In the 26th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will be facing each other at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Wednesday, April 19. This will be Rajasthan’s first match of the season in Jaipur. Earlier, they played their first two home games at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. With four wins from five games, Rajasthan is currently placed at the top of the points table.
Lucknow has also had an impressive start and occupies second place with three wins from five games. RR secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad on Sunday, April 16. They successfully chased down the 178-run target in another last-over finish, thanks to fine half-centuries from Sanju Samson (60) and Shimron Hetmyer (56*).
ALSO READ: Match 26 (RR vs LSG) – Playing XI And Fantasy XI Predictions
On the other hand, LSG suffered a heartbreaking two-wicket loss against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Lucknow on Saturday, April 15, falling to defend a target of 160. Rajasthan and Lucknow have faced each other twice in the IPL history, with RR emerging victorious on both occasions. The upcoming contest featuring the top two teams of the table is expected to be a closely fought battle.
Here’s a look at three match-ups that could have a major impact on the RR vs LSG game:
#3 Trent Boult vs KL Rahul
Rajasthan’s left-arm fast bowler, Trent Boult has done a fine job with the new ball in IPL 2023. The senior bowler has provided his team with a wonderful start on most occasions by picking up early wickets. He could be Sanju Samson’s go-to guy against LSG opener KL Rahu, who recently found some form with a 74-run knock against PBKS. While Rahul has a strike rate of 163.26 against Boult in the IPL, he has struggled against left-arm seamers. He has been dismissed twice by Boult in the IPL.
#2 Jos Buttler vs Mark Wood
Rajasthan opener Jos Buttler has been one of the top performers for the side lately. He has played a few wonderful knocks in the ongoing season as well. He has slammed three fifties and has amassed 204 runs to his name from five matches at a strike rate of 163.20. He will be up against his England teammate Mark Wood, who has scalped 11 wickets in four outings. The two would have squared off several times in the nets and are bound to be aware of each other’s weaknesses.
#1 Sanju Samson vs Ravi Bishnoi
Rajasthan skipper Sanju Samson left everyone mesmerized with his striking against GT. He targeted the opposition’s best bowler, Rashid Khan. However, his counter-attacking approach against spinners has proved to be the reason behind his dismissals as well at times. It wouldn’t come as a surprise if KL Rahul turns to Ravi Bishnoi when Samson walks out to bat. Bishnoi has done well for LSG so far. The talented youngster has picked up eight wickets from five matches at an impressive economy rate of 7.13.
