IPL 2023: Lucknow Super Giants To Sport Mohun Bagan Colours Against Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata, May 18: Lucknow Super Giants set to sport Indian Super League (ISL) champions Mohun Bagan's fabled green and maroon-coloured jersey in their final IPL 2023 league stage match against Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday (May 20).

Both LSG and Mohun Bagan are owned by RP Sanjiv Goenka Group. The RPSG Group, which bought the Lucknow franchise following IPL's expansion in 2022, are also principal owners of Mohun Bagan, having acquired a majority stake before the ISL 2020-21 season.

So, the team owner Sashwath Goenka told there was no better place to sport the iconic colours than the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, which will host it's final match of the season.

"It is (Mohun Bagan) not an institution, it's actually an emotion. It's legacy represents the city of Kolkata," LSG team owner Shashwat Goenka said.

"It is with this in mind, that we have decided that LSG will don the iconic colours of maroon and green in Saturday's match against KKR at Eden Gardens. It is our way of paying respect to the legacy of Mohun Bagan and to the legacy of our city."

By incorporating the colours of the most successful football club in Kolkata, LSG hopes to find themselves at home, in a must-win battle for both teams' playoff prospects.

"Not just Mohun Bagan fans, but hope all the residents of Kolkata will support us. For us, Kolkata is our home right. So, as much support as we can get, that's what we would ask for," Goenka added.

The announcement was made at RPSG House in Kolkata in presence of LSG stand-in skipper Krunal Pandya and wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran, who unveiled the special jersey.

Krunal, who has been appointed skipper midway into the season in the absence of an injured KL Rahul, said he's looking forward to see Mohun Bagan in action some day.

"Yes, I'm aware this year we won the (ISL) trophy as well. I'm aware of the team as well. In fact, I'm looking forward to see one of the games as well."

The LSG skipper further hoped that they would have a greater support than the home team in a crucial tie which will potentially see them progress to the knockout rounds.

"100 percent (we would have more support). Obviously, wherever we go if we get more support it will boost your confidence. I request all the Mohun Bagan fans to come on Saturday and support us. Hope we do well against KKR," Krunal added.

(With PTI inputs)