Is T1 prepping to drop Faker with LCK roster shuffle?

During the 2021 LCK Spring Split, T1’s competitive form has noticeably deteriorated compared to their championship-caliber history. The organization currently occupies a middle-tier position in the league standings, suggesting they may not be prioritizing immediate spring season success.

The team has implemented extensive player rotations across multiple positions, indicating they’re navigating a significant transitional period with their veteran core. Presently, T1 has introduced two fresh rookie competitors while cycling through five different substitutes covering four distinct roles throughout the split. This roster volatility appears likely to intensify in upcoming competitive weeks.

2라운드 첫 경기 승리의 기세를 이어나가려고 합니다. 다가오는 목요일 경기도 많은 응원 부탁드립니다.
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Trying our best to keep the momentum of last night’s victory. Please look forward to our match this Thursday.#T1WIN
#T1Fighting
pic.twitter.com/VVwZq34n2w

— T1 LoL (@T1LoL) February 22, 2021

T1 commenced the competitive season retaining much of their previous starting formation. Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok and Park “Teddy” Jin-seong began as the experienced anchors within a comparatively youthful lineup that held ambitious aspirations for qualifying to Worlds 2021.Currently, the organization has shifted away from fielding both veteran players for majority of matches, choosing instead to evaluate emerging talents like Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong and Lee “Clozer” Ju-hyeon who initially appeared in 2020 but are now receiving regular competitive exposure. The squad has additionally rotated their top lane and jungle positions, with Moon “Oner” Hyeon-joon and Choi “Zeus” Woo-je making their professional debuts ahead of more established T1 competitors.

Jungle responsibilities have experienced the highest frequency of substitutions as Choi “Ellim” El-lim and Moon “Cuzz” Woo-chan were alternating appearances before Oner entered the competitive mix.The solitary consistent presence within the team composition thus far has been Ryu “Keria” Min-seok who joined during the 2020 offseason and faces no backup contender challenging his support role position.

Why isn’t T1 starting Faker and Teddy?

To the disappointment of their dedicated fanbase, T1 appears to be treating this competitive split as an opportunity to cultivate the organization’s next generation of competitive talent. For numerous seasons, T1 constructed their competitive identity around legendary mid laner Faker guiding the squad to international tournaments. Presently, the franchise seems to be preparing for their organizational future beyond Faker’s tenure while providing their developing stars valuable experience in high-pressure competitive environments.

This strategic direction gains additional credibility when examining the coaching personnel surrounding the team. T1’s current head coaching partnership consists of Yang “Daeny” Dae-in and Lee “Zefa” Jae-min who both contributed significantly to DAMWON Gaming’s successful campaign toward the 2020 World Championship title.

Both coaching professionals have established reputations for identifying and developing emerging talent, with Jang “Nuguri” Ha-gwon and Heo “ShowMaker” Su maturing under their guidance. Probability suggests they were recruited this season specifically to implement similar developmental processes for T1. As the competitive season progresses, anticipate T1 experimenting with novel combinations from their extensive 10-player roster pool.

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Is T1 prepping to drop Faker with LCK roster shuffle? Analyzing T1's strategic roster changes and youth development approach during the 2021 LCK Spring Split