LSG vs RCB Preview – Bangalore seek redemption at Lucknow’s home

KL Rahul’s Lucknow Super Giants will host Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Monday, May 1. The home side are coming into the game on the back of a swashbuckling batting performance against Punjab Kings in their previous encounter, handing them a resounding victory.

Although under-fire skipper KL Rahul was dismissed cheaply, his opening partner Kyle Mayers kept his foot on the accelerator, registering an explosive half-century. Marcus Stoinis also flexed his muscles with a trailblazing fifty, assisted by Ayush Badoni and Nicholas Pooran’s ballistic assaults.

Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore succumbed to a deflating loss against their familiar foe Kolkata Knight Riders in their last outing. Even though the RCB top-order has been in sizzling form this year, the lack of contribution from the middle-order batters is hurting their chances of making it to the playoffs.

Pitch and conditions

The surface in Lucknow has usually witnessed plenty of assistance for the slower bowlers this season. The last game at this venue turned out to be a low-scoring thriller. The team winning the toss would be inclined to bat first given the slow nature of the surface.

Venue details: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow

Last T20 match at the venue: GT- 125/6 (20 overs) LSG- 128/7 (20 overs)

Here’s the probable playing XI for Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bangalore:

Lucknow Super Giants

LSG will be on cloud nine after their comprehensive victory against Punjab Kings. However, star all-rounder Marcus Stoinis is a doubt for this game due to an injury he sustained while bowling.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

The return of star Aussie pacer Josh Hazlewood will delight the RCB faithful, as the Men in Red and Gold have been struggling with the ball in the death overs. They will also hope for significant contributions from the under-fire middle-order batters.