IPL 2023: Losing Mohsin Khan to injury is a big blow for us – LSG head coach Andy Flower

Lucknow Super Giants head coach Andy Flower has admitted that losing Mohsin Khan to injury is a big blow to the franchise for IPL 2023. Khan has been ruled out with a left shoulder injury and he is expected to miss the majority of the season.

Former Zimbabwean wicket-keeper added he doesn’t expect Khan to recover and if he does, it will be a huge bonus for them. The left-arm seamer hasn’t played any competitive cricket after LSG’s knockout match against RCB in IPL 2022.

The Uttar Pradesh seamer was impressive in IPL 2022 as he had consistently bowled over 140 km/h and also had a good slower ball in his repertoire. The left-arm fast bowler took 14 wickets in the nine matches he played and conceded his runs at an economy rate of 5.97. Ergo, he had played an instrumental role in taking LSG to the playoff stages.

Speaking to media on Thursday, Andy Flower said, “It is a blow not having him (Mohsin Khan), there is no doubt about that. We are hoping that he might come good towards the end of the tournament.”

Flower added: “But, quite frankly, I had pretty much written him off as a selection option, and if he becomes fit at some stage during the tournament, I see that very much as a bonus. But I am certainly not expecting that.”

Meanwhile, the last International T20 match played at Lucknow in January 2023 was a low-scoring affair. New Zealand had managed only 99 runs in their 20 overs and India also had to sweat hard in the run-chase.

Recalling that game, Flower said, “Last international match… it wasn’t an ideal T20 pitch. But let the curators do their job, they know what they are doing. We are quite flexible about whatever conditions we play in.”

“To be quite frank, we are not sure exactly what to expect from the pitch at the moment. We had a day off yesterday, we weren’t at the stadium, so we didn’t see how it’s panning out, the preparation of playing pitch, which is strip number four.”

Lucknow Super Giants will commence their IPL 2023 campaign against Delhi Capitals at their home ground of Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on 1st April.