IPL 2023, RR vs LSG | Match Preview, Pitch Report, Predicted XIs, Fantasy Tips, & Prediction
RR are topping the table at the moment (AP Photo)
The 26th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 will see Lucknow Super Giants taking on Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday, April 19 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur.
Team Preview
Rajasthan Royals
The Royals, who finished as the runners-up in the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League, are showing no signs of letting up this season as well with their eyes set on ultimate glory.
The orange cap winner of the last season, Jos Buttler, along with his opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal and their captain Sanju Samson have all been in splendid form.
It's not just their batting; their bowling has also been exceptional, with Yuzvendra Chahal leading the wicket-taking chart, Trent Boult making early breakthroughs with the new ball, and Ravichandran Ashwin has been doing what he does best - bamboozling the opposition with his spin.
Having won four out of their five matches, the Royals are currently at the top of the points table with eight points. Heading into this match, they will be aiming to continue their winning streak and hold onto their position at the summit of the table.
Lucknow Super Giants
LSG, on the other hand, have had a somewhat inconsistent tournament, winning three out of their five matches so far. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of Punjab Kings in a closely-fought low-scoring contest, but they'll be determined to turn things around in this match.
They have received a massive boost ahead of their upcoming matches with the news that star pacer Mohsin Khan is reportedly fit and available for selection. With Yudhvir Singh Charak performing well in the last match and Mark Wood already a potent force, the addition of Uttar Pradesh pacer will further bolster their already strong bowling attack.
Match Details
Date and Time: 19 April, 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
Live Streaming and Broadcast: Jio Cinema & Star Sports Network
Pitch Report
The pitch at Jaipur is a fresh one, with no prior data to go on this season, but it is known to be a well-balanced surface that provides assistance to both batters and bowlers. However, once a batter settles in, it can turn into a high-scoring affair. Furthermore, the team chasing has had a greater success rate here, so the toss could play a crucial role in deciding the outcome of this contest.
Predicted Playing XI
Rajasthan Royals
Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Adam Zampa, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal
Lucknow Super Giants
KL Rahul (c), Kyle Mayers/Quinton de Kock, Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Ayush Badoni, Avesh Khan/Mohsin Khan, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Mark Wood, Ravi Bishnoi
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keeper: Jos Buttler, Nicolas Pooran, Sanju Samson
Batters: KL Rahul, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal
All-Rounders: Marcus Stoinis, Kyle Mayers
Bowlers: Mark Wood, Trent Boult, Ravi Bishnoi
Captain: Jos Buttler
Vice-Captain: Kyle Mayers
Prediction
It's hard to say who will come out on top in this match as both teams are evenly matched. However, based on their head-to-head record, Rajasthan Royals have emerged victorious both times they faced Lucknow Super Giants last season.
With their current momentum, it's possible that they might have a slight edge. However, the visitors cannot be discounted completely as they too appear to be a formidable side on paper.
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