IPL 2024: LSG vs MI Match 48 – Top 3 player battles to watch out for

KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah. (Source -Getty Images)

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Mumbai Indians (MI) will cross paths for the first time in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL). With both teams gearing up for their 10th match of the season, MI will be pushing harder for a win. Currently second last in the points table, the five-time champions need a series of victories from here on to qualify for the playoffs.

LSG, on the other hand, are not in a comfortable position either, but after registering five wins, they can rest a bit on the fifth spot in the table. Moreover, LSG also have the upper hand in their head-to-head encounters. The two teams have faced four times in IPL history, with LSG winning three and MI claiming one victory.

Given the nature of the tournament so far, another batting-friendly affair is expected when the two meet at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on April 30. However, this is the only venue that has not conceded a 200-plus total this season. But all the matches were close encounters and the same is expected on April 30.

Also Read: Mumbai Indians strongest predicted playing XI against Lucknow Super Giants

Here are the top three player battles to watch out for in IPL 2024: LSG vs MI, Match 48:

3. Surykumar Yadav vs Ravi Bishnoi

Suryakumar Yadav has had a mixed campaign so far this season. He has played some brilliant knocks but has not been as consistent as in the previous years. However, LSG will not think of leaving him unmarked as they are well aware of the threat he can pose.

A key challenger for MI’s No.3 will be Ravi Bishnoi. Although the LSG spinner has not been at his best this time around, he has a good record against the T20 specialist. Bishnoi has dismissed Yadav thrice in seven IPL meetings while conceding just 39 runs off 32 balls. Furthermore, the right-hander has only a strike rate of 133.33 against leg-spinners and has been dismissed 15 times in 72 IPL innings.

2. KL Rahul vs Jasprit Bumrah

KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah are the backbone of their teams in their respective fields. Both are in great form and their battle in powerplay will excite cricket fans. The MI pacer has dismissed the LSG captain twice in 12 IPL meetings, but the latter has amassed 143 off 112 balls in this face off. 

Rahul, who has scored 378 runs so far, is known for anchoring the innings and leading the team to good totals. For the same reason, Bumrah, the current leading wicket-taker (14 scalps), will aim to get the rival skipper out early.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Points Table

1. Rohit Sharma vs Mohsin Khan

Having played just four innings against LSG, Rohit Sharma does nOt have a good against the upcoming opponents. The former MI captain has been in decent form this season, often getting his team off to a blazing start in the powerplay. Rohit and Ishan Kishan accumulate maximum runs at a rapid pace in the first six overs and make it easy for the rest of the batters.

However, the veteran opener has a weakness when playing against the left-arm pacers, which opponent skipper KL Rahul will not hesitate to exploit. Mohsin Khan will be tasked with dismissing the big-hitter. Rohit has fallen prey to left-arm fast bowlers four times across nine innings in IPL 2024, but his strike rate reads an impressive 192.85.