The 26th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 will see Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) taking on Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Wednesday, April 19 at Sawai, Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur.
Lucknow Super Giants have been putting up a great show in the tournament, winning three out of five matches played. At present, they occupy the enviable second position on the points table, and are poised to unseat the reigning Rajasthan Royals from their perch atop the standings.
However, the task at hand is sure to be an arduous one for the visitors, as the Royals have been in scintillating form of late, and possess a star-studded lineup that is sure to present a formidable challenge. On that note, we present a quick preview of the likely starting eleven for the Super Giants in the upcoming encounter.
Openers: KL Rahul, Kyle Mayers/Quinton de Kock
KL Rahul, who notched up his first half-century of this season in the previous match against Punjab Kings, is set to open the batting in this game alongside either Kyle Mayers or Quinton de Kock.
Although the West Indian all-rounder got off to a rollicking start in the tournament with two dazzling half-centuries, he has appeared lacklustre in the last couple of outings.
It remains to be seen if the Super Giants will exhibit faith in him and retain him in the playing eleven or opt for the alternative of Quinton De Kock, who has been waiting in the wings.
Middle Order: Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Ayush Badoni
The middle order of the Lucknow Supergiants appears to be a weak link at present, with Deepak Hooda going through a dismal run of form. Kunal Pandey and Aayush Badoni have yet to deliver with the bat, leaving a considerable burden on the shoulders of Marcus Stoinis and Nicolas Pooran to deliver the goods for the team once again.
Bowlers: Avesh Khan/Moshin Khan, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Mark Wood, Ravi Bishnoi
According to reports, the Lucknow Super Giants’ star pacer, Moshin Khan, has made a successful recovery and is expected to return to the team for the upcoming match. In all likelihood, he will replace Avesh Khan in the playing XI.
Meanwhile, Yudhvir Singh Charak, who had a fantastic debut against Punjab Kings in the previous match, is likely to retain his spot in the team. The pace attack will be spearheaded by Mark Wood, with Ravi Bishnoi being their go-to spinner.
Lucknow Super Giants Predicted Playing XI
KL Rahul (C), Kyle Mayers, Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Ayush Badoni, Avesh Khan/Moshin Khan, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Mark Wood, Ravi Bishnoi
