Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are slight favourites against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 38 of IPL 2026 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Sunday, April 26 at 7:30 PM IST. LSG are priced around 1.80-1.90 odds (implied win probability of ~53-56%).
Vs
Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
26 April 2026 07:30 PM
This is a bottom-of-the-table clash between two struggling former champions. LSG are 9th with just 2 wins from 7 matches and have lost 4 consecutive games. Meanwhile, KKR are 10th, having started the season with 5 straight losses before finally beating RR.
However, LSG lead the H2H 4-2 and have home advantage at Ekana. This article covers the odds, predicted XIs, Ekana pitch report, weather, and LSG vs KKR Match 38 prediction.
LSG vs KKR Match Details
Here are the key details for Match 38 of IPL 2026, which is essentially a must-win for both teams.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | LSG vs KKR, 38th Match |
| Tournament | Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 |
| Date | Sunday, April 26, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST (evening game) |
| Venue | Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow |
| Live Streaming | Star Sports Network / JioHotstar |
| Weather Alert | Clear skies. Scorching heat (~43°C during day). No rain expected. |
LSG vs KKR Betting Odds Comparison
Both teams are near the bottom, but LSG hold a narrow edge because of home advantage at Ekana, their 4-2 H2H lead, and KKR’s historically poor record on spin-friendly surfaces.
| Platform | LSG Win Odds | KKR Win Odds | Implied LSG Win % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stake | 1.82 | 2.00 | ~55% |
| Bet365 | 1.85 | 1.98 | ~54% |
| 1xBet | 1.80 | 2.05 | ~56% |
| Betfair | 1.90 | 1.92 | ~53% |
LSG at 53-56% implied win probability is narrow but justified. Although both teams are struggling badly, LSG’s home advantage and spin-bowling options (Prince Yadav, Siddharth, Markram) on Ekana’s slow surface give them the edge over KKR’s pace-heavy attack.
Disclaimer: Odds are indicative and sourced from publicly available platforms at the time of writing. Consequently, they may change closer to match time.
LSG vs KKR Predicted Playing XIs
Both teams may consider changes after their poor runs. However, wholesale changes are unlikely since both squads have limited alternatives.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Predicted XI
Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant (c/wk), Ayush Badoni, Nicholas Pooran, Mukul Choudhary, Mohammed Shami, Mayank Yadav, Prince Yadav, Manimaran Siddharth, Mohsin Khan.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Predicted XI
Ajinkya Rahane (c), Tim Seifert, Cameron Green, Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Matheesha Pathirana, Vaibhav Arora, Anukul Roy.
Ekana Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
Ekana’s black-soil surface remains one of the slowest pitches in IPL 2026. The average first-innings score here is around 173, and the surface deteriorates significantly as the match progresses.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Behaviour | Black soil. Reasonable pace early, slows significantly after the 8th over. Spinners grip and turn throughout. |
| Batting Conditions | Challenging. Batters need time to settle. Anything above 170 is genuinely competitive. |
| Bowling Conditions | Spinners dominate the middle overs. Pacers get early swing. Death bowling is key for defending totals. |
| Avg 1st Innings Score | ~173 (from 26 T20 matches at this venue) |
| Bat First vs Chase | 16 out of 26 matches won by chasing team. Dew helps in the second innings of evening games. |
| Key Stat | LSG have lost BOTH home matches at Ekana in IPL 2026. They need to break this pattern desperately. |
How the Evening Dew Changes the Equation
Unlike the afternoon GT vs CSK match at Chepauk, this is a 7:30 PM evening fixture. Consequently, dew will play a significant role in the second innings. Spinners lose grip on a wet ball, and batting becomes notably easier after the 14th over.
This is particularly important because both teams have strong spin options. Varun Chakravarthy (KKR) and Prince Yadav (LSG) are less effective when dew sets in. Therefore, the team batting second will have a slight advantage in the chase, even though the pitch slows down in the second innings.
