LSG vs DC Match Preview
LSG's biggest acquisition is Nicholas Pooran, who has done well on occasion but has not been nearly consistent enough in the IPL.
With KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock at the top, LSG certainly has a strong opening unit. Deepak Hooda, Ayush Badoni, Marcus Stoinis, and Krunal Pandya seem likely to be the other players that form the batting unit. We are not yet convinced about Ayush Badoni's longevity at this level and Krunal Pandya has regressed in batting performance also.
The bowling lineup will have serious heat with Mark Wood in the squad. He will have Avesh Khan, Jaydev Unadkat, and Ravi Bishnoi for company. Marcus Stoinis and Krunal Pandya are also genuine bowling options.
He partners Prithvi Shaw who is an absolute gun at the top and capable of destroying any attack on his day.
The lack of Rishab Pant could force some changes in the team balance for DC. Phil Salt could take up the gloves and also bat in the top-3 in place of Rilee Rossouw or perhaps Sarfaraz Khan could take up the gloves (more likely). In that case, DC could add Manish Pandey or Yash Dhull to the batting lineup.
Mitchell Marsh is in terrific form and should find a place in the lineup while Rovman Powell is an important middle-order striker to have. Axar Patel has been in good batting form and will be invaluable at number 7.
DC's bowling lineup is quite strong too. Anrich Nortje, Mukesh Kumar/Chetan Sakariya, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, and Kuldeep Yadav should all find a place in the team. That gives DC genuine pace, wrist-spin, and experience in their lineup.
Weather Report
The weather forecast for Lucknow is quite good. There is no rain predicted on match day and the temperatures should also be quite moderate.
Pitch Report
The pitch is going to be quite interesting. Traditionally, this has been a spin-friendly wicket where the average score is around 160. That is also how Gautam Gambhir likes to play his cricket and he could ask for a similar wicket.
Notable stats
Prithvi Shaw: Powerplay Gun
Prithvi Shaw gets off to blazing starts or falls early. His strike-rate in the powerplay was 171 in 2021 and 150.7 in 2022. This is something that he has done consistently since making his debut.
Team News
LSG is not likely to have Mohsin Khan available for selection. He has not played any cricket since the previous IPL and so Jaydev Unadkat will probably replace him in the playing eleven. The lack of Rishab Pant could force some changes in the team balance for DC.
LSG vs DC Probable 11
LSG Playing 11
- KL Rahul (C)
- Quinton de Kock
- Nicholas Pooran
- Ayush Badoni
- Deepak Hooda
- Marcus Stoinis
- Krunal Pandya
- Avesh Khan
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Jaydev Unadkat
- Mark Wood
DC Playing 11
- Prithvi Shaw
- David Warner (C)
- Manish Pandey
- Mitchell Marsh
- Sarfaraz Khan (Wk)
- Rovman Powell
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Anrich Nortje
- Kamlesh Nagarkoti
Dream11 Prediction
We think this is is another match in which you can back the underdog. DC has some very good players but we are not sure of their combination is going to work out well for the Lucknow conditions. Also, they have some team balance issues that could be hard to get over. LSG could be the team to back here.
Top Picks
Prithvi Shaw - He is someone that can make a massive impact in a short amount of time. You want to have in your lineup in case he is having one of his better days. His strike rate and powerplay exploits make his one of the best batters in the match.
Quinton de Kock - The man in form and someone everyone wants to watch. He has been scoring at T20 rates in Test cricket and has the license to attack. He was in tremendous form against the West Indies.
KL Rahul - An IPL GOAT, KL Rahul can be relied on to score runs consistently at the top of the order. He is coming into this match a bit under pressure because of his strike rate and will have a point to prove.
LSG vs DC Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: Q de Kock (VC), S Khan, L Rahul (C)
Batters: R Powell, P Shaw
All-rounders: M Marsh, M Stoinis
Bowlers: A Khan, K Yadav, M Wood, A Nortje
