Lucknow Super Giants approach Taskin Ahmed; the Bangladesh pacer may replace Mark Wood

Lucknow Super Giants found themselves in a tight spot after Mark Wood was ruled out of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League owing to an elbow injury. The English pacer was bought by the franchise for INR 7.5 crore, but the pacer sustained an injury during the first Test against West Indies which compelled him to make the exit even before the IPL started. As per the latest reports, Taskin Ahmed could be the replacement for Mark Wood.

Lucknow Super Giants approached Taskin Ahmed

If reports are to be believed, LSG’s mentor Gautam Gambhir is very interested in making Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed a part of their setup for the whole season of the Indian Premier League. The 2022 edition of the IPL is going to commence on 26^th March and Gambhir wants the pacer to join the team as soon as possible. However, Taskin has asked for sometime so he can discuss the matter with Bangladesh Cricket Board.

According to Kaler Kanth, Gambhir called in Dhaka on the evening of March 20^th and made his proposal, “I want Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed in the team and that is for the whole season. If he agrees to the offer, Taskin will have to leave for India before the next two Tests against South Africa,” Gambhir was quoted as saying.

Currently, the pacer is engaged in a 3-match ODI series against South Africa, but what makes the offer puzzling for the pacer is that he has been selected in the Test squad against South Africa. Bangladesh will play 2 Test matches against the Proteas. The Test series will end on April 12 which will be quite late for the pacer to join Lucknow Super Giants. However, a key member of the Bangladesh team has confirmed that the pacer will be granted the leave to play IPL.

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If Taskin Ahmed joins LSG, they can use his pace to their advantage. This is going to be the debut season for the Lucknow Super Giants and they will look to have a successful outing. Gujarat Titans is yet another team that will be making its debut in the cash-rich league. Both the teams will play their first fixture of the league against each other on 28^th March.