IPL 2023: Match 68, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Predicted Playing XI vs Kolkata Knight Riders

Following the crucial win against Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are all set to play another must-win encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their final group assignment. The two teams will lock horns at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, May 20.

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Both sides are still in the race for a spot in the playoffs and will be gunning to obtain favourable results in the forthcoming clash. The two teams have played each other on two occasions in the IPL as LSG have emerged victorious on both meetings. A thrilling contest awaits as a berth in the playoffs is at stake and could set the tone in Saturday’s second double-header.

Here’s Lucknow Super Giants’ predicted XI against Kolkata Knight Riders:

Openers: Quinton de Kock (wk), Deepak Hooda

The LSG think tank experimented with Deepak Hooda in the top-order in the previous match against Mumbai Indians. However, the move did not quite pay off as the right-hander failed to contribute the vital runs and headed back to the dugout for a paltry score of five off seven balls. Deepak has endured a rather forgetful campaign throughout the seasonand will need to up the ante and score big against MI.

On the other hand, Quinton de Kock has featured in mere three matches thus far and has made a stunning start to his campaign. The southpaw got 70 runs against Gujarat Titans but failed to maintain his consistency in the following fixtures. He will be raring to hit the ground running in the next game and help his side book a place in the playoffs of the event.

Middle Order: Nicholas Pooran, Prerak Mankad, Ayush Badoni

In at no. 3, Prerak Mankad was at his lethal best in the match against SRH when he clobbered an unbeaten 45-ball 64, featuring seven fours and two sixes. However, against Mumbai, the batter failed and was dismissed for a first-ball duck.

In the last two matches, Ayush Badoni did not get his chances with the bat. However, the 23-year-old is capable of providing solid partnerships and playing crucial knocks. He was immensely appreciated for his performance against CSK, when he notched up an unbeaten 59 off 33 balls on a slow wicket.

Nicholas Pooran has displayed his aggressive batting exploits on certain occasions. Pooran has the potential to single-handedly change the complexion of the game with his knock and even help obtain favourable results. In the previous match, Pooran got to play just eight balls and he remained unbeaten on eight. 

All-rounders: Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya (c)

The star Aussie all-rounder played a blistering knock against Mumbai, as he scored an unconquered 47-ball 89, featuring eight sixes and four fours, at a stunning strike rate of 189.36. He has collected 368 runs in 13 appearances and also has five wickets under his belt. 

Meanwhile, stand-in skipper Krunal Pandya headed back to the dugout after he was retired hurt against Mumbai. However, during his batting against the five-time winners, Krunal carved out a crucial 49 off 42, which included a six and a four. The all-rounder pair will look to put their best foot forward as the game is a crucial one in terms of securing a berth in the playoffs.

Bowlers: Naveen-ul-Haq, Ravi Bishnoi, Swapnil Singh, Mohsin Khan

Pacer Naveen-ul-Haq returned to the setup against Mumbai but he leaked 37 runs with no breakthroughs in his four overs, at an economy of 9.25. Much like Naveen, Swapnil Singh too was hammered for 11 runs in his solitary over and failed to get a chance after that. 

On the other hand, spinner Ravi Bishnoi helped restrict the rival side from scoring the big runs as he gave just 26 runs in four overs at a solid economy of 6.50 and got two scalps. Left-arm pacer, Mohsin Khan gave 26 runs in his three overs and added a wicket to his account. 

Mohsin played an instrumental role in the final over while defending 11 runs against Mumbai and helped the side clinch the two points. The bowling unit will need to rise to the occasion against KKR and be at their best to get the breakthroughs.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Probable Playing 11:

Quinton de Kock (wk), Deepak Hooda, Prerak Mankad, Krunal Pandya (c), Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Naveen-ul-Haq, Ravi Bishnoi, Swapnil Singh, Mohsin Khan

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Probable Impact Players:

Kyle Mayers, Karun Nair, Krishnappa Gowtham, Yudhvir Singh, Karan Sharma