IPL 2023: Match 38, LSG strongest predicted XI against Punjab Kings

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have had a topsy-turvy start to their first leg of the IPL 2023 season. Having played seven matches, the side has won on four occasions and lost thrice thus far.

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They are set to lock horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their forthcoming match at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Friday, April 28. Speaking about their head-to-head records, the two sides have contested in just two matches thus far, with both the teams winning a game each. 

Lucknow will need to work on certain aspects to produce strong performances which can help cement their place in the play-offs of the event. At present, LSG are placed fourth in the points table whereas Punjab stand in the sixth place with the same number of wins.

Here’s Lucknow Super Giants’ predicted XI against Punjab Kings:

Openers: KL Rahul (c), Quinton de Kock

Skipper KL Rahul has failed to play his natural game and has adopted a slow approach in the league so far. In the previous match against the defending champions Gujarat Titans, Rahul got 68 runs off 61 balls with just eight boundaries to his name. Playing in this fashion going forward would certainly impact the side and he will need to change his approach and score big.

On the other hand, Kyle Mayers has endured an inconsistent run and has failed to produce the kind of innings he did in the first two games. Therefore, Quinton de Kock may get the green signal from the management to feature against Punjab. de Kock will be raring to hit the ground running and raise vital partnerships with Rahul in the top-order. However, Mayers could be listed as the Impact Player in the clash.

Middle Order: Nicholas Pooran (wk), Ayush Badoni

After the scintillating innings against RCB, wherein Pooran got 62 runs, the southpaw has endured an underwhelming patch, having compiled scores of 0, 29, and 1 in his last three outings. While Pooran has shown glimpses of his lethal batting exploits, he will be raring to score big against Punjab in the next outing.

Meanwhile, the 23-year-old Ayush Badoni has not been able to hit the ground running. In his last three matches, he has compiled scores of 5*, 1, and 8 respectively. While there is lots for the player to work on, he will be vying to turn the tables and produce a fine knock against PBKS.

All-rounders: Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya

Marcus Stoinis and Krunal Pandya got four wickets between them against Gujarat to deck the top and middle order. Krunal and Stoinis did not leak too many runs as the duo concluded with 36 runs in combined seven overs. However, with the bat, they did not create much of an impact as Krunal got 23 off 23 whereas Stoinis was dismissed for a first-ball duck. Both will look to bring out their ‘A’ game in all facets of the game against Punjab. 

Deepak Hooda is enduring arguably one of his worst phases in the top-tier league. The all-rounder has been unable to fire and get the required runs down the order. It remains to be seen if LSG continue to back him or will they explore other options. In any case, Hooda will need to get some runs, considering that the second leg of their campaign is about to kickstart.

Bowlers: Naveen-ul-Haq, Avesh Khan, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Ravi Bishnoi

Naveen-ul-Haq has featured in just two games thus far for LSG and has been quite instrumental in restricting the rival sides. The Kabul-born pacer gave mere 19 runs each in both outings but claimed his first wicket in the last match against Gujarat Titans. Like Naveen-ul-Haq, Avesh Khan too relished a fine outing as he maintained a terrific economy rate against the Titans and returned with figures of with 0/21 in three overs.

On the other hand, spinner Ravi Bishnoi proved to be very costly for the side as he gave away 49 runs at an economy of 12.25. However,, Bishnoi has been vital for the franchise and will look to weave his magic with the ball against Punjab. Meanwhile, Yudhvir Singh had a forgettable outing against Rajasthan Royals as he was hammered for 27 runs in two overs without any wickets. Subsequently, he was dropped in the next match against Gujarat. However, he could play in important role in the middle overs and would be gunning for an improved outing.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Probable Playing 11:

KL Rahul (c), Quinton de Kock, Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Ayush Badoni, Naveen-ul-Haq, Avesh Khan, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Ravi Bishnoi

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Probable Impact Players:

Jaydev Unadkat, Amit Mishra, Kyle Mayers, Prerak Mankad, Krishnappa Gowtham