IPL 2026: Lucknow Super Giants’ strongest predicted XI against Kolkata Knight Riders

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) take on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Ekana International Cricket Stadium in the hopes of doing the double over the three-time champions in Match 38 of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday, April 26.

Rishabh Pant’s side is currently on a four-match losing streak in the tournament, with their last victory coming against their opponent on Sunday. Since then, they have suffered four losses, with their most recent defeat coming against the Rajasthan Royals on home soil. Their recent run of poor results has dropped LSG to ninth in the points standings, with KKR the only side with fewer points this season.

LSG have seen their batting unit struggle to find consistent runs all season long, particularly in the middle orders. They have exciting bowlers in their ranks and can rely on them to restrict the opposition to a lowish total on a tricky Ekana pitch.

Here is LSG’s strongest predicted XI vs KKR, Match 38, IPL 2026:

Top Order: Mitchell Marsh, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant (C) (WK)

Before the start of the tournament, LSG were expected to have one of the best top orders in the IPL. However, that theory is yet to be proven this season, with the likes of Ayush Badoni and captain Rishabh Pant struggling to find quick runs. The duo is striking at 143.68 and 132.43, respectively. Mitchel Marsh, meanwhile, is LSG’s leading run-scorer, having scored 210 runs at a strike-rate of 134.61. 

Middle Order: Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Mukul Choudhary

On paper, Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram are two of the best T20 players across the franchise circuit. However, their form in this IPL has been underwhelming. Despite being LSG’s second-highest run-scorer, Markram averages just 23.14, while Pooran has scored just 73 runs from seven innings at an average of 10.42, whilst striking at a mere 82.02.

In such uncertainties surrounding their middle order, Mukul Choudhary has been a breath of fresh air. He has scored 155 runs at a strike-rate of just under 150.

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

Bowling has been LSG’s strong suit this season. Prince Yadav is currently the second-highest wicket-taker in the IPL with 13 scalps at an economy rate of 8.38. Mohammed Shami is widely considered the team’s bowling spearhead. The right-arm fast bowler has taken seven wickets at an economy of eight. 

LSG’s predicted playing XI vs KKR in Match 38, IPL 2026:

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

Impact Player: Abdul Samad