In the forthcoming 21st match of the IPL 2024 tournament, Lucknow Super Giants are set to clash with Gujarat Titans at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on April 7th, commencing at 7:30 PM IST. As anticipation mounts, Lucknow Super Giants currently hold a respectable fourth position on the points table, while Gujarat Titans trail slightly behind, occupying the seventh spot.
Lucknow Super Giants have showcased their mettle in three IPL encounters this season, clinching victories in two of them. In their recent showdown against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Lucknow emerged triumphant by a margin of 28 runs, fueled by Quinton de Kock’s commanding 81-run innings and Mayank Yadav’s stellar performance with the ball, claiming three crucial wickets.
On the flip side, Gujarat Titans suffered a setback in their last outing against Punjab Kings, succumbing to a narrow 3-wicket defeat despite an impressive 89-run knock by Shubman Gill. Notably, Gujarat Titans have maintained an unbeaten record against Lucknow Super Giants, winning all four of their previous encounters in this format.
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As the teams gear up to battle it out, the dynamics of the game are likely to witness a shift. Unlike the previous season where the venue witnessed modest first innings totals averaging around 148, this season’s opening matches have hinted at a more favorable environment for the batsmen. The refurbished pitches promise enhanced pace and bounce, providing an opportunity for the pacers to make an impact throughout the game. With the surfaces offering better value for shots, batters can anticipate an advantageous setting to showcase their prowess with the bat.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Mohsin Khan’s recovery from back and hamstring issues post the PBKS game is progressing well, although a cautious approach might be adopted before his return to action. Nicholas Pooran has been a standout performer for LSG, amassing 146 runs across three games with an impressive strike rate of 175.9. Particularly adept against spin, Pooran boasts a strike rate of 188, having accumulated 51 runs off 27 deliveries faced.
His performance during the middle overs, with a strike rate of 143.93, will be crucial, especially against the formidable Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad. While LSG’s playing XI might remain unchanged, Ayush Badoni’s dip in form could prompt consideration for Deepak Hooda’s inclusion, though the management might afford Badoni more opportunities.
Probable XI: KL Rahul(c/wk), Quinton de Kock, Devdutt Padikkal, Nicholas Pooran, Marcus Stoinis, Ayush Badoni/Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, Yash Thakur, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mayank Yadav. [Impact sub: Manimaran Siddharth].
Gujarat Titans (GT)
David Miller is expected to return to the GT XI after missing the PBKS game due to a niggle. Mohit Sharma has been a standout bowler for GT this season, claiming seven wickets in four games. With a commendable economy rate of 7.00 and a strike rate of 6.57, Mohit Sharma’s impact has been significant, particularly in the middle and slog overs.
His battle against LSG’s power-hitters will be a key subplot. GT might contemplate changes in the batting lineup, given Vijay Shankar’s modest performances. Alternatives such as Abhinav Manohar and Shahrukh Khan offer options to bolster the middle order and inject additional firepower.
Probable XI: Shubman Gill (c), Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Kane Williamson/David Miller, Sai Sudharsan, Abhinav Manohar/Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Umesh Yadav, Darshan Nalkande
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
Lokesh Rahul (vc), Quinton de Kock, Nicholas Pooran, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Krunal Pandya, Mohit Sharma, Rashid Khan, Mayank Yadav (c)
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
Lokesh Rahul (c), Quinton de Kock, Nicholas Pooran (vc), Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohit Sharma, Rashid Khan, Mayank Yadav, Noor Ahmed
