Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will field Rishabh Pant, Mitchell Marsh, and Mohammed Shami, while Rajasthan Royals (RR) rely on Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jofra Archer, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in Match 32 of IPL 2026 at Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 7:30 PM IST.
Currently, LSG sit 9th on the points table with just two wins from six games and three consecutive losses, whereas RR occupy 4th despite losing their last two matches. Although both sides are desperate for a win, RR’s superior squad balance gives them the edge heading into this contest.
LSG Playing 11 Today
Because LSG have lost three straight games and remain winless at home in IPL 2026, changes to the XI are expected. Accordingly, Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram are likely to open, since both need to convert starts into big scores.
Furthermore, captain Rishabh Pant bats at No. 3 and keeps wickets. Additionally, Matthew Breetzke could replace Nicholas Pooran, who has managed just 41 runs in 4 innings at a dismal average of 10.25 and the lowest strike rate (80) among qualified batters this season.
On the bowling front, Mohammed Shami remains LSG’s biggest asset with the new ball. Moreover, Prince Yadav has been exceptional with 11 wickets in 6 games, sitting 3rd on the Purple Cap leaderboard. Besides that, Mohsin Khan and Avesh Khan add pace variety, while M Siddharth handles the left-arm spin.
LSG Predicted XI: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant (C/WK), Matthew Breetzke, Ayush Badoni, Mukul Choudhary, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Prince Yadav, M Siddharth, Mohsin Khan.
RR Playing 11 Today
Since Rajasthan Royals have lost their last two away games against SRH and KKR, they need to bounce back quickly. Consequently, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continue as the explosive opening pair, since Sooryavanshi leads RR’s run charts with 246 runs at a staggering strike rate of 236.54.
Besides that, Dhruv Jurel keeps wickets and bats at No. 3, while captain Riyan Parag anchors at No. 4. Additionally, Shimron Hetmyer and Donovan Ferreira add middle-order firepower, with Ravindra Jadeja providing all-round depth at No. 7.
In terms of bowling, Jofra Archer has been menacing with the new ball, taking a powerplay wicket in five of his six innings this season. Moreover, Ravi Bishnoi controls the middle overs with leg-spin, while Nandre Burger adds South African pace. However, RR’s death-overs run rate of 8.8 remains the lowest this season, which highlights a finishing weakness.
RR Predicted XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Riyan Parag (C), Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Ravi Bishnoi, Sandeep Sharma.
Impact Player Picks for Both Sides
LSG Impact Sub: Mayank Yadav
Since LSG’s batting has been the primary concern, Mayank Yadav could instead come in as a bowling impact player to add express pace above 150 kmph. Specifically, his raw speed complements Shami’s swing, and therefore gives Pant a genuine wicket-taking option in the death overs.
RR Impact Sub: Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Similarly, Lhuan-dre Pretorius offers RR a powerful middle-order batting option. Because RR’s top three contribute 71% of total runs, Pretorius’s ability to accelerate in the death overs also addresses their finishing concerns on a slower Ekana surface.
Key Players to Watch in Match 32
Firstly, the battle between Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Mohammed Shami in the powerplay could set the tone for this contest. Similarly, Prince Yadav versus Yashasvi Jaiswal will be a fascinating clash between a young speedster and a seasoned opener.
| Player | Team | Role | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rishabh Pant | LSG | Captain / WK-Batter | Match-winner; aggressive finisher; Pant’s 536 runs vs SRH shows big-game ability |
| Prince Yadav | LSG | Pacer | 11 wickets in 6 games; 3rd on Purple Cap list; 5 powerplay wickets (joint-most) |
| Mohammed Shami | LSG | Pace Spearhead | Best LSG bowler; early swing; deadly yorkers at death |
| Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | RR | Opener | 246 runs at SR 236.54; 15-year-old sensation; leading RR’s run charts |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | RR | Opener | 184 runs this season; fastest IPL fifty (13 balls); explosive left-hander |
| Jofra Archer | RR | Pace Spearhead | Powerplay wicket in 5 of 6 innings; consistently hitting 145 kmph |
| Ravi Bishnoi | RR | Leg-spinner | Leading RR’s wicket charts; effective middle-overs controller |
Head-to-Head Record: LSG vs RR
Across 6 IPL meetings, RR lead with 4 wins to LSG‘s 2. Notably, LSG are yet to win a single home game against RR, having lost their only Ekana encounter by 7 wickets in IPL 2024.
| Category | LSG | RR |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 6 | 6 |
| Wins | 2 | 4 |
| Highest Score | 196/5 (2024) | 199/3 (2024) |
| Lowest Score | 154/8 (2022) | 144/6 (2023) |
| Most Runs | KL Rahul (183) | Sanju Samson (200+) |
| Record at Ekana | 0 wins | 1 win (2024) |
Additionally, RR’s 199/3 at Ekana in IPL 2024 remains the highest successful T20 chase at this ground. However, LSG’s two wins both came in nail-biting finishes at Jaipur, proving they can compete under pressure when the bowling holds its nerve.
Pitch Report & Weather Forecast
Firstly, the Ekana Cricket Stadium pitch is traditionally on the slower side, offering grip to spinners and assistance for hit-the-deck pacers. Furthermore, LSG have won just 2 of their 9 matches at Ekana since the start of IPL 2025, which is the lowest home win rate among all teams.
Secondly, the Lucknow weather forecast shows extreme heat with a high of 41°C during the day, cooling to around 32°C by match time. Consequently, there is no chance of rain, but heavy dew will arrive in the second innings, making chasing significantly easier.
Besides that, results at this venue in IPL 2026 have favoured chasing teams. As a result, both captains are expected to bowl first if they win the toss tonight.
Match Prediction: Who Wins Today?
Rajasthan Royals enter as clear favourites despite their two-match losing streak, especially since their squad is far more balanced than LSG’s. Specifically, RR’s explosive top-order trio of Sooryavanshi, Jaiswal, and Jurel generates 71% of the team’s runs, and Archer’s new-ball spells can dismantle any lineup.
On the other hand, LSG desperately need their first home win of the season, and the Ekana crowd could be the X-factor. However, LSG’s 41% win rate at Ekana since IPL 2025 and their inability to score 200 in any innings this season make it very difficult to back them.
As for the toss, the captain winning the flip will almost certainly bowl first to exploit the dew. Ultimately, RR are predicted to win this contest and therefore arrest their losing streak while pushing LSG closer to elimination.
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Final Word
To sum up, the LSG vs RR Match 32 pits a struggling home side against a quality outfit looking to rediscover form at Ekana. If Sooryavanshi fires in the powerplay, then LSG’s bowlers face a brutal evening under the Lucknow lights.
Otherwise, Pant’s individual brilliance could keep LSG alive, but one man cannot carry an entire batting lineup forever. Either way, this Wednesday night promises high stakes for both teams’ playoff ambitions.
