LSG have not used Marcus Stoinis to his full potential: Nikhil Chopra

In their debut IPL appearance, Lucknow Super Giants(LSG) have done well to secure eight victories in 13 league matches and are at third position in the points table. However, they have lost their last two league matches and are battling it out against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to confirm their qualification to the playoffs. Ahead of this fixture, former Indian cricketers Nikhil Chopra and Mohammad Azharuddin discussed the performance of LSG’s key player Marcus Stoinis.

Chopra said that the team management has not used Stoinis well in the ongoing season. He added that when the all-rounder is given the opportunity with the bat, there is a lot of pressure on him to perform, and he has not been able to play his natural game. On being asked about the ideal position for the experienced Aussie player, Chopra said that the all-rounder must come at No. 4 and play 35-40 balls to provide a flourish to the team. In IPL 2022, Stoinis has 147 runs at an average of 21.

“A resource you have not used to his full potential is Marcus Stoinis. When he gets the opportunity, there is a scorecard pressure and does not get his due opportunity to free his arms. If he gets to play 35-40 balls, he can easily score around 80 runs. I think if you are sending [Deepak] Hooda at No. 3, then Stoinis should definitely come at No. 4,” said Chopra on Sky247.net presents ‘Not Just Cricket’ Show on CricTracker.

Marcus Stoinis should be given the responsibility: Mohammad Azharuddin

Azharuddin reckoned that Stoinis should come at the top five positions in the LSG’s batting order due to his proven abilities. It is known to all that the Aussie cricketer has been successful with his side, Melbourne Stars in the BBL as an opener. Further, the former India captain thinks Stoinis has arrived at the crease, with only two-three overs left, and should be given an opportunity and time to contribute to the team.

“As per my opinion, Stoinis should come in the top four or five positions due to his proven abilities. As we have seen in this season, he has been batted at these positions in only a handful of matches. I think he should be given the responsibility, as when he comes to bat, only two or three overs are left, and gets out in his attempt to play a lofted shot,” said Azharuddin.