The match 26 of IPL 2023 between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Tuesday, 18 April promises to be an exciting contest. Rajasthan is on the first position in the points table, while Lucknow is on the second position.
RR, led by Sanju Samson, have won four and lost one matches so far, while LSG, captained by KL Rahul, have won three and lost two matches in their campaign. In the last match, RR, secured a comfortable victory over the Gujarat Titans (GT). Meanwhile, LSG were dominated by the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their last match.
Two highly skilled teams are set to collide in what promises to be an exciting match. With both the teams eager to secure their fifth and fourth win in the IPL 2023. Both teams have played five matches. Rajasthan has won four games, while Lucknow has won three games so far this season.
Also Read: IPL 2023 RR vs LSG: Top 3 Players Expected to Perform in Match 26
Here are three player battles to watch out for during RR vs LSG match:
1) KL Rahul vs Trent Boult
LSG skipper KL Rahul has a weakness against left-arm seamers like many of India’s top-order batters, and there’s evident history to support this fact. He’ll be watchful early on in his duel against Trent Boult. The RR pacer has a habit of picking up wickets in his very first over and will fancy his chances against Rahul in the powerplay. If Rahul can neutralize the Boult threat, he can set himself up to capitalize later.
2) Jos Buttler vs Mark Wood
In this match, we’ll see a jaw-dropping contest between one of the world’s best T20 openers, Jos Buttler, and one of the fastest bowlers, Mark Wood. Buttler has yet to hit the incredible heights he reached last season, but he’s been able to keep the scoreboard ticking. Wood, on the other hand, has been setting the pace alight and is the second-highest wicket-taker at the end of the third week of IPL 2023. The outcome of their battle will give their respective sides an early advantage.
3) Sanju Samson vs Ravi Bishnoi
RR skipper Sanju Samson showed glimpses of why he’s so highly rated in international cricket, particularly with his takedown of Rashid Khan, which was one of the IPL’s best moments. His aggressive approach against spinners makes it easier for his partner at the other end to bat. Samson will back himself in the contest against Ravi Bishnoi. The wily wrist spinner knows that Samson will come hard at him, so he’ll resort to bowling googlies against the right-hander. The winner of this battle will have won the crucial middle overs phase of the game.