CSK vs LSG: Mark Wood Will Be In The Race For The Purple Cap In 2023, Says Aakash Chopra

Last Update on: April 2nd, 2023 at 11:17 am

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Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra believes that as long as he is fit to play, Lucknow Super Giants‘ (LSG) Mark Wood will be in the race for the Purple Cap in IPL 2023.

The English fast bowler wreaked havoc on Delhi Capitals’ (DC) batting attack. Chasing 194, DC were restricted to 143/9 due to Wood’s 5/14 figures with the ball. The pacer proved lethal with every ball he bowled. The giants made an emphatic statement with a 50-run win to start their IPL 2023.

Speaking of Mark Wood’s IPL 2023 season to come, Aakash Chopra posits that the 33-year-old would be in contention for the Purple Cap at the end of the season if he remains fit.

Also read: LSG vs DC: “I Wanted To Make An Impact In This Game”- Mark Wood After Winning Player Of The Match Award Against DC

“Mark my words – till the time Mark Wood plays, he will remain in the Purple Cap race of this tournament. He might not play the entire tournament, but until he plays, he will set the stage on fire.”

Describing Wood’s bowling against Delhi, the former India opener claimed that Mark Wood was threatening the batters.

“Mark Wood was absolutely unplayable. He picked up a five-wicket haul. He made them run away by threatening and scaring them. He might emerge as the best fast bowler of this tournament because of the way he bowled,” said Chopra.

Also read: LSG vs DC: “We Don’t Want To Think Too Much About This Win” – KL Rahul After Win Over DC In IPL 2023 Match 3

Aakash Chopra thinks LSG might have some selection dilemma on their hands

Lucknow Super Giants showed off their batting prowess and bowling attack in their season-opening 50-run victory over DC. Commentator Aakash Chopra now thinks that LSG might face some issues with personnel selection in the future.

All the South African players will miss a couple of IPL matches in the beginning, due to the ongoing 2-ODI series against The Netherlands. These include Lucknow’s star keeper-batsman Quinton de Kock.

It was West Indian Kyle Mayers who was charged with opening the batting in de Kock’s absence. To say that he did his job is an understatement. Mayers decimated Delhi’s bowling attack, scoring 73-off-38.

Aakash Chopra opined that LSG might now have the tough choice of who to play as the opening along with KL Rahul when de Kock returns to the team.

“When LSG were invited to bat first, they scored just 30 runs in the powerplay. But after that, Kyle Mayers went on the attack. He hit seven sixes. Lucknow will now have a dilemma with Kyle Mayers because they will have to make Kyle Mayers sit out once Quinton de Kock is available and it will hurt them while doing that.”

In their inaugural season of IPL in 2022, LSG made it to the playoffs. They will be looking to improve upon that performance this year, and they are off to a good start.

Also read: LSG vs DC: “Take A Bow Mark Wood”- Twitter Reacts As Lucknow Super Giants Register A Comprehensive Win Over Delhi Capitals In IPL 2023