RCB vs LSG Preview: Bengaluru, Lucknow eye second win of the league

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) host their new nemesis Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Tuesday, April 2.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen some great rivalries over the years and LSG and RCB have found a place among them after just a couple of seasons. Last year, these two teams played a couple of feisty encounters and picked up one win apiece. Both teams won at each other’s home. Players from both teams got involved in arguments and LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir and former RCB captain Virat Kohli were at the forefront.

The latest chapter in the rivalry between the two star-studded teams is going to be written on Tuesday at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The home team would want to get back to winning ways after losing two out of their three games so far in IPL 2024. In their last encounter, RCB lost to KKR by seven wickets in what was a lopsided affair.

Lucknow, on the other hand, will be on a high as they won their first match of the season on Saturday, March 30 against Punjab Kings. KL Rahul and Co. started with a loss to Rajasthan Royals but the relatively easy win against the Kings by 21 runs must have given them a lot of confidence.

RCB has a 3-1 lead in the head-to-head scoreline against the Super Giants. The excitement is palpable as the fans are waiting in anticipation for this contest to take centerstage.

Probable Playing XI

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Faf Du Plessis (C), Virat Kohli, Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Rajat Patidar, Dinesh Karthik, Anuj Rawat (WK), Mayank Dagar, Lockie Ferguson, Mohammad Siraj, Vijaykumar Vyshak Impact Sub- Mahipal Lomror

Lucknow Super Giants: KL Rahul, Quinton De Kock (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Nicholas Pooran (C), Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, Ayush Badoni, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, Manimaran Sidharth Impact Sub – Naveen-ul-Haq

Pitch Report

The two games that have been played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium haven’t provided any swing upfront but bowlers who have bowled slower balls on a length have been difficult to hit for boundaries. The ball hasn’t come onto the bat as nicely as fans are used to seeing at the venue. Toss is going to play a major role as chasing is the more rewarding option at the Chinnaswamy. The trend has continued this season as well. Both games played in Bengaluru so far in IPL 2024 have been won by chasing teams.