Rajasthan Royals (RR) are slight favourites despite both teams struggling for form when they face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 32 of IPL 2026 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 7:30 PM IST. RR sit 3rd with 8 points (W4, L2), while LSG are 8th-9th with just 4 points (W2, L4). Both teams enter on losing streaks.
RR have lost their last two matches (to SRH by 57 runs and KKR) after winning their first four games. Meanwhile, LSG are on a three-match losing streak and have lost both home games at Ekana this season. Notably, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (246 runs at SR 236.54) and Prince Yadav (11 wickets in 6 games) are the standout performers heading into this contest. Furthermore, this venue’s slow surface could neutralize RR’s explosive batting and play into LSG’s bowling strengths.
LSG vs RR IPL 2026 Match 32: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Match 32, IPL 2026 |
| Teams | Lucknow Super Giants vs Rajasthan Royals |
| Date | Wednesday, April 22, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow |
| LSG Captain | Rishabh Pant |
| RR Captain | Riyan Parag |
| IPL 2026 Standings | RR: 3rd (W4, L2 = 8 pts) | LSG: 8th-9th (W2, L4 = 4 pts) |
RR lead the overall head-to-head 4-2 across 6 IPL meetings. Importantly, RR are unbeaten at Ekana, having chased down 196 to win by 7 wickets in 2024. LSG’s only wins in this rivalry came at other venues. Additionally, RR’s Sooryavanshi made his IPL debut against LSG, adding a personal storyline to this fixture.
Key Stats and Numbers: LSG vs RR in IPL 2026
| Metric | RR | LSG |
|---|---|---|
| Top Run-Scorer | Sooryavanshi (246 runs, SR 236.54) | Mukul Choudhary (127 runs) |
| 2nd Highest | Jaiswal (223 runs, SR 141.80 vs LSG) | Badoni (148 runs) |
| Captain’s Runs | Parag (captaincy praised; middle-order) | Pant (103 runs, SR 122.35) |
| Key Concern | Middle order untested after openers | Pooran: 51 runs at avg 10.25 |
| 200+ Scores (Season) | Multiple 200+ totals | Not reached 200 this season |
The batting comparison tells a clear story. RR have the firepower to post massive totals, while LSG have struggled to score quickly. Pant‘s SR of 122.35 and Pooran‘s 51 runs at avg 10.25 are alarming figures for a team that needs its overseas batters to deliver.
Bowling Stats: IPL 2026 Season Comparison
| Metric | RR | LSG |
|---|---|---|
| Top Wicket-Taker | Bishnoi (9 wkts, avg 8.77, eco 8.66) | Prince Yadav (11 wkts, avg 17.18) |
| Lead Pacer | Archer (8 wkts, eco 9.0) | Shami (eco 6.84, best in LSG) |
| Best Economy | Bishnoi (8.66) | Shami (6.84) |
| Spin Threat | Bishnoi (9 wkts) + Jadeja | Rathi (7 wkts, eco 9.13) + Siddharth |
| Avesh Khan | N/A | 11 wkts, eco 10.45 (most wickets) |
LSG’s bowling is actually their stronger suit. Prince Yadav‘s 11 wickets make him one of IPL 2026’s top wicket-takers. Mohammed Shami‘s economy of 6.84 is the best among all LSG bowlers and one of the best in the tournament. Additionally, Avesh Khan‘s 11 wickets (highest for LSG) provide death-overs punch.
However, RR’s spin duo of Ravi Bishnoi (9 wickets) and Ravindra Jadeja could dominate at Ekana, where the surface grips and turns. On a slow pitch, Bishnoi’s leg-spin becomes even more dangerous.
Head-to-Head Stats: LSG vs RR in IPL
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Total IPL Meetings | 6 |
| RR Wins | 4 |
| LSG Wins | 2 |
| RR at Ekana | Unbeaten (chased 196 by 7 wickets in 2024) |
| Shami vs RR (career) | 20 wickets in 15 matches |
| Jaiswal vs LSG (career) | 207 runs at SR 141.80 |
| Pant vs RR (career) | 403 runs at SR 156.26, avg 44.78 |
| Last 5 Meetings | RR 3, LSG 2 |
Two fascinating individual records stand out. Mohammed Shami has taken 20 wickets in 15 IPL matches against RR, which makes him the most dangerous bowler in this fixture. Conversely, Rishabh Pant has scored 403 runs against RR at a strike rate of 156.26, showing he has the ability to dominate this opponent when in form.
Ekana Stadium Stats and Pitch Report
The Ekana Stadium produces different conditions compared to most IPL venues. The pitch is slower, offers grip for spinners, and makes batting progressively harder.
| Pitch Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Surface Type | Black soil; slow; grips for spinners |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 155-165 (significantly lower than Wankhede/Chinnaswamy) |
| IPL 2026 LSG Home Record | Lost both home matches |
| Chasing Win % (24 IPL games) | 14 out of 24 won by bowling-first team (58%) |
| Pitch Behaviour | Slows after 8th over; spinners dominate 2nd innings |
| Dew Factor | Moderate; less impactful than Wankhede/Hyderabad |
| Key Stat | Totals above 170 very hard to chase here |
Why Ekana Changes the Game
Unlike most IPL venues where 200+ is par, Ekana’s average first-innings score of 155-165 makes this one of the lowest-scoring grounds in the tournament. The pitch slows noticeably after the 8th over, which means spinners dominate the second innings. Consequently, totals above 170 become very hard to chase.
