LSG, RR look to break losing slide

It's a clash of two teams sitting in different halves of the points table, both in need of a course correction. RR, after four straight wins, have suffered two losses. LSG are slightly more desperate: they started with two wins but have since suffered three consecutive defeats.

Both teams have clear strengths and weaknesses. RR's opening pair is statistically the best this season, averaging 54.66 at a run rate of 11.44. However, their issues linger further down the order, especially against spin. Conversely, their own spin attack has been the most successful, taking 18 wickets.

For LSG, the new-ball unit has been largely impressive but was taken apart in their last outing against PBKS. Bouncing back after conceding 250+ runs will require a quick reboot. Their bigger issue is the form of their famed overseas trio. Nicholas Pooran, in particular, is navigating a torrid time, averaging 12.53 in T20s this year.

When: April 21, 2026, 7.30 PM IST
Where: Ekana Stadium, Lucknow

What to expect: The two matches at the venue so far have been relatively low-scoring. Pace has trumped spin at this ground since 2025. An excessive heat alert is in effect for the region, with temperatures soaring over 40°C during the afternoon.

There are no known injury issues for either side. LSG captain Aiden Markram clarified that Mayank Yadav is "fit and firing" but not selected. Markram confirmed he will bat down the order, allowing Ayush Badoni to open with Mitchell Marsh—a move designed to free up Badoni.

Tactics and Matchups: The contest could hinge on how quickly LSG's bowlers can dismiss RR's powerful opening pair to expose their middle order. LSG's quicks have the best economy rate (8.77) and highest dot-ball percentage (41.8) this season, which sets up a compelling clash against RR's openers. The battle between Mohammed Shami and young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will be intriguing.

LSG Probable XII: Ayush Badoni, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Mukul Choudhary, Himmat Singh, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Prince Yadav, M Siddharth, Mohsin Khan

RR have a full squad available. They could consider bringing in Dasun Shanaka for an out-of-form Shimron Hetmyer, though it would cost them a left-handed option.

Tactics & Matchups: RR's bowlers have taken 16 wickets in the Powerplay this season, the best of any team. Their spin attack, with 18 wickets, could play a defining role against LSG's inconsistent batting. Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi will be eager to perform against his old franchise and former captain, Rishabh Pant, whom he has dismissed twice in past encounters.

RR Probable XII: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Ravi Bishnoi, Brijesh Sharma, Nandre Burger, Yash Raj Punja

Key Stats:

• Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has hit more sixes (44) than anyone in the IPL since his debut.
• Jofra Archer and Mohammed Shami have taken a wicket off the first ball of an IPL innings most often (5 times each).
• LSG spinners have the worst record this season: just 7 wickets at an average of 33.71 and an economy of 10.37.

Aiden Markram on Nicholas Pooran's form: "I don't think you worry too much when a guy's a world-beater like Nicholas Pooran… He's just one knock away, and when that knock comes, it makes a big impact."

Dhruv Jurel on his wicketkeeping: "I'm very grateful to be playing under Kumar Sangakkara. I want to be prepared for anything. I just want to be consistent rather than thinking I have to do something magical."