Weather Forecast for LSG vs KKR
According to live weather data for Lucknow on April 26, the forecast shows clear skies with only 5% rain probability. Therefore, a full match is guaranteed.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Around 40-43°C during the day, easing to ~33-36°C by match time. |
| Weather | Clear and sunny. No rain threat. |
| Rain Probability | 5% (negligible, full match expected) |
| Humidity | Moderate |
| Wind | Light to moderate |
| Dew Factor | Moderate dew expected in the second innings. Favours chasing team slightly. |
| Impact | Extreme heat will tire fast bowlers, especially in the first innings. Dew will consequently help batters in the chase. |
The 43°C daytime heat will ease to around 33-36°C by the time the match starts at 7:30 PM. Nevertheless, fast bowlers will still feel the effects of the residual heat, especially in the first innings.
LSG vs KKR Head-to-Head Record in IPL
This is a relatively young rivalry (LSG joined in 2022), but it has produced some of the closest finishes in IPL history. LSG lead 4-2 in completed matches, with three of those wins coming by margins of 4 runs or less.
| Statistic | Result |
|---|---|
| Total IPL Matches | 7 |
| LSG Wins | 5 |
| KKR Wins | 2 |
| LSG Win % | 66.7% |
| Closest Finishes | LSG won by 2 runs (2023), 1 run (2024), 4 runs (2025) |
| KKR’s Biggest Win | 98 runs (Narine’s 81 off 39, Eden Gardens, IPL 2024) |
| LSG 2026 Form | 2W 5L (9th, 4 consecutive losses) |
| KKR 2026 Form | ~2W 5L (10th, 5 straight losses then beat RR) |
A Rivalry Built on Nail-Biting Finishes
Remarkably, this fixture consistently produces last-over thrillers. LSG’s 4 wins include victories by 2 runs, 1 run, and 4 runs. In IPL 2025, Nicholas Pooran‘s unbeaten 87 off 36 (8 sixes) rescued LSG in a chase that went down to the wire.
However, when KKR win, they win big. Their 98-run demolition at Eden Gardens in 2024 saw Sunil Narine smash 81 off 39 as KKR crushed LSG. That result showed what happens when KKR’s batting fires on a flat surface. But Ekana is the opposite of flat, which consequently favours LSG.
Given both teams’ current struggles, this match could produce another low-scoring thriller. Both teams have fragile batting lineups, and Ekana’s slow surface rewards disciplined bowling. Therefore, fans should prepare for another classic in this unpredictable rivalry.
Key Players to Watch
Since two struggling teams meet in a must-win situation at Ekana, these 7 players could determine which side keeps their slim playoff hopes alive.
| Player | Team | Why They Matter |
|---|---|---|
| Rishabh Pant | LSG | LSG captain striking at just 122 this season. Needs a captain’s knock desperately. His career record against KKR is excellent, and Ekana’s home crowd will be behind him. However, if Pant fails again, LSG’s season is essentially over. |
| Varun Chakravarthy | KKR | Mystery spinner who thrives on slow surfaces. His carrom ball and googly on Ekana’s gripping pitch could consequently trouble LSG’s struggling middle order. The Varun vs Pant battle in the middle overs will be fascinating. |
| Prince Yadav | LSG | LSG’s leading wicket-taker with 12 wickets in 7 matches. His death-overs variations are outstanding. Against KKR’s lower order, Prince could therefore be the difference between winning and losing a close game. |
| Cameron Green | KKR | Rs 25.20 crore signing who has recently found form. His all-round ability (medium pace and power batting) makes him KKR’s most valuable player. At Ekana, his ability to score against spin is especially important. |
| Mohammed Shami | LSG | Experience personified. His record against KKR’s top order is strong. The new ball swings at Ekana, and Shami’s ability to exploit those conditions in the powerplay could consequently set the tone for the match. |
| Rinku Singh | KKR | KKR’s best finisher and vice-captain. His ability to hit sixes against both pace and spin in the death overs has won impossible games. If the match goes deep (and this rivalry always does), Rinku is the man KKR will trust. |
| Mukul Choudhary | LSG | LSG’s find of the season with 127 runs at SR 149, including 54* off 27 vs KKR earlier. His finishing ability has been LSG’s most reliable lower-order weapon. In a low-scoring game on a slow surface, Mukul’s composure is invaluable. |
Toss Prediction
At Ekana in evening matches, 16 out of 26 games have been won by the chasing team. Consequently, bowling first is the preferred option. The dew factor makes defending totals difficult after the 14th over, when spinners lose grip on a wet ball.
