In a notable trade ahead of the IPL 2024 season, fast bowler Avesh Khan is set to shift from the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to the Rajasthan Royals (RR), with dynamic top-order batsman Devdutt Padikkal making the reverse journey.
This strategic exchange, only the second trade this season following Romario Shepherd’s move to the Mumbai Indians, adds an intriguing narrative to the upcoming IPL campaign.
The agreement between the two franchises and players was reached last week, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is anticipated to formalise the trade this week.
With the IPL’s retention list deadline on November 26, teams are actively reshaping their rosters in preparation for the mega auction on December 19 in Dubai.
Avesh Khan, who recently earned a spot in the India T20I squad for the series against Australia, had been a significant acquisition for LSG in the 2022 mega auction, securing a deal worth INR 10 crores.
Devdutt Padikkal, known for his impactful debut in IPL 2020 with Royal Challengers Bangalore, is set to bring his batting prowess to LSG.
The left-handed batsman, purchased by RR for INR 7.75 crores, faced challenges in fulfilling his role at the Royals, scoring 637 runs in 28 matches across the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
The Avesh Khan-Devdutt Padikkal swap adds an element of unpredictability, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive tournament in 2024.
