📊 Updated IPL 2026 Points Table (Before M32)
| # | Team | P | W | L | NR | Pts | NRR |
|---|
| 1 | PBKS | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 11 | +1.20 |
| 2 | RCB | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 10 | +1.10 |
| 3 | RR ⬅️ | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 8 | +1.90 |
| 4 | DC | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 8 | +0.60 |
| 5 | SRH | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 8 | +0.30 |
| 6 | GT | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 | −0.10 |
| 7 | LSG ⬅️ | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 4 | −0.55 |
| 8 | CSK | 7 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 4 | −2.00 |
| 9 | KKR | 7 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 3 | −1.40 |
| 10 | MI | 6 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 2 | −0.71 |
SRH beat DC in M31 (SRH won — from SRH’s 2-consecutive-win form). SRH now 8 pts (5th), level with RR/DC. PBKS remains unbeaten leading the table. RR dropped from 3rd to 3rd (equal pts with DC/SRH now). Both LSG and RR arrive on concerning losing streaks.
😰 The Context — Two Teams on Losing Streaks Collide
This match is uniquely valuable because it features two teams who desperately need a win for entirely different reasons. LSG (4 pts, 2W-4L) are in 7th place with their playoff qualification slipping away — three consecutive defeats, the only team this season yet to post a 200+ total, and the second-worst powerplay run rate (8.7) in the entire IPL. RR (8 pts, 4W-2L) lost their last two games (to SRH and KKR’s first-ever win) and are at risk of losing the early-season momentum that saw them start 4-0. RR vice-captain Dhruv Jurel was defiant: the losses haven’t dented momentum, and they remain “in great touch.”
⚠️ Rishabh Pant injury update: Pant was struck on the left elbow in M23 vs RCB. He is listed as available but under a fitness watch — his availability for M32 will be confirmed at the toss. If Pant plays, LSG gain their most important player. If he misses, Josh Inglis likely keeps wicket and the batting order shuffles. Mayank Yadav is expected to return to the LSG squad, providing the pace bowling boost LSG have desperately needed.
🏏 The Numbers That Tell Each Team’s Story
LSG — The Problems
- Powerplay SR: 8.7 — IPL’s 2nd lowest 😰
- 0 scores of 200+ all season — only team
- 3 consecutive defeats heading in
- Win rate at Ekana since IPL 2025: 41% (lowest among all home teams)
- Batting scores at home this season: 141 & 164 (both losses)
RR — The Strengths
- Powerplay SR: 12.1 — IPL’s HIGHEST 🔥
- Sooryavanshi: 246 runs at SR 236.53
- H2H vs LSG: 4-2 advantage
- Jofra Archer: Raw express pace
- Ravi Bishnoi: 9+ wickets this season
💥 Vaibhav Sooryavanshi — The 15-Year-Old Phenomenon
The IPL 2026’s most extraordinary story continues: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, 15 years old, already holds the record for the IPL’s fastest-ever fifty (15 balls), has scored 246 runs at the astronomical strike rate of 236.53, and has 15 sixes — the second-most in the powerplay phase behind only Abhishek Sharma. Against LSG’s bowling attack — which already has the second-worst powerplay run-rate conceded this season — Sooryavanshi could produce one of the tournament’s most devastating powerplay performances. He scored 57/38 balls in M29 vs PBKS but RR ultimately lost. Today against LSG, the ceiling is even higher.
🔑 Three Key Battles
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (RR) vs LSG’s Bowling — Powerplay (Overs 1-6)
LSG’s powerplay run rate conceded is 8.7 per over — the second-weakest in the league. Sooryavanshi’s powerplay SR of 266+ means he scores at 14+ runs per over in the first 6 overs when in full flow. The combination of LSG’s weakness and Sooryavanshi’s strength is the match’s most predictable (yet most exciting) event. Mohammed Shami — returning with his experience and reverse swing — is LSG’s best chance of dismissing him early with an away swinger targeting the outside edge.
Mohammed Shami (LSG) vs RR Top Order — New Ball
Shami’s economy rate (6.2 — IPL 2026’s best by any bowler) and his ability to reverse swing the older ball make him LSG’s most valuable bowling asset. Against Sooryavanshi’s naturally aggressive approach, Shami bowling a full outswinger in the second over — drawing the pull shot that nicks to the keeper — is a realistic dismissal mode. If Shami takes 2 wickets in the powerplay, RR’s top-heavy scoring (71% of runs from top 3) exposes the undercooked middle order.
Jofra Archer (RR) vs Rishabh Pant (LSG, if playing)
Archer’s express pace (140+ km/h) and natural ability to bowl back-of-length deliveries that rear up unexpectedly vs Pant’s aggressive left-hand batting that thrives on pace. If Pant plays, his ability to pull Archer’s short-pitched deliveries over the deep square-leg boundary is LSG’s biggest scoring opportunity in the middle overs. Archer must bowl straighter to Pant and rely on the yorker — a battle between two of cricket’s most exciting players.
Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow: LSG’s home ground but historically they struggle here (41% win rate — lowest among all IPL home grounds). Red-soil pitch — good bounce and carry early, drier than usual due to the April heat. First-innings average: 173 runs. Spinners play a crucial role from over 10 onward — Ravi Bishnoi (RR leg-spin) and Manimaran Siddharth (LSG off-spin) will be key middle-over contributors. Dew factor: Under lights from over 12, dew makes the outfield faster and the ball harder to grip — marginally benefits the chasing team. The toss will be significant.
⚡ Match Prediction
Rajasthan Royals Win — 62%
RR’s superior batting (Sooryavanshi’s SR 236, Jaiswal’s experience, H2H 4-2 record) and their bowling quality (Archer + Bishnoi) give them the edge despite consecutive defeats. LSG’s 38% chance rests on Pant playing and scoring 50+, Mayank Yadav returning with 3+ wickets, and their batting posting 180+ for the first time this season. The venue (LSG’s home) is their biggest advantage, but their dismal home win rate (41%) undermines that. Expect RR to win by 20-25 runs, with Sooryavanshi providing the difference in the powerplay.
🌟 Dream11 Fantasy Picks — LSG vs RR
CVaibhav Sooryavanshi (RR) — 246 runs at SR 236.53, 15 sixes (2nd most in powerplay). Against LSG’s second-worst powerplay bowling rate in IPL, his ceiling for a 20-ball 60+ is the match’s highest individual batting performance potential. The safest captain pick in this match.
VCRishabh Pant (LSG, c/wk) — If he plays, he is LSG’s most explosive batting option. His ability to score 50+ from 30 balls in attacking mode makes him the most dangerous LSG batter when fit. Wicketkeeper bonus adds extra value. High risk (injury), high reward.
DIFFRavi Bishnoi (RR) — 9+ wickets this IPL season. At Ekana — where leg-spin on a drying red-soil pitch gets increasing grip and turn from over 12 onward — his ceiling for 3 wickets against LSG’s right-hand middle order (Badoni, Markram, Himmat Singh) is the bowling differential with the highest match-winning potential. Most users pick Mohammed Shami (LSG) or Jofra Archer (RR) as their bowling picks.
📺 Broadcast & Streaming
📺 Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports HD (India, TV)
📱 JioHotstar App & Website (India, live streaming)
🌐 Willow TV (USA) | Sky Sports (UK) | Fox Cricket (Australia)
🕒 Toss: 7:00 PM IST | Match: 7:30 PM IST at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow
