IPL 2023: LSG vs DC Preview – Lucknow, Delhi eager to start the season on positive note
The third match of the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League will see Lucknow Super Giants taking on Delhi Capitals on April 1 at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Notably, last year, both these teams performed decently but Delhi, unfortunately, missed the playoffs race while the KL Rahul-led side could not do much after qualifying.
Things are different this time as both the teams have restructured themselves and will be gunning to lift their first trophy in history. However, things will be extremely difficult for the Capitals as their skipper Rishabh Pant is already ruled out of the competition. The southpaw was involved in a horrific car accident in December last year and is recovering from the multiple injuries he suffered.
Without a doubt, the Delhi team will miss him a lot in the middle. They lack a solid Indian middle-order batter and that might play a huge role in the campaign. On the other hand, David Warner will be seen leading the team in his absence and that is a positive sign as the Australia international has a lot of experience in this format. Meanwhile, Anrich Nortje will miss the first match due to international duties.
When it comes to LSG, opener Quinton de Kock will miss the first match because of international duties but they will have no problem whatsoever. They have a strong squad and either Kyle Mayers or Manan Vohra will partner KL Rahul at the top of the order. Rahul will once again have to wreak havoc. He is one of the most consistent performers in the competition and will once again have to play in his natural avatar.
Meanwhile, they have a lot of all-rounders in the squad and it will only help them against Delhi in the opening game and for the rest of the tournament as well. Overall, they are in a better place than Delhi.
Pitch and Conditions
The surface in Lucknow is likely to favour the spinners. Anything above 160 will be a good score on this wicket and bowling first will be ideal.
Venue details: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
Last T20I match at the venue: NZ – 99/8 (20 overs) | IND- 101/4 (19.5 overs)
Here’s the probable playing XI for Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals clash:
Lucknow Super Giants
The Super Giants will back their all-rounders to do the job but it will be interesting how they use their impact player. Amit Mishra is likely to be used at some point in that role while KL Rahul is once again going to be an important member of the squad
Delhi Capitals
With the likes of Nortje, Lungi Ngidi and Rilee Rossouw not available for the opening game, Delhi are in a bit of trouble at the moment. They lack experience with the ball and that might bother them in the match.
