoni – not anymore – for the past three years, it was Gambhir and Vijay Dahiya who spotted his incredible talent and potential and forced the franchise to bid for the youngster. Badoni has already turned lot of heads – and will now force the board to scrutnize the Delhi selectors – in just two matches. May all youngsters get a mentor like Gautam Gambhir.
