RCB will look to carry their momentum as a unit, while LSG are still trying to settle on their best combination with fully fit players. Despite winning two matches, LSG are yet to secure a convincing victory, relying on Rishabh Pant and Mukul to deliver in crunch situations.
For RCB, the early phase could hinge on how Mohammed Shami fares against Phil Salt and Virat Kohli. With some help for seamers upfront, this battle could shape the innings. Shami’s record against Kohli five dismissals in 12 innings adds an edge.
RCB Probable XI: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam, Jacob Duffy
Impact subs: Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma
Injuries/Unavailabilities: Josh Hazlewood remains doubtful, played once this season so far
Watch Live Streaming: Fans can watch the RCB vs LSG match live on the app and website of JioHotstar.
Toss Time: 7:00 PM
Pitch report: At M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, high scores are common, but tall pacers get help; chasing sides have had more success recently.
Head to head: RCB lead 4-2 overall, but have lost both at Chinnaswamy.
Krunal Pandya has dismissed both Aiden Markram and Rishabh Pant three times each in the IPL. Pant, however, enjoys facing RCB, with four fifties and a hundred at a strike rate of 159. The upcoming game offers a chance for out-of-form batters to make an impact.
LSG Probable XI: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant, Ayush Badoni, Nicholas Pooran, Abdul Samad, Mukul Choudhary, George Linde, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Digvesh Singh Rathi
Impact subs: Anrich Nortje, Mohsin Khan, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav
Injuries/Unavailabilities: With Mayank and Mohsin both declared fit, it will be interesting to see how LSG fit them into the playing XI.
Lucknow Super Giants remain inconsistent, with key overseas players like Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran yet to fire, though their bowling, led by Mohammed Shami, has been solid.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru look settled, driven by Rajat Patidar, but concerns around death bowling keep the contest evenly poised.