For RR, this is significant because their explosive batting (Sooryavanshi SR 236.54, Jaiswal SR 141.80) may not produce the same returns as at Guwahati or Ahmedabad. The surface rewards controlled batting over raw power. Furthermore, Bishnoi‘s leg-spin and Jadeja‘s left-arm spin should thrive here, which partially compensates for RR’s batting adjustment.
Lucknow Weather Forecast for April 22, 2026
Clear and warm evening. Temperature between 32-37 degrees Celsius during the day, easing slightly by match time. No rain expected. Moderate dew possible in the final overs but unlikely to be a decisive factor at this venue compared to Hyderabad or Mumbai.
LSG Predicted Playing XI vs RR
LSG may make changes after three consecutive defeats. Multiple sources suggest different combinations. Matthew Breetzke could replace Nicholas Pooran (51 runs, avg 10.25) per CricTracker, while Mohsin Khan‘s left-arm pace could add variety.
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mitchell Marsh | Opener / All-rounder |
| 2 | Aiden Markram | Opener |
| 3 | Rishabh Pant (c/wk) | No. 3 / Captain / WK |
| 4 | Matthew Breetzke | Middle Order |
| 5 | Ayush Badoni | Middle Order |
| 6 | Mukul Choudhary | WK-Batter |
| 7 | Mohammed Shami | Pace Bowler |
| 8 | Avesh Khan | Pace Bowler |
| 9 | Prince Yadav | Pace Bowler |
| 10 | Manimaran Siddharth | Left-arm Spinner |
| 11 | Mohsin Khan | Pace Bowler |
Impact Player Options: Himmat Singh, Ayush Badoni (if not starting), Nicholas Pooran, Digvesh Rathi
Shami’s Record Against RR: 20 Wickets in 15 Matches
Mohammed Shami‘s 20 wickets in 15 matches against RR makes him the most potent weapon LSG have in this fixture. His economy of 6.84 this season (best in LSG’s attack) combined with Ekana’s seam-friendly early conditions could make him devastating in the powerplay. If Shami can dismiss Sooryavanshi and Jaiswal early, LSG’s bowling can control RR’s innings.
LSG’s Batting Crisis: Pooran and Pant Must Deliver
Nicholas Pooran‘s 51 runs at avg 10.25 (SR 79.69) is his worst IPL season by a significant margin. LSG have shuffled his batting position multiple times without success. Meanwhile, Pant‘s SR of 122.35 is far below his career T20 standards. For LSG to compete, at least one of these two must deliver a match-defining innings tonight.
On the positive side, Mukul Choudhary (127 runs) and Ayush Badoni (148 runs) have actually outscored Pant this season. That domestic contribution has kept LSG competitive even when their overseas stars have struggled.
RR Predicted Playing XI vs LSG
RR’s XI depends on whether Vaibhav Sooryavanshi starts or comes in as impact player. CricTracker’s prediction keeps Sooryavanshi as impact, while other sources start him.
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yashasvi Jaiswal | Opener |
| 2 | Dhruv Jurel (wk) | No. 2 / Wicketkeeper |
| 3 | Riyan Parag (c) | Middle Order / Captain |
| 4 | Shimron Hetmyer | Middle Order |
| 5 | Donovan Ferreira | All-rounder |
| 6 | Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder |
| 7 | Jofra Archer | Pace Bowler |
| 8 | Nandre Burger | Pace Bowler |
| 9 | Brijesh Sharma | Pace Bowler |
| 10 | Ravi Bishnoi | Leg-spinner |
| 11 | Sandeep Sharma | Pace Bowler |
Impact Player Options: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, Tushar Deshpande, Shubham Dubey
Sooryavanshi: 246 Runs at SR 236.54
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi‘s 246 runs at a strike rate of 236.54 make him the most destructive opener in IPL 2026. He has hit 18 fours and 18 sixes this season. However, his golden duck against SRH shows even he is vulnerable. At Ekana’s slower surface, Sooryavanshi’s natural aggression will be tested differently than at Guwahati or the Chinnaswamy.
If Sooryavanshi starts, RR get their explosive opening pair back. If he comes in as impact (per CricTracker), RR gain tactical flexibility to deploy him when conditions suit. Either way, his presence is a game-changer.
Bishnoi at Ekana: The Perfect Surface for Leg-Spin
Ravi Bishnoi‘s 9 wickets at avg 8.77 and eco 8.66 make him IPL 2026’s most impactful spinner. On Ekana’s slow, gripping surface that turns from the 8th over onwards, Bishnoi’s leg-spin becomes even more dangerous than usual. Against LSG’s struggling middle order (Pant SR 122, Pooran avg 10.25), Bishnoi could dominate the crucial 7-15 over period.
