IPL 2026: Lucknow Super Giants' strongest predicted XI against Kolkata Knight Riders

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) take on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Ekana International Cricket Stadium in the hopes of doing the double over the three-time champions in Match 38 of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday, April 26.

Rishabh Pant’s side is currently on a four-match losing streak in the tournament, with their last victory coming against their opponent on Sunday. Since then, they have suffered four losses, with their most recent defeat coming against the Rajasthan Royals on home soil. Their recent run of poor results has dropped LSG to ninth in the points standings, with KKR the only side with fewer points this season.

LSG have seen their batting unit struggle to find consistent runs all season long, particularly in the middle orders. They have exciting bowlers in their ranks and can rely on them to restrict the opposition to a lowish total on a tricky Ekana pitch.

Here is LSG’s strongest predicted XI vs KKR, Match 38, IPL 2026:

Top Order: Mitchell Marsh, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant (C) (WK)

Before the start of the tournament, LSG were expected to have one of the best top orders in the IPL. However, that theory is yet to be proven this season, with the likes of Ayush Badoni and captain Rishabh Pant struggling to find quick runs. The duo is striking at 143.68 and 132.43, respectively. Mitchel Marsh, meanwhile, is LSG’s leading run-scorer, having scored 210 runs at a strike-rate of 134.61.