RR vs LSG preview: Rajasthan aim to stay in top four while Lucknow fight for survival. Check predicted XI, head-to-head and match prediction
RR vs LSG: Indian Premier League 2026 continues with an important clash as Rajasthan Royals take on Lucknow Super Giants in Match 32. The game will be played at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on April 22 at 7:30 PM IST.
Current Form and Situation
Rajasthan Royals come into this match with a stronger record. They have won 4 out of 6 matches so far. However, they have lost their last 2 games, so they will now look to bounce back quickly and regain momentum.
On the other hand, Lucknow Super Giants have struggled this season. They have managed only 2 wins in 6 matches. Moreover, they are on a 3-match losing streak. Adding to their worries, they have not won a single game at home yet. As a result, this match becomes very important for their survival in the tournament.
IPL 2026 Points Table
The latest standings clearly show the difference between the two teams:
- PBKS are at the top with 11 points from 6 matches
- RCB, SRH and RR follow with 8 points each
- DC and GT have 6 points
- MI, CSK and LSG are on 4 points
- KKR are at the bottom with 3 points
At present, Rajasthan Royals are in 4th position with a strong net run rate of +0.599. In contrast, Lucknow Super Giants are placed 9th with 4 points and a net run rate of -1.173, which highlights their difficult season so far.
Head-to-Head Record
When it comes to past matches, Rajasthan Royals have had the upper hand. Out of 6 matches played between the two teams, Rajasthan have won 4, while Lucknow have won 2. Although Lucknow have managed a close win before, Rajasthan have mostly controlled this rivalry.
Pitch Report
The pitch at the Ekana Stadium is expected to be slow and slightly two-paced. Because of this, scoring runs may not be very easy.
- Average score: 150–170
- Pacers get help early on
- Spinners become effective in the middle overs
- Dew may help the chasing team
This season, the average first-innings score here has been around 153. Also, teams batting second have won both matches played at this venue so far. Therefore, captains are likely to choose bowling first after winning the toss.
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Rajasthan’s Strong Starts Could Be Key
Rajasthan Royals have been very strong in the powerplay. Their opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has given the team quick and aggressive starts. This has helped them put pressure on opponents early in the innings.
Sooryavanshi has been one of the best performers this season. He has scored 246 runs in 6 matches with a strike rate above 230. At the same time, Jaiswal has also played consistently at the top.
In comparison, Lucknow Super Giants have struggled in the powerplay. They often lose early wickets and fail to build strong partnerships.
Spin Strength Gives Rajasthan an Edge
Rajasthan’s spin attack has played an important role this season. Ravindra Jadeja has controlled the game well with his tight bowling. Meanwhile, Ravi Bishnoi has taken 10 wickets and has been very effective.
Meanwhile, Lucknow’s middle order, including Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh, has not been consistent. They have struggled to turn good starts into big scores, which remains a major concern.
Pace Battle Could Set the Tone
Fast bowling may play a big role, especially in the early overs. Jofra Archer gives Rajasthan a strong advantage with his pace and ability to take early wickets.
On the other side, Lucknow will depend on Mohammed Shami. He will need to perform well with the new ball to stop Rajasthan’s strong top order.
Key Player Battles to Watch
Some important matchups could decide the game:
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi vs Mohammed Shami
- Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Avesh Khan
- Rishabh Pant vs Ravindra Jadeja
- Nicholas Pooran vs Ravi Bishnoi
- Mitchell Marsh vs Jofra Archer
These battles are likely to shape the key moments of the match.
Predicted Playing XIs
Lucknow Super Giants
- Aiden Markram
- Mitchell Marsh
- Rishabh Pant (c & wk)
- Nicholas Pooran
- Ayush Badoni
- Mukul Choudhary
- Himmat Singh
- Mohammed Shami
- Avesh Khan
- Prince Yadav
- M Siddharth
Impact Player: Mohsin Khan
(Alternate option: Matthew Breetzke in the top order)
Rajasthan Royals
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Dhruv Jurel
- Riyan Parag (c)
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Donovan Ferreira
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Jofra Archer
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Nandre Burger
- Brijesh Sharma
Impact Player: Yash Raj Punja
Key Stats
- Rajasthan Royals: 4 wins in 6 matches
- Lucknow Super Giants: 2 wins in 6 matches
- LSG are on a 3-match losing streak
- RR lead head-to-head 4–2
- Ekana average score: 150–170
- Chasing teams have won both matches here this season
Match Outlook
Overall, Rajasthan Royals look like the stronger team going into this match. They have better form, a solid top order, and a balanced bowling attack. Their strong starts and control in the middle overs give them a clear advantage.
However, Lucknow Super Giants still have experienced players who can change the game. If they improve their top-order performance and play together as a unit, they can challenge Rajasthan.
In the end, Rajasthan will aim to strengthen their position in the top four. Meanwhile, Lucknow will fight hard to keep their playoff hopes alive. If Rajasthan play to their strengths, they are likely to win. Still, if Lucknow fix their mistakes, this match could become a turning point in their season.
