Not Gujarat Titans! Virender Sehwag's surprise pick for best and most balanced side of IPL 2023

Virender Sehwag (Source: Twitter)

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 is going through a tough week as most of the teams have left 'do or die' games in the league stage to ensure a playoff berth. While it took 59 matches to officially announce Delhi Capitals as the first team to be eliminated from the playoff race, no teams have yet booked their ticket to the knockout stage. In the midst of such fierce competition, former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has picked the most balanced team of the season.

Speaking on Star Sports' Cricket Live, the former Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) opening batter stated that Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are "one of the best and most balanced teams in this tournament".

"Lucknow Super Giants are one of the best and most balanced teams in this tournament. They have done well playing away from home but their performance at home ground in Lucknow hasn't been up to the mark," the 44-year-old said.

Can LSG make it to the playoffs?

LSG, led by Krunal Pandya after regular skipper KL Rahul was ruled out, is currently fourth in the IPL 2023 points table following their last win against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday, May 13. A win was crucial for both teams to stay alive in the tournament, and LSG defeated the hosts by seven wickets in a 183-run chase, thanks to a sensible innings from Perak Mankad and some brutal hitting from Marcus Stonis and Nichols Pooran.

The Lucknow-based franchise has won six of its 12 games so far and needs to win the remaining two games to secure a playoff spot without relying on other teams. LSG faces stiff competition from third-placed Mumbai Indians (14 points from 12 games), as well as a series of teams with 12 and 10 points - Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), PBKS, Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Meanwhile, defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT), who are currently at the top of the table with 16 points, are vying for the top spot with second-table toppers Chennai Super Kings (CSK).