Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are gearing up for a crucial clash against Delhi Capitals (DC) in their bid to secure a playoff berth in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). They have two more league games to go and can reach 16 points. But a spot in the final four is still far from assured, thanks to a horrible net run rate (NRR) of -0.769 — the worst among the teams still vying for qualification.
It is not sure if KL Rahul and Co. have recovered from the massive blow they suffered at the hands of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their last match. Turning on the EA Cricket mode, SRH openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma chased down the target of 166 in just 9.4 overs. That 10-wicket loss shattered LSG’s NRR and now they have to pray for SRH to lose their remaining two matches to have a chance at playoff qualification.
As Lucknow are about to face DC, their only aim will be to win by a high margin, leaving the rest of the situation in the hands of fate. The path for Delhi, who will be hosting the game at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday (May 14), is also similar to that of LSG. Their playoff chances also depend heavily on the net run rate and the results of other teams.
Here is the predicted Playing XI of Lucknow Super Giants against DC in Match 64 of IPL 2024:
Openers: KL Rahul (c & wk), Quinton de Kock
LSG have one of the worst opening combinations of the season. Quinton de Kock has struggled to find runs throughout the tournament, yet they haven’t tried to bring in Kyle Mayers in the opening slot. His return to the line-up in the last match against SRH was just to make 2 runs off 5 balls.
KL Rahul’s strike rate has been under scrutiny for a few years and he still hasn’t come out of the debate. The LSG skipper has scored 460 runs so far but at a strike rate of 136.09. After his sluggish 33-ball 29 against SRH recently, criticism of his batting approach has come again in sporting circles.
Middle-order: Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni
Deepak Hooda has fared better than Devdutt Padikkal, but apart from that LSG haven’t had much of an advantage in switching these players from their line-up. Despite getting a consistent run as the tournament progressed, the right-hander failed to make a significant impact in the batting department.
Nicholas Pooran is LSG’s main strength in the middle order. The Caribbean big-hitting has so far scored 363 runs at an excellent strike rate. Ayush Badoni may not have accumulated many runs this season, but he was there when the team was in trouble. In the last match against SRH, his 50* off 30 balls was crucial in helping LSG reach a respectable score.
All-rounders: Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, Krishnappa Gowtham
Marcus Stoinis has had an inconsistent run so far. The right-hander has played a few big knocks, including a match-winning century against CSK, but he has not been able to deliver such effective innings consistently. LSG also expects much more from the fast-bowling all-rounder in the bowling department.
Krunal Pandya has not been able to shine like in the previous seasons. In both departments, the Lucknow franchise has not received much of its services. Krishnappa Gowtham finally got his chance this season in the match against SRH. But the right-arm spinner failed to make it count, conceding 29 runs in his two overs.
Bowlers: Ravi Bishnoi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Yash Thakur
Ravi Bishnoi’s lack of form is LSG’s main concern in the bowling unit. The leg-spinner is not able to take wickets consistently and concedes plenty of runs as well. Naveen-ul-Haq and Yash Thakur were thrashed by SRH openers in the last game, conceding an economy of 18.50 and 17.60, respectively.
Both have managed to pick up wickets in recent matches but need to have control in leaking runs. It is noteworthy that there are currently no LSG bowlers in the top 15 wicket-takers list.
LSG XI: KL Rahul (c & wk), Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Deepak Hooda, Krishnappa Gowtham, Ravi Bishnoi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Yash Thakur
Impact Sub: Yudhvir Singh Charak
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