Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants Predictions: Kolkata Knight Riders can still cause problems for LSG if they win today

Playing in their fourteenth and last game of the season Kolkata Knight Riders will welcome Lucknow Super Giants in the 68th game of the season at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on 20th May. Kolkata Knight Riders can still cause problems for LSG if they win today. Who will win this game?

The Kolkata Knight Riders have displayed a commendable effort this season, considering the absence of key players, and remained in contention for the playoffs until the final moments. However, inconsistent performances in the middle order proved to be their downfall, forcing them to rely on the outcomes of other teams' matches.

With just one match remaining, it is now practically impossible for KKR to secure a top 4 spot.

Despite the challenges, several players in the relatively young KKR lineup have stood out. Nitesh Rana has been good this season and have led by example, registering three half-centuries scoring 305 runs throughout the season. He holds the second-highest run tally for the team this season.

Rinku Singh, undoubtedly the discovery of the season for KKR, showcased his versatility in the previous match by not only being a powerful finisher but also anchoring the chase on challenging wickets. Venkatesh Iyer and Jason Roy have helped the team at times but lacked consistence performance. Some of the international players, including Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Andre Russell, and Sunil Narine, who possess extensive T20 experience, have been disappointed in their performances.

Looking ahead to the next season, KKR may need to explore alternative options beyond these players.

In terms of bowling, Varun Chakaravarthy has been the standout performer, claiming 19 wickets and emerging as the team's leading wicket-taker. Suyash Sharma has also shown promise this season and will be the person to watch out for in upcoming seasons.

However, the seamers have struggled to make an impact, which has been a significant factor in the team's underwhelming performance. Umesh Yadav, Shardul Thakur, and Andre Russell have all faced challenges in taking wickets consistently.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Jason Roy, Nitish Rana (c), Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Shardul Thakur, Sunil Narine, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Suyash Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy

The Lucknow Super Giants have had a somewhat inconsistent season, but their performance has been sufficient to keep them in the race for the playoffs. A recent victory against the Mumbai Indians has significantly boosted their chances of securing a top 4 spot. While a victory in this match would guarantee their qualification, a loss would require them to rely on the outcomes of other teams' matches.

In terms of the opening partnership, the team will rely on Quinton de Kock to provide a strong start. Kyle Mayers or Deepak Hooda will be starting the innings alongside him. Mayers has been in good form, while Hooda has struggled to score runs. Considering the team's selection strategy based on specific conditions, it is likely that Mayers will be included in the team for this match.

The Lucknow Super Giants possess two exceptional middle-order batsmen. Marcus Stoinis leads the team in run-scoring with 368 runs, while Nicholas Pooran is a formidable finisher, capable of quickly adding runs to the scoreboard. Both players are enjoying their best IPL season and have made significant contributions to the success of the team.

However, the consistency of the other batsmen has been questionable. Krunal Pandya, Prerak Mankad, and Ayush Badoni have shown glimpses of their potential but will need to elevate their performances in this crucial match.

The Lucknow Super Giants have multiple options in the seam bowling department, with Yash Thakur, Naveen ul-Haq, and Mohsin Khan delivering decent performances. Mohsin played a pivotal role in the team's recent victory by bowling a brilliant last over, defending 10 runs. Overall, the Super Giants have a favourable opportunity to secure a win in this match.

With the right players and motivation to succeed, the Lucknow Super Giants are expected to pose a tough challenge for their opponents. They have the necessary firepower to launch an attack against KKR, making them a formidable force that will be difficult to stop.

Quinton de Kock (wk), Deepak Hooda, Prerak Mankad, Krunal Pandya (c), Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Naveen-ul-Haq, Ravi Bishnoi, Swapnil Singh, Mohsin Khan

The Eden Gardens has maintained its reputation for providing favourable batting conditions, and this year is no exception. The pitch is dry, flat, and devoid of significant grass cover. Throughout the season, the average first-inning score at this venue has been around 195. Seamers will face challenges on this surface and must display great discipline in terms of their line and length. The pitch exhibits a certain degree of sluggishness, and the dry nature of the surface will offer support to the spinners. The weather forecast suggests warm and humid conditions, with a possibility of overcast skies and potential rainfall during the match. We expect KKR to win the game against Lucknow.