New IPL franchises like Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Gujarat Titans (GT) didn’t participate in fully overseas editions like IPL 2009 or 2020 — but they experienced overseas conditions during the UAE leg of IPL 2021, which resumed there due to COVID.
Here's how newer franchises approached overseas games strategically:
🧠 1. Strong Tactical Planning
-
Gujarat Titans, under Hardik Pandya, and LSG, under KL Rahul, emphasized flexible game plans to adapt to unfamiliar surfaces.
-
Both franchises assembled multi-dimensional squads with depth in pace and spin — essential for foreign conditions.
🌍 2. Overseas Specialist Picks
-
GT prioritized bowlers who could thrive on UAE/South African-style pitches — Lockie Ferguson, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami.
-
LSG picked Dushmantha Chameera and Ravi Bishnoi, giving them weapons for different surfaces.
🔄 3. Adaptive Batting Orders
-
In low/slow UAE tracks, both teams showed willingness to shuffle their batting orders.
-
GT regularly promoted finishers like David Miller or Rahul Tewatia depending on conditions.
📈 4. Early Investment in Analytics
-
These new franchises heavily leaned on data-driven match-ups, learning from older franchises' overseas experiences.
-
Example: LSG using Krunal Pandya and Bishnoi at key moments to control spin-friendly conditions.
💡 Key Traits in Overseas Conditions
| Trait |
LSG & GT Tactics |
| Pace bowling depth |
Strong overseas + Indian mix |
| Spin options |
Wrist-spin and finger-spin variety |
| Batting adaptability |
Anchors + finishers balanced |
| Flexible leadership |
Quick in adapting strategies |
Verdict:
Even without a full overseas season, new franchises quickly adapted to foreign conditions, learning from prior editions and building well-rounded, strategically aware teams.
Want a deep dive into Gujarat Titans' UAE performances or LSG's adaptability trends?