Alternate XI Scenarios: What Could Change?
LSG: Pooran Dropped? Mohsin Khan In?
Nicholas Pooran‘s 51 runs at avg 10.25 may finally result in him being dropped. CricTracker’s prediction includes Matthew Breetzke as his replacement. Additionally, Mohsin Khan‘s left-arm pace could replace Digvesh Rathi if LSG want extra seam depth. However, on Ekana’s spin-friendly surface, keeping Rathi’s off-spin might be the smarter choice.
RR: Sooryavanshi In or Out of Starting XI?
CricTracker’s match prediction keeps Sooryavanshi as impact player. However, durhamccc and allcric start him. If Sooryavanshi starts, Sandeep Sharma or Brijesh Sharma drops out to accommodate the batting change. Additionally, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius is another overseas batting option.
Key Player Battles to Watch
Here are the Key Player’s Battles that fans can watch:
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi vs Mohammed Shami
Sooryavanshi‘s SR 236.54 against Shami‘s career eco 6.84 is the powerplay headline battle. Shami’s ability to swing the ball and maintain discipline directly counters Sooryavanshi’s aggression. On Ekana’s slightly slower surface, Shami’s accuracy could be more effective than at faster grounds.
Rishabh Pant vs Ravi Bishnoi
Pant‘s 403 career runs against RR (SR 156.26) shows he can dominate this fixture when in form. However, Bishnoi‘s leg-spin on Ekana’s gripping surface poses a different challenge. Pant loves attacking spin, but Bishnoi’s googly has dismissed better batters. This middle-overs duel could define whether LSG post or chase a competitive total.
Jaiswal vs Prince Yadav
Jaiswal‘s 207 career runs vs LSG at SR 141.80 against Prince Yadav‘s 11 wickets at avg 17.18 is a fascinating matchup. Yadav’s genuine pace and bounce can trouble Jaiswal in the powerplay. However, Jaiswal’s technique and temperament give him the edge once he settles.
Shami vs RR’s Top Order: 20 Wickets in 15 Matches
Shami‘s extraordinary record of 20 wickets in 15 IPL matches against RR is the most important stat in this match. If Shami can replicate even half that success tonight, LSG’s bowling will restrict RR to a below-par total on Ekana’s slow surface.
Impact Player Predictions for LSG vs RR
Here are the Impact Player Predictions for LSG vs RR:
LSG’s Likely Impact Player: Himmat Singh or Ayush Badoni
If LSG bat first and need middle-order reinforcement, Himmat Singh‘s batting adds depth. Alternatively, if Badoni doesn’t start, he becomes the obvious batting impact option. Digvesh Rathi‘s off-spin is another option if LSG want extra spin on this gripping surface.
RR’s Likely Impact Player: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Sooryavanshi (246 runs, SR 236.54) as impact player gives RR tactical flexibility. If RR bowl first and restrict LSG, Sooryavanshi can replace a bowler to strengthen the chase. If RR bat first, his explosive starts become even more critical to post a challenging total.
LSG vs RR IPL 2026 Match 32: Match Prediction
Rajasthan Royals are slight favourites despite their recent dip in form. Two factors support this prediction.
Why RR Hold the Edge
First, head-to-head dominance. RR lead 4-2 and are unbeaten at Ekana. Their successful 196-chase in 2024 at this venue showed they can handle these slower conditions.
Second, superior individual performers. Sooryavanshi (246 runs, SR 236.54), Jaiswal (223 runs, 207 vs LSG in career), and Bishnoi (9 wickets) give RR match-winners across departments. LSG’s equivalent performers (Mukul Choudhary, Badoni) are domestic names who haven’t yet proved they can win high-pressure matches.
Can LSG Break the Losing Run at Home?
LSG’s best chance lies in exploiting Ekana’s slow surface. If Shami (20 career wickets vs RR) and Prince Yadav (11 wickets this season) can restrict RR’s openers, the slow pitch will do the rest. Furthermore, Pant‘s 403 career runs against RR mean he has the pedigree to deliver a big knock, even if his current form is poor.
However, LSG have lost both home matches this season and three consecutive games overall. That level of poor form is difficult to overcome, especially against a team as talented as RR.
Toss Prediction: Both captains will prefer to bowl first. Chasing teams have won 58% of the 24 IPL matches at Ekana. However, the pitch slows in the second innings, so batting first and posting 170+ is also a viable strategy.
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Final Verdict
Match 32 of IPL 2026 features two teams in different phases of distress. LSG are on a three-match losing streak with 4 points and a struggling batting order. RR are on a two-match losing streak but still sit 3rd with 8 points and far superior individual talent.
The Ekana surface could be the equalizer. If the pitch plays as expected (slow, spin-friendly, low-scoring), LSG’s bowling gives them a genuine chance.
But RR’s Bishnoi on a gripping surface, combined with Sooryavanshi’s explosive batting and Jaiswal’s technique, should be enough to overcome the conditions and extend their H2H dominance.
