Today in IPL, there is a competition between the two lowest ranked teams on the points table. In this match to be held at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants will face each other. The toss will be at 7 pm, while the match will start at 7:30.
LSG vs KKR Match Preview: In the 38th match of IPL today, on 26th April, there will be a tough match between Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders. Before this match to be held at Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, both the teams were seen struggling. LSG had started the season well and won two of their first three matches, but after that their form deteriorated and the team lost 4 consecutive matches. KKR, on the other hand, had an even worse start, with the team going winless in its first six matches (with one match abandoned due to rain). However, he later showed signs of a comeback by winning against Rajasthan Royals. The IPL 2026 season has been quite challenging so far for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Both the teams are at the bottom in the points table.
Change in KKR team: Expectations increased with Pathirana’s entry
KKR has faced a lot of problems due to its weak fast bowling attack. In such a situation, the return of Mathisha Pathirana to the team will provide relief to the team. Pathirana is now fully fit and available to play against LSG. However, who will be dropped in his place in the playing eleven is a big question. Leaving out Rovman Powell could be an option, but his form has been fine. In such a situation, there is a possibility that Pathirana may be included in place of Tim Seifert and Sunil Narine should open with Ajinkya Rahane.
KKR’s biggest weakness: Poor performance in powerplay
KKR’s powerplay performance in this tournament has been very disappointing. The team’s economy rate is the worst during this period and they are also lagging behind in terms of taking wickets. With the return of Pathirana, the team hopes to see improvement in the bowling figures in the powerplay.
Strengths of LSG: Powerful Indian bowling attack
LSG’s biggest strength has been their bowling. The special thing is that their bowling attack is completely based on Indian bowlers and they have performed brilliantly. LSG’s economy rate in the powerplay has been 7.59, which is the best this season. Also, during this period he has taken maximum 14 wickets. Prince Yadav and Mohammed Shami have bowled brilliantly, while Mohsin Khan has also performed well.
LSG’s problem: batting is a complete flop
While the bowling has been strong, LSG’s batting remains a matter of great concern.
Run rate in powerplay: 8.19 (worst)
Run rate in middle overs: 7.75 (worst)
Run rate in death overs: 9.18 (second worst)
Nicholas Pooran’s performance has been disappointing. Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram have also not been able to regain their rhythm. At the same time, Rishabh Pant’s performance has also been full of ups and downs. The team needs to change its batting strategy soon. However, one positive thing for LSG is that their previous win in IPL 2026 came against KKR, where Mukul Chaudhary played an unbeaten inning of 54 runs to help the team win on the last ball.
Team combinations and possible changes
Apart from the entry of Pathirana, not much change is expected in KKR. LSG, on the other hand, had played only three foreign players in the previous matches. Matthew Bretzke may get a chance as an impact player, especially considering his batting weaknesses. Fast bowler Enrique Norkhia will not be available due to family reasons, which may affect the team combination.
Pitch Report: Batting is not easy at Ekana Stadium
The pitch of Ekana Cricket Stadium has been challenging for the batsmen this season. In the six matches played here, no team has been able to cross the 200-run mark. A black soil pitch will be used in this match, which is likely to be two-paced. This may make it difficult for the batsmen to score runs.
LSG vs KKR: How will be the weather in Lucknow?
There is strong sunlight and heat in Lucknow since Sunday morning. The wind speed will be 20 km per hour. Today the day temperature in Lucknow can be around 28 to 42 degrees. In such a situation, players will feel the scorching heat.
Lucknow Super Giants (Probable Playing 11)
Rishabh Pant (captain and wicketkeeper), Mitchell Marsh, Ayush Badoni, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Mukul Chaudhary, Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan, Prince Yadav, Digvesh Rathi, Mayank Yadav and Himmat Singh.
Kolkata Knight Riders (Probable Playing 11)
Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Tim Seifert, Sunil Narine, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wicketkeeper), Cameron Green, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Rovman Powell, Anukul Roy, Vaibhav Arora, Karthik Tyagi and Varun Chakraborty.