In a significant move ahead of the IPL 2024, fast bowler Avesh Khan is all set to make a shift from Lucknow Super Giants to Rajasthan Royals. This trade involves a straight swap, with top-order batter Devdutt Padikkal moving in the Lucknow Super Giants.
The trade negotiations, finalized in the past week, will see Avesh Khan in the Rajasthan Royals jersey while Devdutt Padikkal joins the Lucknow Super Giants. Both players were retained by their respective franchises for the upcoming season, making this trade a noteworthy opening to the IPL 2024.
In the mega auction of 2022, Lucknow Super Giants secured Avesh Khan for INR 10 crore, a testament to his prowess as a fast bowler. On the other side, Rajasthan Royals invested INR 7.75 crore in acquiring the services of Devdutt Padikkal, emphasizing their faith in the young top-order batsman.
Despite promising starts to their IPL careers, both players faced challenges in the 2023 season. Devdutt Padikkal, who played every match for the Royals in 2022 and 11 games in 2023, struggled to meet the expectations set for him in the top-order role. Avesh Khan, the highest wicket-taker for the Super Giants in the 2022 season, encountered difficulties on the slow and underprepared pitches in Lucknow during the 2023 season.
Padikkal’s IPL journey has been marked by a total of 92 games, amassing 2768 runs at an average of 33.34, including 17 fifties and three centuries. His strike rate stands at an impressive 133.52. On the other hand, Avesh Khan, turning 27 in December, will be eager to regain his form at Rajasthan Royals, having previously showcased his talent at Delhi Capitals.
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This move will make Rajasthan Royals the third franchise for Devdutt Padikkal, who began his IPL journey with Royal Challengers Bangalore. Avesh Khan, having debuted with Delhi Capitals and played a crucial role for Lucknow Super Giants, will now join the fast-bowling pack at Rajasthan Royals.
Avesh Khan’s struggles in the 2023 season and Padikkal’s quest for consistency add layers of complexity to this trade. Both players, now with a change of scenery, have the opportunity to reinvent themselves and contribute significantly to their new teams.
This trade marks only the second ahead of the 2024 season, following the Romario Shepherd trade to Mumbai Indians by Lucknow Super Giants. With the IPL setting a retention list deadline of November 26, teams are gearing up for a dynamic player auction in Dubai on December 19.
