It is not easy to score runs on this pitch. Although the batsmen can play shots after the initial overs are taken away, it will not be easy to play the spinners. On the other hand, it has rained in Lucknow in the morning, but the atmosphere will be slightly clear after noon. However, it may rain again in or around the toss in the evening. Probably the first match of the season could not be completed due to rain.
The batsmen of the team are full of confidence after hitting the biggest score of this season, 257 runs in the last match against Punjab Kings. Although it is not easy to score runs on this ground, yet taking inspiration from that match, would like to win against Bangalore and return to the winning track again at their home ground. On the other hand, the Bangalore team would also like to win after the defeat in the previous match.
middle order concern
RCB’s top order with the presence of Virat Kohli, Faf Duplessis and Glenn Maxwell has done well so far but the middle order has proved to be their weak side. In such a situation, batsmen like Mahipal Lomror, Shahbaz Ahmed and Dinesh Karthik will have to perform effectively. RCB’s fielding also has room for improvement and Kohli has pointed this out after the defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders. As far as bowling is concerned, Mohammad Siraj has bowled brilliantly. Harshal Patel has disappointed so far and is proving to be expensive too.
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spinners will be effective
Talking about Lucknow, its experienced spinners Amit Mishra and Ravi Bishnoi can curb the Bangalore batsmen on the pitch here. Both have done the same in the previous matches. Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq has also been economical in the fast bowling department. As far as batting is concerned, the batsmen would like to continue their excellent innings against Punjab here as well. Although captain Lokesh Rahul will have to improve his run-rate.
face to face
- Total Matches-3
- Lucknow won – 1
- Bangalore won – 2
Possible XI:
Lucknow Super Giants: KL Rahul (c), Kyle Myers, Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Ayush Badoni, Naveen-ul-Haq, Yash Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan
Impact Players: Krishnappa Gautam, Amit Mishra, Manan Vohra, Karan Sharma
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Faf Duplessis (c), Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Suyash Prabhudesai, Wanindu Hasaranga, David Willey, Vijaykumar Vaishak, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohammad Siraj, Harshal Patel
Impact Players: Karn Sharma, Mahipal Lomror, Siddharth Kaul, Anuj Rawat