LSG vs KKR Playing 11: Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders Team News, Predicted Lineups

As the Indian Premier League 2026 season reaches a critical juncture on April 26, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) host Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 38th match at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

With both teams languishing near the bottom of the points table, LSG with 4 points from 7 matches (2 wins, 5 losses, NRR -1.277) and KKR with 3 points (1 win, 5 losses, 1 no-result, NRR -0.879) — this night game carries massive implications for their playoff hopes.

LSG, led by Rishabh Pant, have shown flashes of brilliance with their powerplay bowling but struggle with consistency in the middle order and death overs. Their batting relies heavily on overseas stars Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram to provide momentum alongside Pant and Nicholas Pooran. The bowling attack, featuring Mohammed Shami and Avesh Khan, has been potent early but needs support from spinners like Manimaran Siddharth.

KKR, captained by Ajinkya Rahane, have endured a nightmare start with just one win. Their batting unit, including Rinku Singh and Angkrish Raghuvanshi, has underperformed, while the bowling has been hit by injuries. The recent arrival of Matheesha Pathirana offers hope, though his immediate availability remains uncertain.

LSG vs KKR Team News

Pant is expected to anchor the middle order after an unbeaten 68 in a recent outing, while Shami and Avesh provide the new-ball bite. The Ekana pitch typically assists spinners later, favoring Siddharth and Rathi. LSG may tweak for seam if dew plays a role.

Rahane's side desperately needs runs from the top order. Narine's spin could be key on a slow Lucknow surface, while Pathirana's slingy pace (if cleared) would add variety to the death bowling. KKR have relied on all-rounders like Green and Ramandeep for balance amid injuries.

LSG vs KKR Pitch Report

The Ekana surface is usually slow and low, favoring spinners in the second half. Dew could assist the chasing team. Weather is expected to be clear for a full 20-over contest.

LSG vs KKR Predicted Playing 11

Impact Player options: Arshin Kulkarni or Shahbaz Ahmed (for balance depending on conditions).

Impact Player options: Navdeep Saini or Prashant Solanki.