IPL 2023: 3 Key Match-Ups to Watch-Out in RR VS LSG Match 26

IPL 2023: Rajasthan Royals (RR) will take on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 26 of the ongoing IPL 2023 season at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Wednesday, April 19. Whenever these two teams faced each other, Rajasthan emerged as the dominant of the two as they currently hold a lead of 2-0. In both league games, LSG faced defeat and is yet to register a win over last year’s finalists. Both teams are currently in the first and second positions of the points table and this match can change their positions.

Rajasthan Royals have won their last three matches and will be confident about winning this game after their last win against the defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT). Shimron Hetmyer and captain Sanju Samson starred in the run-chase. Apart from these two, Jos Buttler, Devdutt Padikkal, Shimron Hetmeyer, Dhruv Jurel, and Ravichandran Ashwin are also in great form with the bat. RR’s bowling needs no introduction and with the kind of bowling attack they have, it will be difficult to beat them.

The Super Giants, on the other hand, are in second place after winning three of their previous five games. In the last match against the Punjab Kings (PBKS), Lucknow couldn’t get enough runs on the board in the first innings. While KL Rahul returning to form with a 56-ball 74 is a welcome sign for them. But Deepak Hooda not scoring runs is still a big concern for them. Mohsin Khan is fit but whether he will play or not it remains to be seen.

IPL 2023: Top Player Battles to Keep an Eye on in RR VS LSG Game:

3) KL Rahul vs Trent Boult 

LSG skipper and one of the most prolific run scorers in the history of the league, KL Rahul scored his first half-century of the season in the last game. So far in the tournament, the LSG opener has scored 155 runs so far at an average of 31 and a strike rate of 113.13. Opening the batting is a big challenge and Rahul will come across Trent Boult, RR’s new ball specialist. The left-arm seamer has taken six wickets to his name in four matches at an average of 22.33. Boult will be once again eager to pick crucial wickets for his side with the new ball and he will be eyeing the prize wicket of the LSG skipper. Rahul has been dismissed twice in the IPL by Boult.

2) Jos Buttler vs Mark Wood

Buttler has been in exceptional form with the bat in the ongoing season so far. He is the leading run-scorer for the Royals this season with 204 runs in five innings at an average of 40.80 and a strike rate of 163.20, with three fifties to his name. In the last match, he couldn’t open his account and was out in the powerplay overs. If LSG wants to start well with the ball, they would love to see the back of Buttler early in the innings. And for that, they will turn to Mark Wood. The express pace bowler is the joint leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 11 wickets to his name in four games at an average of 11.81, an economy of 8.12, and a strike rate of 8.7. Wood is an X-factor of the LSG team and he would love to get his countrymen out. 

1) Sanju Samson vs Ravi Bishnoi

Samson has been one of the top performers for the Royals this season. has scored 157 runs in five games at an average of 31.4 and a strike rate of 165.26, including a match-winning knock of 60 runs off 32 deliveries in the last game. Samson is a dangerous player once he gets his eye in. The leg-spinners have troubled him in the past, the in-form Ravi Bishnoi can challenge him. Bishnoi has been a revelation with the ball for the Lucknow-based franchise. The wily leg spinner is a proven wicket-taker and has the ability to bowl in any phase of the game. In five matches so far, the leg-spinner has picked up 8 wickets with a handy economy rate of 7.14. In the battle between the two gun players, Samson has an upper hand, having scored 42 off 28 balls without being dismissed by the young leggie.