5 Player Battles To Watch Out For in LSG vs DC


image-lfxraef6LSG will take on DC tonight [Source: IPLT20.com]

On Saturday, Lucknow Super Giants will lock horns with Delhi Capitals in the third match of the Indian Premier League 2023. Both teams comprise some outright match-winners, so we expect a thrilling contest at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. 

Meanwhile, there are some on-field rivalries which can determine the outcome of the game. Let's analyse and list such five player battles to watch out for in this face-off. 


David Warner vs Ravi Bishnoi

image-lfxr6dkfBishnoi has dismissed Warner three times [Source: IPLT20.com]

Regarded as one of the finest white-ball players in the modern era, David Warner has consistently performed in the IPL, amassing 5881 runs, including four centuries and 55 half-centuries, in 162 outings. 

However, the swashbuckling southpaw has time and again struggled against young Indian spinner Ravi Bishnoi, as evident from the stats below. 

 David Warner vs Ravi Bishnoi in T20s: 6 balls, 5 runs, 3 wickets

As we can see, Bishnoi has the upper hand over Warner, dismissing him three times for just five runs in 6 balls. So, the Australian stalwart should be cautious against the youngster, as he will play a vital role with the bat for the Capitals. 


Nicholas Pooran vs Kuldeep Yadav

image-lfxr76u8Kuldeep Yadav can trouble Nicholas Pooran [Source: IPLT20.com]

Since debuting in 2019, Nicholas Pooran has been a regular feature in the IPL, garnering 912 runs at a magnificent strike rate of 151.24. Considering his exploits for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, the Super Giants spent a whopping amount of 16 crores to bag him in the mini-auction. 

However, Kuldeep Yadav could emerge as a significant threat to Pooran, who records ordinary numbers against the Indian spinner in T20 cricket. 

Nicholas Pooran vs Kuldeep Yadav (in T20 Cricket): 16 balls, 15 runs, 2 dismissals


Deepak Hooda vs Axar Patel

As opposed to most right-handers, Deepak Hooda has healthy numbers against left-arm off-spinners, averaging 34 in 28 appearances. Furthermore, Hooda has stunning numbers against DC's only slow left-armer Axar Patel, as mentioned below.  

Deepak Hooda vs Axar Patel: 38 balls, 52 runs, 0 dismissals

Hooda will bat in the middle order and certainly face Axar Patel at some point in the game. Therefore, the battle between these two players is going to be a mouth-watering one. 


Prithvi Shaw vs Krunal Pandya

image-lfxr80g2Prithvi Shaw will be key for the Capitals [Source: IPLT20.com]

Hailed as one of the finest batting talents, Prithvi Shaw will open alongside David Warner for Delhi Capitals. Although he will aim to play his typical fearless cricket brand, dominating Krunal Pandya could be challenging for the youngster, as he has ordinary numbers against left-arm off-spinners (SLAs) in T20s. 

Added to that, Pandya has had the upper hand over the dynamic batter so far. 

Prithvi Shaw vs SLAs: 165 runs, 9 dismissals, 18.3 average

Prithvi Shaw vs Krunal Pandya: 12 balls, 7 runs, 1 dismissal


KL Rahul vs Khaleel Ahmed

KL Rahul's recent struggle against moving the ball is unknown to none. Although numbers say otherwise, the stylish right-handed batter has recently been vulnerable to incoming deliveries, particularly by the left-arm fast bowlers. Therefore, DC's Khaleel Ahmed, who swings the ball back into the right-handers, could threaten Rahul, particularly in the first few overs.