IPL 2024: Lucknow Super Giants’ strongest predicted playing XI against Mumbai Indians, Match 48

LSG ( Source : IPL )

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Mumbai Indians (MI) will go head-to-head in Match 48 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Tuesday, April 30. This will be the first meeting between the two teams in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). Both teams have played nine matches so far and are active in the race for playoff qualification.

LSG, fifth on the points table with five wins, will be more positive heading into another home game. MI, on the other hand, have lost their six matches and are second last in the standings. However, both sides are coming on the back of defeats in their previous matches and are desperate to get back on track.

Mumbai suffered a 10-run loss to Delhi Capitals (DC) in a high-scoring encounter, while Lucknow lost to Rajasthan Royals (RR) by seven wickets in their own backyard despite putting up a competitive total on the board. KL Rahul’s consistency in run scoring, Marcus Stoinis’ recent ton, Nicholas Pooran’s firepower and Deepak Hooda’s return to form will boost LSG’s confidence in the ‘batting-friendly’ tournament.

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

Here’s the probable Playing XI for LSG versus MI IPL 2024 clash:

Openers: KL Rahul (c & wk), Quinton De Kock

KL Rahul. (Source -IPL/BCCI)

KL Rahul is the mainstay of the LSG batting unit. The keeper-batter has been in great form this season, especially in the last few matches. He is currently the fifth-highest run-scorer with 378 runs at an average of 42.00 and a strike rate of 144.27. Notably, the LSG skipper slammed a 76-ball 48 in the last game against RR.

Quinton de Kock’s form worries the franchise, however, they believe in the Proteas cricketer’s ability to bounce back. He has scored three half-centuries so far but has not been consistent and failed to give the team a bright start in the Powerplay. With Kyle Mayers warming the bench, de Kock will be forced to be at his best in the coming matches.

Also Check: Orange Cap in IPL 2024- Most Runs

Middle-order: Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni

Deepak Hooda. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCi)

Deepak Hooda was on the verge of being dropped from the XI once again, but he regained his form at the right time with a fine half-century in the last match. His 50 off 31 balls against RR is a big plus for LSG as it bolstered their middle order.

Nicholas Pooran is currently one of the best finishers in T20 cricket and he has been doing his job beautifully for LSG this season. The Caribbean big-hitter has scored 291 runs in nine matches with the help of 22 monstrous sixes. Aayush Badoni is known for playing some impactful cameos in the lower middle order. He can also chip in with some off-spin deliveries and a gun fielder in the outfield.

All-rounders: Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya

Marcus Stoinis. (Source -IPL/BCCI)

Marcus Stoinis stunned CSK fans with a magnificent century that singlehandedly won a game for LSG in Chennai. Chasing a huge target of 211 runs, LSG lost wickets frequently and found themselves in trouble. However, the Aussie all-rounder rose to the occasion and smashed a 63-ball 124 to get his team through.

Krunal Pandya is a key asset to the team, thanks to his all-round prowess. His batting contribution for LSG this season has not been very effective, but the same has not been the case with his bowling. In a recent match against CSK, he took two wickets at an economy of 5.30.

Bowlers: Ravi Bishnoi, Matt Henry, Yash Thakur, Mohsin Khan

Ravi Bishnoi. (Source -Getty Images)

Ravi Bishnoi has not had a great season so far. He has been leaking a lot of runs and failed to pick up the wickets consistently. In the last three matches, he took just one wicket and his economy was above 11. Bishnoi will need to complement Krunal well in the upcoming matches to strengthen the spin attack.

Matt Henry, Yash Thakur and Mohsin Khan will form part of LSG’s pace attack. Mayank Yadav’s absence is hurting the team well as this trio could not fill his void. They have been very expensive in the last few matches and have not provided crucial breakthroughs. The shortcomings in the pace department were very evident in the last match where they failed to trouble the RR batters while defending a competitive total of 197 runs.

Also Read: Purple Cap in IPL 2024 – Most Wickets

LSG’s predicted XI against MI:

KL Rahul (c & wk), Quinton De Kock, Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Krunal Pandya, Ayush Badoni, Ravi Bishnoi, Matt Henry, Yash Thakur, Mohsin Khan

Impact substitute – Amit Mishra