Two-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will face a depleted Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) side at Eden Gardens on April 14, seeking to return to winning ways and strengthen their playoff aspirations.
KKR, who have won three of their five matches so far, will be eager to make the most of their home advantage. However, they will need to address their batting woes, which have been exposed by the absence of Nitish Rana and the inconsistent form of captain Shreyas Iyer.
Iyer, who has scored just 34 runs in his last four innings, will be under pressure to deliver. The team’s reliance on the aging Caribbean duo of Sunil Narine and Andre Russell has also been a concern, as both players failed to fire in their previous outing against Chennai Super Kings.
LSG, on the other hand, will be without their pace sensation Mayank Yadav for a second consecutive match. Yadav’s absence has weakened their bowling attack, which has already been struggling to contain opposition batters.
Despite their depleted squad, LSG will be confident of causing an upset. They boast a formidable batting lineup led by Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul, who will be looking to return to form after a disappointing outing against Delhi Capitals.
The match promises to be a close contest, with both teams desperate for a victory. KKR will be the favorites, but LSG have shown that they are capable of punching above their weight.
