Sanjay Manjrekar has urged KL Rahul not to bat at the top of the order in IPL

In his analysis ahead of the IPL 2024 auction, Sanjay Manjrekar has advised KL Rahul to reconsider his position as an opening batsman for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Rahul's performance in the previous season of IPL 2023 was subpar, accumulating 274 runs with a less-than-impressive strike rate of 113.22 in nine matches. Additionally, a thigh injury sustained while fielding against the Royal Challengers Bangalore kept him sidelined for several months.

Manjrekar suggested a bold strategy for LSG, proposing that Rahul should bat lower in the order. He recommended the opening partnership to be formed by Devdutt Padikkal and Quinton de Kock, emphasizing Padikkal's track record of successful performances at the top of the order. LSG has made some notable releases from their Indian contingent, including Jaydev Unadkat, Karun Nair, Manan Vohra, Karan Sharma, Suryansh Shedge, Swapnil Singh, and Arpit Guleria.