The 26th game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 will see the Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals take on Lucknow Super Giants at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Wednesday, April 19. Rajasthan will come into the game on the back of a win against the defending champions Gujarat Titans, whereas Lucknow would be keen on getting back to winning ways following their recent loss to Punjab Kings.
The Royals would be high on confidence as they recently beat the Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat at home. Batting first, Gujarat’s middle order put in a fabulous performance. However, Sandeep Sharma and Adam Zampa stopped the defending champions on 177 in the first innings. Coming in to bat, the in-form top order of Rajasthan failed to make an impact. However, brilliant knocks by Shimron Hetmyer and skipper Sanju Samson took the Royals to a victory by three wickets.
On the other hand, their opponents, Lucknow would be keen to reclaim the top spot in the IPL 2023 points table. The KL Rahul-led side suffered a narrow defeat against Punjab Kings in their previous game. Lucknow posted 159 runs on the board after skipper KL Rahul’s resilient knock of 74 runs. However, Sikandar Raza’s brilliant half-century and Shahrukh Khan’s unbeaten knock led the Punjab Kings to a win by two wickets.
Pitch and Conditions
The surface at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium traditionally helps the spinners. However, the batter would be expected to freely score runs at the surface once they are settled at the crease. Electing to bowl first and aiming to chase could prove to be a wise decision.
Probable Playing XI for RR vs LSG
Rajasthan Royals
Sanju Samson’s Rajasthan Royals have been enjoying great form at the IPL 2023. Currently on a three-match winning streak, the team is not expected to make too many changes. However, Riyan Parag is under pressure after failing to perform so far and might lose his place in the side.
Probable Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Adam Zampa, Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal
Lucknow Super Giants
Despite losing their previous game, Lucknow would be expected to go in with an unchanged lineup. With Yudhvir Singh’s emergence, the KL Rahul-led side would be keen on witnessing a similar performance from the youngster. Meanwhile, skipper KL Rahul would look to build upon his knock from the previous game.
Probable Playing XI: KL Rahul (c), Kyle Mayers, Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Ayush Badoni, Krunal Pandya, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Yudhvir Singh, Avesh Khan, Mark Wood, Ravi Bishnoi
RR vs LSG Head to Head
Played – 2 Rajasthan Royals- 2