IPL 2026, Match 38 – Predicted LSG XI vs KKR

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) face the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in match No. 38 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium on Sunday, April 26.

Lucknow and Kolkata are placed ninth and 10th on the points table, respectively. Every match is crucial for these two teams, which have struggled to perform cohesively as a unit.

Rishabh Pant-led Super Giants are coming into this game on the back of a four-match losing streak. KKR, on the other hand, defeated the Rajasthan Royals in their most recent fixture to register their first win in IPL 2026.

LSG Predicted XI vs KKR, Match 38, IPL 2026

Top-order: Mitchell Marsh, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant (c) (wk)

Mitchell Marsh has not been at his best, but his fighting half-century in the last game must have given him some confidence. The experiment of opening the batting with Ayush Badoni hasn’t yielded splendid results. It won’t be a bad idea to swap his place once again with Aiden Markram. Rishabh Pant has to get his act together, having scored just 147 runs in seven innings at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 132.44.

Middle-order: Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Shahbaz Ahmed

Nicholas Pooran is another player who needs to hit his straps. He is averaging just 10.43 and has a strike rate of 82.03 after playing seven innings this season. Aiden Markram, meanwhile, has been shuffled around in the batting order, and that has not helped his cause. Last year, he performed well while opening with Marsh. Shahbaz Ahmed played the first game but hasn’t featured since. The Bengal all-rounder is too good a player to spend so much time on the bench, especially in a team that is struggling. If used well, Shahbaz can perform a Krunal Pandya-like role.

Bowlers: Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan, Prince Yadav, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Mayank Yadav

Mohammed Shami bowled an exemplary spell inside the power play in Lucknow’s last game against the Rajasthan Royals. The LSG camp would be hoping that the experienced seamer continues from where he left in the last game. Mohsin Khan bowled a remarkable spell in the last game, finishing with figures of 2/17. The more he plays, the more confident he will get.

Prince Yadav has been the most impressive bowler for LSG and the most consistent one as well. In seven matches, he has picked up 13 wickets. Digvesh Singh Rathi has not been as lethal as he was last year. However, he will still have a key role to play through the middle overs.

Mayank Yadav received criticism from some fans for his underwhelming return to the IPL in the last game, as he conceded 56 runs in four overs. However, he should be given some time to get his rhythm going.

LSG’s Predicted Playing XI:

Mitchell Marsh, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant (c) (wk), Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan, Prince Yadav, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Mayank Yadav

Impact Player: Mukul Choudhary

FAQs

When and where will the match be played?

Match 38 between Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders will be played at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium on Sunday, April 26.

What could be a winning score in this match?

Considering the Ekana, which generally provides sluggish surfaces, a total in the range of 160–170 could be match-winning.

Which LSG player can make the biggest difference?

Mohammed Shami will be LSG’s player to watch out for in this contest, considering how well he bowled at the same venue in the last game. His spell with the new ball will be crucial.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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