In a crucial IPL showdown, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will be donning the famous green and maroon jersey of local giants Mohun Bagan, giving them a sense of home advantage as they aim to secure their playoff spot by defeating a struggling Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team on Saturday night.
Despite being the actual home team, KKR have faced disappointment with the playing conditions and have encountered deeper issues throughout the season, struggling to find a winning combination.
With seven defeats, four of which occurred at Eden Gardens, KKR has faced challenges in both their batting and bowling departments, particularly with the lack of experience in their pace attack.
With a congested mid-table, there is a possibility of four teams finishing with 14 points, and the team with a superior net run rate will make it to the playoffs.
Currently hanging by a thread with 12 points, KKR not only need a convincing victory but also rely on Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, and Sunrisers Hyderabad winning their respective matches against Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Mumbai Indians.
In contrast, LSG can breathe a bit easier as a victory would be sufficient for them to secure back-to-back playoff berths. With stronger momentum and performance, LSG appear to have the upper hand over the struggling KKR, who have failed to find their stride even on their home turf.
KKR vs LSG Head-to-Head
These two sides have played each other twice in the past, with LSG winning both those encounters.
Team news
In terms of team news, KKR are expected to go in with an unchanged XI.
Lucknow, in all likelihood, will bring in Amit Mishra for Swapnil Singh, while the out-of-form Deepak Hooda could be replaced by Manan Vohra at the top.
Kolkata Weather Update
While there’s a 15% chance of rain on Saturday, the weather should clear up for a full 40-over game at Eden Gardens.
KKR vs LSG Probable Playing XI:
KKR Possible Playing XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Jason Roy, Nitish Rana(c), Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Shardul Thakur, Sunil Narine, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Suyash Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy
LSG Possible Playing XI: Quinton de Kock(w), Manan Vohra, Prerak Mankad, Krunal Pandya(c), Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Naveen-ul-Haq, Ravi Bishnoi, Amit Mishra, Mohsin Khan
WHERE TO WATCH
How to watch on TV
People who want to watch the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants match on TV can tune into Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3, Star Sports 3 HD
How to watch live streaming
People can watch the KKR vs LSG match free of cost on the Jio Cinema App. You can download the app on your smartphone, smart TV, or any other device.
Kolkata vs Lucknow full squads
Kolkata Knight Riders full squad: Nitish Rana (c), Jason Roy, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shardul Thakur, Lockie Ferguson, Umesh Yadav, Tim Southee, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Anukul Roy, Rinku Singh, N. Jagadeesan, Vaibhav Arora, Suyash Sharma, David Wiese, Kulwant Khejroliya, Litton Das, Mandeep Singh and Aarya Desai
Lucknow Super Giants full squad: Krunal Pandya (c), Ayush Badoni, Karan Sharma, Manan Vohra, Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, Krishnappa Gowtham, Deepak Hooda, Kyle Mayers, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, Mark Wood, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Nicholas Pooran, Yash Thakur, Romario Shepherd, Daniel Sams, Amit Mishra, Prerak Mankad, Swapnil Singh, Naveen-ul-Haq, Yudhvir Charak, Karun Nair, Shreyansh Shedge
(With PTI inputs)