However, there is a counterargument. LSG have lost both home matches at Ekana in IPL 2026, so their approach clearly isn’t working. Pant has won the toss and opted to bowl first previously. If he does so again and the result is the same, questions about his toss strategy will intensify.
On the other hand, KKR captain Rahane has typically preferred to bat first when winning the toss. At Ekana, however, the dew advantage makes chasing attractive. Therefore, regardless of who wins the toss, bowling first is the smarter option on this surface in an evening game.
Match Prediction
Two teams at the bottom of the table, both desperate for wins, playing on a tricky Ekana surface. This fixture has produced nail-biting finishes in every season, and consequently, this year should be no different.
Where LSG Holds the Edge
First of all, home advantage at Ekana is significant. Although LSG have lost both home matches this season, the spin-friendly surface suits their bowling attack (Prince Yadav 12 wickets, Siddharth, Markram). Furthermore, the home crowd’s support in a must-win situation could lift the team’s morale.
Moreover, H2H dominance (4-2) gives LSG a psychological edge. They know how to beat KKR in close games. Three wins by 4 runs or less proves LSG can hold their nerve in tight situations against this opponent.
Additionally, Shami’s experience and Prince Yadav’s wicket-taking ability make LSG’s bowling well-suited to Ekana’s conditions. If they restrict KKR to under 165, which is very achievable given KKR’s batting struggles, LSG should be able to chase with dew assistance.
Where KKR Holds the Edge
Nevertheless, KKR possess superior spin bowling for this surface. Varun Chakravarthy‘s mystery spin and Narine‘s orthodox left-arm spin could exploit Ekana’s gripping conditions just as effectively as LSG’s spinners.
Furthermore, Pathirana‘s (Rs 18 crore) slingy action generates awkward angles that trouble batters on slow surfaces. His yorkers and slower balls at the death could be especially effective on a pitch where batters struggle to generate pace.
Besides, KKR are playing with nothing to lose. At 10th on the table, the pressure sits entirely on LSG, who are the home team and slight favourites. Sometimes, the freedom of being written off unlocks performances. KKR’s win against RR showed they can beat quality opposition when expectations are low.
Key Concerns for Both Teams
LSG’s concern is their batting fragility. Pant (SR 122), Pooran (41 runs at avg 10.25), and the middle order have all consistently failed. Against KKR, they were bowled out for 119 in their last match (vs RR) and for 200 while chasing 255 (vs PBKS). Consequently, their confidence with the bat is at rock bottom.
Moreover, LSG have lost both home matches at Ekana this season. Home advantage means nothing if you keep losing at home. The crowd expects wins, and the pressure of 50,000 expectant fans could either inspire or crush a team low on confidence.
Conversely, KKR’s concern is their overall batting consistency. Five losses in their first 6 matches tells the story. Rahane‘s captaincy decisions, Narine‘s declining form, and the middle order’s inability to build partnerships have all been problems.
Additionally, KKR were dismantled by Noor Ahmad‘s spin (3/21) at Chepauk against CSK. If they struggle similarly against Prince Yadav and Siddharth on Ekana’s comparable surface, the result could be equally one-sided.
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Final Verdict
All in all, LSG hold a narrow edge at around 53-56%. Home advantage at Ekana, their 4-2 H2H lead, and a bowling attack suited to the slow, spin-friendly surface (Prince Yadav, Siddharth, Shami) favour the hosts.
However, this is a coin-flip match between two struggling teams. KKR‘s spin duo of Varun Chakravarthy and Narine can exploit the same conditions. Cameron Green‘s all-round ability and Rinku‘s finishing make KKR dangerous in close games.
Therefore, expect a par score of 160-170 on Ekana’s slow surface. The Prince Yadav vs Rinku Singh death-overs battle and the Varun Chakravarthy vs Pant middle-overs duel will most likely decide this contest. Specifically, the team that handles pressure better in the final 4 overs will win.
Both teams are running out of time. LSG need a win to keep their faint playoff hopes alive. KKR need a win to avoid the embarrassment of finishing bottom. Consequently, when desperation meets desperation at Ekana under lights, expect another last-over thriller in this rivalry.
