'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAMDAwMDAwQEBAQFBQUFBQcHBgYHBwsICQgJCAsRCwwLCwwLEQ8SDw4PEg8bFRMTFRsfGhkaHyYiIiYwLTA+PlQBAwMDAwMDBAQEBAUFBQUFBwcGBgcHCwgJCAkICxELDAsLDAsRDxIPDg8SDxsVExMVGx8aGRofJiIiJjAtMD4+VP/AABEIAAUACgMBIgACEQEDEQH/xABkAAEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABRAAAgEEAQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIEAAMFESEGEhMiIwEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgcRAAIBBAEFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwAEBRESBhQVIjH/2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA/AKeF6Uj463MyMO94Y8lWZ4YT07eECAgg61VUTYkECKuPjutj5hmL7ITjZ0aUpb0uqy+TV1UiG8KIND1XiDqp3mrm57fDyCaQNPj0kkIYjkxP06r/2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Gautam Gambhir had a hilarious take on the spin-friendly pitch at Lucknow's Shree Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium. The former Indian opener opined that if South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock sees the wicket, he might not come to India to play in IPL 2023.
Gambhir is also the mentor of the Lucknow-based IPL team, Lucknow Super Giants. De Kock is a key member of the team and their designated opener.
The second T20I of the India vs. New Zealand series took place at the above-mentioned venue earlier on Sunday. Unlike a majority of the pitches in India, the wicket at the stadium in Lucknow did not produce a high-scoring T20I match.
Spinners ruled the roost as New Zealand almost defended a target of 100 runs. The economy rate of every spinner was six or less. Gautam Gambhir was a part of the Star Sports Hindi commentary panel for the match. During the second innings, Gambhir jokingly commented on air:
"If Quinton de Kock sees this pitch, (it is possible that) he might not come to play IPL."
Mohammad Kaif was also a part of the Hindi commentary panel. He chimed in with the following comment:
"No, no he will come to play. He will come to play IPL."
Amit Mishra can contribute a lot for Lucknow Super Giants this season: Gautam Gambhir
LSG made some smart picks at this season's IPL Auction. They roped in veteran Indian leg-spinner Amit Mishra for the 2023 season. Gautam Gambhir spoke about the prospects of Mishra in the IPL.
"Amit Mishra can contribute a lot for Lucknow Super Giants this season," Gambhir commented.
Mohammad Kaif added that LSG also have a young talent in Ravi Bishnoi, who can also exploit the conditions at this venue.
"I have understood Lucknow's strategy though. They will play with a young leggie in Bishnoi and a veteran in Amit Mishra."
It will be interesting to see how LSG perform when they host other teams at this stadium. Fans should expect a few low-scoring games in Lucknow during IPL 2023.
