The upcoming clash between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 44th game of the IPL 2024 season promises an exhilarating showdown at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on April 27th. Rajasthan Royals have been in exceptional form, clinching victory in 7 out of their 8 matches in the tournament.
Sitting comfortably at the top of the points table, they boast 14 points and an impressive net run rate of +0.698. In contrast, Lucknow Super Giants have had a decent run, securing wins in 5 of their 8 games so far. Currently occupying the 4th spot on the table, they’ve amassed 10 points with a net run rate of +0.148.
Having faced off 4 times previously, Rajasthan holds the upper hand with 3 wins, while Lucknow has emerged victorious once. Fans eagerly anticipate another thrilling encounter between these two formidable teams. The upcoming match is set to unfold on one of the venue’s four black soil pitches.
ALSO READ: Match 43 (DC vs MI) – 3 Player Battles To Watch Out For
It’s a surface where LSG showcased resilience, with Ayush Badoni’s impressive 35-ball 55 steering them to recovery from a precarious position of 94/7 in a previous encounter against DC. In their head-to-head battles, Rajasthan has emerged triumphant in all instances, with the winners consistently opting to bat first. As anticipation builds for this clash, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await to witness the unfolding drama on the field.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Mayank Yadav showcased his bowling prowess, hinting at a potential return to the lineup for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Coach Sriram remained optimistic about Mayank’s readiness, suggesting he’s “pretty close” to making a comeback.
LSG faces a pivotal decision if Mayank returns to the XI. They could replace either Mohsin Khan or Yash Thakur, or opt for an all-Indian pace attack, making room for Kyle Mayers as the fourth overseas player, potentially replacing Devdutt Padikkal. Mayers’ inclusion offers a strategic advantage against Yuzvendra Chahal, against whom he’s had notable success in the IPL.
Probable XI: Quinton de Kock, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal/Kyle Mayers, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Deepak Hooda, Ayush Badoni, Krunal Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, Matt Henry/Mohsin Khan, Yash Thakur [Impact substitute: Mayank Yadav]
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Trent Boult eyes a chance to exploit LSG’s vulnerability against left-arm quicks, particularly Quinton de Kock, Ayush Badoni, and Devdutt Padikkal. However, KL Rahul’s prowess against left-arm pacers poses a challenge, despite previous dismissals against Boult. Sandeep Sharma has also been formidable against LSG’s openers, notably Quinton De Kock and KL Rahul.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s recent form has been under scrutiny, but his past performances against Marcus Stoinis and Nicholas Pooran offer a glimmer of hope for LSG. Stoinis and Pooran have struggled against Ashwin in previous IPL encounters, making him a key asset in the bowling attack. Additionally, Yuzvendra Chahal’s spin could prove effective against Stoinis, who has been dismissed five times by spinners this season.
Probable XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
Jos Buttler (vc), Sanju Samson, KL Rahul, Nicholas Pooran, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Marcus Stoinis (c), Riyan Parag, Krunal Pandya, Yuzi Chahal, Trent Boult, Ravi Bishnoi
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
Nicholas Pooran, KL Rahul (vc), Sanju Samson (c), Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Marcus Stoinis, Riyan Parag, Krunal Pandya, Mohsin Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal
