IPL 2023 | Predicted Playing XIs KKR vs LSG

image-lhukxlvoLSG are sitting on 15 points [Source: AP Photo]

The fate of several teams depends upon the outcome of Match 68 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), which will be played at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday evening.

A win for KKR will push their claim to qualify into the playoffs, while a victory for LSG will ensure them a place in the final four. This interestingly will be the first side these two sides meet in IPL 2023, however, the overall record is 2-0 in favour of Lucknow. 

Keeping all permutations and combinations in mind, let’s take a look at the predicted playing XI for both sides.


Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Openers

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Jason Roy

Jason Roy started off his IPL 2023 season with two fifties in three matches, however, his form has tapered down. Roy has managed to get starts, but his weakness against swing bowling is being exploited. 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, on the other hand, has blown hot and cold, showing glimpses of his hitting capabilities. Gurbaz has enjoyed batting in home conditions and will look to use the conditions well. 


Middle-Order

Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Shardul Thakur

Apart from leading the side, Nitish Rana has been phenomenal with the bat as well, amassing 405 runs. Rana throughout the season has displayed aggression and restraint while batting, and assessing the situations well. 

Rinku Singh is the leading run-getter for the side with 407 runs and has grown in stature from just a finisher to a well-rounded batter this season itself. Andre Russell has performed in parts and will hope to make it count one more time.  

Shardul Thakur will hope to play a more active role after recovering from injury. 


Bowlers

Sunil Narine, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Suyash Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy

The duo of Suyash Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy have been KKR's most effective bowlers, snarring 29 wickets between them. Much will be expected from Sunil Narine, who has been economical but failed to provide inroads.

Vaibhav Arora and Harshit Rana will look to improve and display more discipline.


Predicted XI for Kolkata Knight Riders

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Jason Roy, Nitish Rana (c), Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Shardul Thakur, Sunil Narine, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Suyash Sharma, and Varun Chakaravarthy

Impact Players: Venkatesh Iyer, Anukul Roy, N Jagadeesan, Umesh Yadav, Lockie Ferguson


Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Openers

Quinton de Kock and Kyle Mayers

Quinton de Kock has ensured that LSG doesn't miss KL Rahul much in the top order roaring into form from the get-go. Kyle Mayers has been one of the pillars for the side this season, slamming 360 runs,

The pitch at Eden Gardens will provide both batters enough bounce to unleash their brute self.

 

Middle-Order

Krunal Pandya, Prerak Mankad, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni

Krunal Pandya's all-around show staged a brilliant win for LSG against MI; a determined 49* and on-field tactical sharpness. Toss up would be between Prerak Mankad and Deepak Hooda, with Mankad holding a slight edge due to better form.

Ayush Badoni will yet again be given the role of a finisher. 

Undoubtedly, Marcus Stoinis and Nicholas Pooran have been LSG's engines this season. Both combined have contributed 638 runs, with Stoinis making 368 and Pooran making 300. 

They will be challenged by KKR's spin prowess.


Bowlers

Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Yash Thakur, Mohsin Khan

Avesh Khan will most likely make a comeback into the XI, after being rested against MI. With Mohsin Khan also returning back into form, he along with Avesh will look to rekindle their 2022 performances. 

Ravi Bishnoi has been both clinical and economical, claiming 14 wickets at an economy rate of 7.95. Bishnoi and Pandya both have strangled opposition batters with their accuracy. 

Yash Thakur will be eager to continue his good form as well. 


Predicted XI for Lucknow Super Giants

Quinton de Kock (wk), Kyle Mayers, Prerak Mankad, Krunal Pandya (c), Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Yash Thakur, and Mohsin Khan.

Impact Players: Deepak Hooda, Swapnil Singh, Krishnappa Gowtham, Daniel Sams, Yudhvir Singh Charak