Saturday, Apr 19 2025 | Time 14:30 Hrs(IST)
SportsPosted at: Apr 18 2025 1:31PM


RR look to slay LSG and stay alive at Jaipur

Jaipur, Apr 18 (UNI) Rajasthan Royals are poised for a critical battle against the Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, in a must-win match that holds significant implications for their IPL 2025 playoff aspirations.
Rajasthan, despite their inconsistent season, have the upper hand in recent encounters with Lucknow, winning four of their last five meetings. This favourable head-to-head record gives them the confidence to make a strong push for victory in front of their home crowd.
Rajasthan have had a rocky season, but their solid track record at Sawai Mansingh Stadium and their recent success over Lucknow provide a foundation for optimism.
Samson's side comes into this match following a narrow loss to Delhi Capitals, which ended in a Super Over. With playoff hopes on the line, the team is under pressure to perform, and they will rely on their key players to deliver.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Samson are in good form, and the team will look to them for a solid start at the top of the order. However, the middle order has shown signs of vulnerability recently, with Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel needing to step up and form strong partnerships.
Shimron Hetmyer, who is known for his finishing ability, will also be key in the lower middle order, and his explosive hitting could provide the boost Rajasthan needs.
On the bowling front, Jofra Archer will play a pivotal role, particularly with the new ball, alongside Tushar Deshpande. The duo will look to make early breakthroughs, as Lucknow's top order features dangerous players.
Wanindu Hasaranga, who has been a consistent performer, will be critical in the middle overs, with Maheesh Theekshana expected to offer support. Sandeep Sharma and Parag will also be crucial in containing the opposition's batting.
For Lucknow Super Giants, this match represents an opportunity to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Chennai Super Kings. Rishabh Pant's team has been solid but inconsistent, and their poor bowling performance in the final overs against Chennai was a key factor in the defeat.
Pant will be hoping for better discipline from his bowlers, especially in the death overs, as Lucknow's attack has at times failed to maintain pressure.
Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram will be crucial at the top of the order, providing a solid foundation for the innings. Nicholas Pooran has been in great form, and his presence in the middle order offers a reliable option for accelerating the innings.
Pant and Ayush Badoni will need to contribute, while the lower order, including David Miller, Abdul Samad, and Shardul Thakur, brings firepower to the game.
However, Lucknow's bowling remains a concern. Shardul Thakur and Akash Deep have struggled with their line and length recently, and they will need to improve if they are to break through Rajasthan's strong top order.
Ravi Bishnoi will be the key spinner, and his control in the middle overs will be vital in containing Rajasthan's batting. Avesh Khan and Markram must support Bishnoi in the crucial phases of the game.
The match is expected to be closely contested, with Rajasthan slightly favoured, having the home advantage and a solid record against Lucknow.
The pitch at Sawai Mansingh Stadium is expected to offer good batting conditions, with a moderate scoring track. While fast bowlers are likely to find little assistance, spinners could enjoy some turn, particularly in the middle overs.
Bowlers will need to be disciplined, as the wicket tends to favour batsmen, especially during the latter stages of the innings.
The weather will remain clear throughout the match, with temperatures hovering around 30°C at match time. With no rain expected, the conditions should remain ideal for a high-scoring contest.
Given the trend at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, the captain winning the toss is expected to bowl first. Chasing has proven to be the more successful strategy here, as defending totals has been challenging on this wicket.
Rajasthan have a slight edge in this match, thanks to their strong batting lineup and excellent head-to-head record against Lucknow. Despite Lucknow's promising season, their bowling issues and poor track record against Rajasthan put them at a disadvantage.
Rajasthan are expected to make full use of their home conditions and prevail in what is set to be a thrilling contest.
Rajasthan Royals Predicted Playing XI: Sanju Samson (c & wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Nitish Rana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Shubham Dubey (Impact Player)
Lucknow Super Giants Predicted Playing XI: Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan, Akash Deep, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Ravi Bishnoi (Impact Player)
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Tags: #RR look to slay LSG and stay alive at Jaipur
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