IPL 2023: Eliminator | Predicted Playing XIs For Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians
LSG beat MI by 5 runs in a league stage encounter [Source: Twitter]
In a high-octane encounter, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will take on Mumbai Indians (MI) on Wednesday in Eliminator of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 at Chepauk. The winner of this encounter will meet the loser of Qualifier 1 on Friday in Qualifier 2.
In their only league game this season, LSG prevailed over MI by just five runs, after the Rohit Sharma-led side faltered under pressure, despite being in a commanding position.
The Krunal Pandya-led XI will be high on confidence knowing MI have never beaten LSG in IPL, having won all their three matches against the five-time champion side. However, MI have a favourable track record at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, which makes this game even more exciting.
Keeping everything in mind, let's have a read into how both XIs could look like a must-win tie.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Openers
Quinton de Kock and Karan Sharma
The absence of Kyle Mayers at the top has hurt LSG lately, with no solid starts. Quinton de Kock has been good but needs to stand up and make an impact, while Karan Sharma needs to ensure that he does not give his wicket away cheaply.
Middle-Order
Prerak Mankad, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Krunal Pandya (c), Ayush Badoni
LSG's middle order has been a hit-and-miss affair this season. Apart from Nicholas Pooran and Marcus Stoinis, no other batter has managed to keep his spot and is constantly being floated up and down. The failure of Deepak Hooda contributes mainly to their dip.
Pooran and Stoinis have contributed almost 726 runs, combined with has been the main reason for LSG's success this season. Krunal Pandya in glimpses has shown his talent but needs to get the ball rolling.
Prerak Mankad and Ayush Badoni have played handy parts so far in limited chances.
Bowlers
Krishnappa Gowtham, Ravi Bishnoi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mohsin Khan
LSG will look to bank on Krishnappa Gowtham's know-how of Chepauk, given his earlier affiliation with Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Ravi Bishnoi, who has been LSG's leading force this season in bowling, will lick his fingers, knowing how much assistance the track will offer him.
One of the main drawbacks for LSG has been their pace bowling, which has been inconsistent. Mohsin Khan and Naveel-ul-Haq will need to step up and showcase discipline against a strong MI side.
Predicted XI for Lucknow Super Giants
Quinton de Kock (wk), Karan Sharma, Prerak Mankad, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Krunal Pandya (c), Ayush Badoni, Krishnappa Gowtham, Ravi Bishnoi, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Mohsin Khan.
Impact Players
Kyle Mayers, Yash Thakur, Daniel Sams, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Deepak Hooda.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Openers
Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan has redeemed himself from the horrors of the 2022 season, where he found it difficult to score runs. Kishan has shown both caution and aggression this time around, amassing 439 runs.
Rohit Sharma came into form against SRH, smashing a quick-fire 56, however, MI will hope to see their skipper score daddy runs in a crucial must-win encounter in Chennai, where he has a decent record.
Middle-Order
Cameron Green, Suryakumar Yadav, Tim David, Nehal Wadhera
For MI, the time couldn't have been perfect for Cameron Green to peak form. Green, who registered his maiden IPL ton last week, along with Suryakumar Yadav form a devastating pair, capable of knocking over any attack.
Both need to be mindful of the conditions, and will be conducive to slow bowling. Tim David and Nehal Wadhera have not had much game time lately, but will be expected to hitting their engines running come Wednesday.
Bowlers
Chris Jordan, Piyush Chawla, Jason Behrendorff, Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal
Jason Behrendorff needs to find his form, or else LSG batters will make them pay dearly. Both Behrendorff and Chris Joran were expensive, especially the latter, who has been canned for runs since making his MI debut.
Piyush Chawla remains the old war-horse of the bowling attack, picking up wickets at will. Chawla along with Kumar Kartikeya will look to stranglehold LSG's power-heavy batting with their spin.
Akash Madhwal has been a surprise package this season. The pacer has managed to impress all with his bowler, snaring eight wickets in six matches.
Predicted XI for Mumbai Indians
Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Cameron Green, Suryakumar Yadav, Tim David, Nehal Wadhera, Chris Jordan, Piyush Chawla, Jason Behrendorff, Kumar Kartikeya, and Akash Madhwal.
Impact Players: Ramandeep Singh, Vishnu Vinod. Tristan Stubbs, Tilak Varma, Sandeep Warrier.
 "Vishal Mehra")
