IPL 2024: Lucknow Super Giants’ strongest predicted playing XI against Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Lucknow Super Giants. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 15 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The second round of the league stage is drawing to a close as LSG set to play their third match of the tournament. The two sides had a heated battle last season, with Virat Kohli, Naveen-ul-Haq and Gautam Gambhir at the helm of one of the biggest controversies in league history.

Although Kohli and Naveen buried the hatchet with heartwarming gestures during the 2023 ODI World Cup and Gambhir, who is now linked with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), shared a hug with the RCB star, fans are hoping for another chapter in the fierce rivalry between the two. The match will be played at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium on Tuesday, April 2 at 7.30 pm.

The Faf du Plessis-RCB are coming on the back of a humiliating seven-wicket defeat against KKR. They are currently ninth in the points table with just two points from three matches. On the other hand, LSG bounced back from their loss to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their opening match with a 21-run win over Punjab Kings (PBKS).

Injured KL Rahul failed to contribute much for LSG in their last match but Quinton de Kock’s half-century is a good sign for them in the top order. Nicholas Pooran, who stepped in as captain, and all-rounder Krunal Pandya also excelled with the bat. Notably, right-arm pacer Mayank Yadav made a match-winning cameo against PBKS, taking 3/27 in four overs. Will Lucknow make any changes to their winning combination?

Here is LSG’s probable playing XI for the match against RCB in IPL 2024:

Top order: KL Rahul, Quinton De Kock (WK)

KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock. (Source -IPL)

KL Rahul is likely to refrain from the captaincy like in the previous match due to a minor injury. However, he will open the batting innings with Quinton de Kock to provide a left-right combination at the top. Known for anchoring the innings and allowing others to bat around him, Rahul scored a 44-ball 58 in the first game.

Meanwhile, de Kock failed to shine in the first game but cemented his spot with a half-century against PBKS. This means Kyle Meyers, who played the role last year, will have to wait for his chance. The Proteas cricketer will also be behind the stumps as Rahul is not fully fit.

Middle-Order: Devdutt Padikkal, Nicholas Pooran (C)

Devdutt Padikkal. (Photo Source: Jio Cinema)

Devdutt Padikkal is likely to continue at number three though he failed in both the matches. The southpaw had a decent campaign with RCB in his early IPL career as an opener. But ever since he joined RR for the 2022 season, his role has been shifted to the middle order, which is still not producing the desired results for the youngster. However, LSG are likely to show faith in Patikal by giving him one more chance. 

Nicholas Pooran is LSG’s pocket dynamo. The Caribbean power-hitter is their main strength in the middle order and has proved that in the last two matches, with scores of 64 and 42 with strike rates over 150 and 200, respectively. The franchise will be hoping Pooran produces similar stunners throughout the tournament.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Orange Cap

All-Rounders: Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, Ayush Badoni

Marcus Stoinis

Fast bowling all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has yet to deliver his best this season as he failed to score big runs in the first two matches. He also did not bowl in either match but is likely to take up the role in the upcoming matches. The Australian is expected to regain his form in Chinnaswamy’s batting-friendly environment.

Krunal Pandya proved himself to be a vital cog in the team’s setup with a 22-ball 43 against PBKS. The spin all-rounder shone with an economy of 4.80 in the first match. An impactful lower-order batter, Ayush Badoni may change his batting position depending on the game situation. He can also chip in with some off-spin deliveries in the middle overs.

Bowlers: Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, Manimaran Sidharth

Mayank Yadav. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Ravi Bishnoi will lead LSG’s spin attack. He assesses the batter’s technique very quickly and makes breakthroughs at crucial moments. Bishnoi can be a key weapon against RCB’s dangerous Glenn Maxwell. While the franchise lacks big names in the pace department, they are not far behind in terms of quality.

Mohsin Khan and Manimaran Sidharth are likely to operate with the new ball. Mohsin, who picked up two wickets in the last match, might be saved for the later part of the innings to bowl at the death. Meanwhile, Mayank Yadav stunned everyone with his blistering pace against PBKS and grabbed three scalps conceding just 27 runs. The youngster is expected to have another fruitful outing on Tuesday. The fast bowling unit will also have the assistance of Naveen-ul-Haq, who is likely to feature as an Impact Player.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Purple Cap 

Impact Player: Naveen-ul-Haq

LSG’s Predicted XI vs RCB:

KL Rahul, Quinton De Kock (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Nicholas Pooran (C), Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, Ayush Badoni, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, Manimaran Sidharth (Impact Player: Naveen-ul-Haq)