In a strategic move ahead of IPL 2024, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have agreed on a straight swap, with young pacer Avesh Khan heading to RR and opener Devdutt Padikkal joining LSG, according to ESPNcricinfo. The trade, finalized last week, is pending approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and is expected to receive clearance by the end of this week.
Both Avesh Khan and Devdutt Padikkal, who were retained by their respective franchises for the upcoming season, faced a lackluster IPL 2023. Padikkal, who joined RR in 2022, had a subdued performance, scoring 261 runs in 11 games at an average of 26.10 and a strike rate of 130.50, with just two half-centuries.
On the other hand, Avesh Khan, who emerged as the highest wicket-taker for LSG in the 2022 season, struggled to replicate his form in IPL 2023. The young pacer managed only eight wickets in nine matches, concluding the season with an economy rate of 9.75.
This trade marks the second such move for Lucknow Super Giants, having previously traded Romario Shepherd to Mumbai Indians earlier this month. The deadline for franchises to announce their retention lists has been extended to November 26, with the IPL 2024 auction scheduled to take place in Dubai on December 19.
The upcoming season promises to bring fresh dynamics to the teams, with strategic player trades setting the stage for what could be an exciting IPL 2024.
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