IPL 2023: 3 Players Who Will Be Crucial for Lucknow Super Giants to Win LSG vs PBKS Match No. 21

IPL 2023: KL Rahul and his team have performed really well in the 2023 Indian Premier League so far. They are sitting in second place on the table with three wins out of four games. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) started well with a 50-run win over DC but lost their next game against CSK. But the Lucknow Super Giants have bounced back really well with two consecutive wins over SRH and RCB.

Now, they will be up against the Shikhar Dhawan-led Punjab Kings on Saturday. It will be the second game of the doubleheader at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. LSG will head into the game as favorites with a number of players in form. But they need to put on a collective effort to win against PBKS. This article will feature three crucial players for Lucknow in LSG vs PBKS Match No. 21.

IPL 2023: 3 Key Players for Lucknow Super Giants in LSG vs PBKS Match No. 21

3. Nicholas Pooran

The former West Indian captain Nicholas Pooran proved how important he can be when the situation is difficult when he smashed the second-fastest IPL fifty against RCB in the last match. Chasing the target of 213, Pooran made 62 off 19 balls with four boundaries and seven sixes to lead his team to the fourth-highest IPL chase.

Pooan has also made a few good cameos in previous games and is currently in good form. He will be very important for LSG with his finishing ability because he can take on any bowling lineup and clear any boundary with ease. Pooran is the highest run-getter for LSG with 141 runs in four games at a staggering strike rate of 220.31 with 14 sixes (joint-most in the IPL 2023).

2. Marcus Stoinis

LSG did win a thrilling game against RCB just by one wicket, but at one point they were struggling at 23/3, and it was the Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis who started to take on the RCB bowlers. Stoinis came to the party and smashed a 21-ball fifty. He made 65 off just 30 balls with six fours and five sixes.

He will certainly get some confidence from his last inning and can be a threat to PBKS on Saturday. Stoini can tonk the ball and is also a useful pacer who can take wickets in the middle. His all-round skills make him a valuable asset for any team, which is why he is rated so highly in LSG camp. Stoinis will be crucial for LSG’s middle order because other batters are struggling. 

1. Krunal Pandya

The last time LSG played a match at Ekana Stadium, it was Krunal Pandya who turned the game in their favor with both bat and ball. Krunal picked up 3/18 in his four overs against SRH and scored 34 vital runs in the chase. He also won the “Player of the Match” award for his all-round performance.

He would like to repeat the same performance on home soil once again. PBKS batters find it slightly difficult to play spin, and Krunal can take the most out of it. He doesn’t turn the ball over much but is a very smart operator. He can be an impactful performer for LSG on Saturday when they face PBKS. LSG fans will hope he delivers another match-winning performance to help the team win.