Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will play Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 53 of IPL 2022, on 7 May at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Gahunje, Pune.
Lucknow come into this match knowing that a couple more wins will guarantee them a playoffs spot in their inaugural season, a dream start for supporters of the franchise. Kolkata are not out of it altogether, but languishing in eighth in the table, they know they will probably have to win all their remaining games, and hope that some teams above them slip up.
However, they did at least arrest a recent slump, having lost four on the bounce, by beating Rajasthan Royals in their last match. The only problem is that they are facing an in-form team in the IPL in this match, who have just won three on the spin.
One of the principal architects of Lucknow’s success has been the form of captain K.L. Rahul who has led from the front, scoring 451 in 10 matches, including two hundreds and two fifties. He is the second-highest run scorer so far this campaign, behind Jos Buttler. At the same time, he has shouldered too much responsibility for scoring runs, and it is time for players like Quinton de Kock, Ayush Badoni and Deepak Hooda to step up.
Rahul’s opposite number, Shreyas Iyer, has had a subdued season by his standards, although his individual contribution with the bat (324 in 10 matches) is not too shabby. However, Kolkata have struggled to find an opening partnership that really works, having tried various combinations. They is likely to persist with Aaron Finch and Baba Indrajith.
Shreyas will look to his varied attack to restrict Rahul and co, although Tim Southee will need to put out of his mind the punishment he got against the Royals. Spinner Anukul Roy did well in that match, and deserves another chance.
Indications are that the pitch will be good for batting.
Likely Teams:
Lucknow Super Giants: K.L. Rahul (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, Ayush Badoni, Jason Holder, Dushmantha Chameera, Mohsin Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan
Kolkata Knight Riders: Aaron Finch, Baba Indrajith (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Shivam Mavi, Umesh Yadav
Fantasy Tips:
- If Rahul bats well, Lucknow win more often than not. Back him.
- Stoinis can add some gloss to the score with a valuable cameo. Pick him, for he may also bowl.
- KKR’s varied attack restricted the Royals in their last match. Pick their bowlers.
Prediction:
Lucknow know that they are close to achieving their fist objective for the season – to qualify for the playoffs. They have the momentum, and will take a lot of stopping right now.
Streaming
‘Match 53 between LSG and KKR will start at 19:30 on Saturday, May 7th. You can watch the match on the Star Network and Hotstar.