IPL 2022: LSG, RR likely to put up a good show at Wankhede

If their performance is any indicator, the match between Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals on a Sunday evening might be a blockbuster Indian Premier League match, with an iconic location adding to its allure. Lucknow Super Giants, who made their IPL debut this season, are third in the points standings after winning three of their four matches.

KL Rahul’s team lost its first game narrowly to fellow first-timers Gujarat Titans, but has since won convincingly over defending champions Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and a very strong Delhi Capitals outfit.

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While Rahul has led the side superbly in the 15th season of the lucrative league, the likes of Evin Lewis, Deepak Hooda, and youthful Ayush Badoni excelling with the bat have provided wonderful balance and stability to the team.

In terms of bowling, the pace-spin pair of Avesh Khan and Ravi Bishnoi have held their own against some of T20 cricket’s most illustrious names.

After rapidly recovering from their opening loss to the Titans, LSG was bolstered by the acquisition of West Indian all-rounder Jason Holder to the squad, who added depth in both bowling and batting.

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LSG will take a lot of confidence into their next match at the Wankhede Stadium after a six-wicket triumph over the Capitals. In defeating DC, seasoned opener Quinton de Kock demonstrated imperious form with a 52-ball 80, while cameos from Badoni and Krunal Pandya sealed the game for LSG.

Krishnappa Gowtham’s economical stint against DC’s powerful batting lineup has boosted his confidence as the off-spinner prepares to face the Rajasthan Royals. Rahul was ejected after receiving a start, and he will undoubtedly try to make amends on Sunday.

However, it is easier said than done when up against RR, which has emerged as one of the stronger teams in the championship thus far, despite its loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore in its most recent outing.

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Prior to the loss to RCB, RR won two matches, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by 61 runs and Mumbai Indians by 23 runs, respectively.

Jos Buttler, perhaps one of the best batsmen in the shortest format, is on a roll, having followed up his blistering century with a 47-ball 70 against RCB.

Buttler’s return to form is a significant boost for RR, who can also rely on Devdutt Padikkal and Shimron Hetmyer for rapid runs. Then there’s skipper Sanju Samson, who can rip through any bowling attack once he settles in the middle.

Pacer Navdeep Saini has leaked runs in recent matches, and it remains to be seen whether Riyan Parag, who has not contributed with the ball, will continue to bat at number six.

Fourth-placed RR, who have three overseas players in Buttler, Hetmyer, and Trent Boult, have the option of picking an all-rounder like Jimmy Neesham to add more balance to their XI.

Full Squad

Rajasthan Royals: Sanju Samson (captain/wicketkeeper), Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Prasidh Krishna, Riyan Parag, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Devdutt Padikkal, Navdeep Saini, Karun Nair, Rassie van der Dussen, James Neesham, Anunay Singh, Daryl Mitchell, Dhruv Jurel, Shubham Garhwal, Kuldip Yadav, Kuldeep Sen, Obed McCoy, Tejas Baroka, KC Cariappa.

Lucknow Super Giants: KL Rahul (captain/wicketkeeper), Quinton de Kock (wk), Manish Pandey, Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya, Evin Lewis, Marcus Stoinis, Jason Holder, Andrew Tye, Kyle Mayers, Avesh Khan, Dushmantha Chameera, Ravi Bishnoi, Ayush Badoni, Manan Vohra, Krishnappa Gowtham, Shahbaz Nadeem, Ankit Rajpoot, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Karan Sharma.