The upcoming clash between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL 2024 promises to be an exciting encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. While RCB suffered a setback with a seven-wicket loss to the Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow enters the game riding high on a 21-run victory over the Punjab Kings, aiming to extend their winning streak. RCB currently sits at the bottom of the table, securing just two points from three games, and faces a challenge to improve their net run rate, which stands at -0.71 following the defeat to Kolkata.
The team’s batting lineup, anchored by Virat Kohli’s two half-centuries, shows promise. However, the performances of key players like Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, Rajat Patidar, and Cameron Green have been lacklustre. With Du Plessis averaging 15.33, Maxwell 10.33, Green 18, and Patidar 7, RCB’s top and middle order have struggled to make significant contributions.
Consequently, the team has heavily relied on late-order batsmen such as Dinesh Karthik, Anuj Rawat, and Mahipal Lomror to bolster the total. To address these batting woes, RCB may consider resting Patidar and bringing in someone like Suyash Prabhudessai, who can also offer bowling options. Additionally, RCB’s bowling department, led by Mohammed Siraj, has faced challenges.
Siraj’s lackluster performance with just two wickets in three games, coupled with conceding 10 runs per over, has hindered RCB’s ability to make early breakthroughs and build pressure on the opposition. In the upcoming match against Lucknow Super Giants, RCB will aim to rectify these issues and bounce back with a strong performance, while Lucknow will seek to capitalize on their momentum and secure another victory in the IPL 2024 campaign.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have encountered a rollercoaster ride with two losses and a solitary win. Amidst the turbulence, Virat Kohli has stood tall as the team’s shining star, delivering consistent performances. Additionally, Dinesh Karthik’s explosive batting in the latter stages of the innings has been a source of encouragement. However, beyond these key players, neither the batsmen nor the bowlers have made substantial impacts or left a lasting mark on the field.
Probable XI: Faf du Plessis (C), Virat Kohli, Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Anuj Rawat, Mahipal Lomror, Mayank Dagar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Lockie Ferguson, Mohammed Siraj
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have showcased resilience in their initial outings. Despite facing a narrow defeat against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their debut match, LSG demonstrated their fighting spirit. In the subsequent encounter against Punjab Kings (PBKS), the team found themselves in a precarious position until the emergence of the young Indian pace sensation, Mayank Yadav. Yadav’s blistering pace and precise bowling proved instrumental in dismantling PBKS’s batting lineup, leading LSG to a remarkable turnaround and securing their first victory of the season.
Quinton de Kock (wk), Kyle Mayers, Devdutt Padikkal, Nicholas Pooran (C), Mark Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, Ayush Badoni, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, Manimaran Siddharth
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
Quinton de Kock, Lokesh Rahul (vc), Nicholas Pooran, Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell (c), Cameron Green, Krunal Pandya, Mohammad Siraj, Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
Quinton de Kock, Lokesh Rahul (c), Nicholas Pooran, Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green (vc), Mohammad Siraj, Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, Yash Dayal