In a reverse leg IPL match in Lucknow on Thursday, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will try to boost their playoff chances against bottom-place Lucknow Super Giants by regaining their batting rhythm following a rare collapse in their previous outing.
RCB is now in second place in the standings, however they are still tied with four other teams for 12 points. After losing to Gujarat Titans by four wickets in Ahmedabad, they will need to rapidly regroup.
In the game, RCB’s batting collapsed, going from 79/2 to 96/6 in just three overs before being dismissed for 155.
RCB’s batting this season has mostly focused on aggressive purpose despite the collapse. With 379 runs, Virat Kohli has been in incredible form. Devdutt Padikkal and captain Rajat Patidar have also contributed significantly.
Jacob Bethell will have to provide explosive starts alongside Kohli since regular opener Phil Salt is sidelined due to a finger ailment. It is only a matter of time till Bethell uses his entire repertoire of strokes in the IPL after showcasing his incredible talent during the most recent T20 World Cup.
RCB will be more rested than their opponents going into the match after taking a week off.
LSG, on the other hand, has lost their previous six games and is currently languishing at the bottom of the standings. After losing to Kolkata Knight Riders in a Super Over in a tied match, they were thoroughly defeated by Mumbai Indians by six wickets in their next match, failing to stop their downward trend.
Due to erratic play, unstable tactics, and a history of losing games, LSG’s campaign has fallen apart. Important batsmen like Mitchell Marsh, captain Rishabh Pant, Aiden Markram, and Nicholas Pooran have had difficulty being consistent, and their issues have been made worse by the batting order’s frequent changes. Because of his white-ball form, Pant in particular is being scrutinized.
Australia’s Josh Hazlewood and veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar lead the potent RCB bowling arsenal that LSG’s batting lineup must now contend with.
This season, the seasoned duo have worked well together. On April 27, they destroyed the Delhi Capitals for just 75 runs. While Hazlewood has continuously produced high-impact stints, seamer Bhuvneshwar has been among the top wicket-takers, making the most of the new ball.
With nine wickets and a potent bouncer variety, Krunal Pandya has also had a fine season. Romario Shepherd and Suyash Sharma both made an impression in the last game, but RCB’s batting collapse ultimately led to the loss to GT.
With 13 and 10 wickets, respectively, Prince Yadav and Mohsin Khan have been LSG’s best bowlers. Although Mohammed Shami had a great start to the season, he has since battled with consistency and has allowed runs in games.
When facing RCB batters, LSG will have a difficult challenge because their pace attack has frequently lost control in the final overs, allowing opponents to accelerate quickly. RCB will enter the game with a great deal of confidence after defeating LSG by five wickets in the first leg.
LSG vs RCB Head-to-Head:
LSG and RCB have played each other seven times in the IPL. With five victories, RCB lead the head-to-head record; LSG has won two games.
LSG vs RCB Pitch Report:
Low-scoring games have been played at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow this season. It has been difficult for batters to time the ball because of slow pace. Big shots have also been challenging due to the enormous expanse of the ground. The first innings score has averaged about 155 runs at the venue. To remain competitive, teams batting first must strive for a score near 200.
LSG vs RCB Weather Report:
Lucknow is predicted to have largely clear skies with temperatures of about 29°C. There may be a 51 percent humidity level, which could be difficult for bowlers to handle.
LSG vs RCB Probable XIs:
Lucknow Super Giants: Rishabh Pant (Captain & Wicketkeeper), Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Himmat Singh, Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, Prince Yadav
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar (Captain), Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma (Wicketkeeper), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood
FAQs:
When is the IPL 2026 match between LSG and RCB scheduled?
The IPL 2026 match between LSG and RCB is scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2026.
What time does the IPL 2026 match between LSG and RCB scheduled to start?
The IPL 2026 match between LSG and RCB will start at 7:30 PM IST.
Where is the IPL 2026 match between LSG and RCB scheduled to take place?
The IPL 2026 match between LSG and RCB is scheduled to be played at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
Which TV channel will broadcast the IPL 2026 match between LSG and RCB?
The IPL 2026 match between LSG and RCB will be broadcast on Star Sports Network.
Where can one catch the live streaming of the IPL 2026 match between LSG and RCB?
The live streaming of the IPL 2026 match between LSG and RCB will be available on JioHotstar.
