LSG's Pace Threat Looms Large As RCB Look To Extend Unstoppable Run In IPL 2026

Rajat Patidar Lucknow Super Giants. [Source - AP, AFP]

RCB has been the most dangerous batting side in IPL 2026, perfectly designed for every phase of the game. Their top-order lays the foundation in the powerplay, while the middle-order is even more dangerous, consistently accelerating the innings till the end.

However, facing Lucknow Super Giants’ lethal pace attack at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will be a major challenge. LSG’s pacers, who have consistently excelled with swing and seam movement, will look to test RCB's batters early in the innings.

• RCB boast the highest batting strike-rate in IPL 2026 at 184.64 and
• have hit the most sixes this season, with a total of 54.
• RCB also lead in half-centuries, with 8 to their name.
• LSG, on the other hand, has the best overall bowling economy of 8.4.
• Their powerplay economy is even more impressive at 6.79, 
• where they have taken a wicket every 16th ball.

RCB’s explosive batting will be tested against LSG’s sharp new-ball attack. Early wickets are the only way to disrupt RCB’s flow; otherwise, they have proven resilient, even managing to score over 200 after being reduced to 5 down inside 10 overs against RR.

Preview

RCB is all set to host Lucknow Super Giants in Match 23 of IPL 2026 on Wednesday, April 15th. The enthralling contest will be played at the M. Chinnaswasmy Stadium in Bengaluru and the action will go live from 7:30 PM IST.

Clinical RCB Meet Hot and Cold LSG

RCB have started IPL 2026 with clinical precision, winning 3 of their first 4 games, including two consecutive victories at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Their batting has been explosive, and they will aim to improve their bowling to maintain the momentum.

In contrast, LSG have been hot and cold, winning 2 of their first 4 games and sitting 7th in the points table. While their pacers have enjoyed success, their batting has struggled to fire. Notably, LSG have got both of their wins away from home and will aim to continue the streak.

All Eyes on Rajat Patidar

RCB captain Rajat Patidar has been in sensational form in IPL 2026, scoring 195 runs at an explosive 214.28 strike-rate. Of these, 170 runs have come between 7-16 overs period, with a blistering 226.67 strike-rate, showcasing his dominance in that phase.

Moreover, Patidar has hit 18 sixes so far, the joint most by any player, and has been particularly ruthless against spinners, striking at an incredible 206.1 this season. 

His two electric fifties in the last two games, along with an unbeaten 19-ball 48 in the last home game, makes him a player to watch out in RCB's next game against LSG.

Pooran's Vulnerability Reflects LSG's Lack of Batting Firepower

LSG have struggled to fire with the bat in IPL 2026. Their most exciting moment came during Mukul Chaudhary’s match-winning half-century against KKR, but otherwise, their batting has been underwhelming, lacking consistency and impact.

With the lowest batting strike-rate in the tournament at 129.66 and an average of just 20.4, LSG's batting has been a major concern. Their middle-order, in particular, has struggled a lot, leaving them vulnerable in the middle-overs, where the numbers drop to 18.07 average and 112.92 strike-rate.

A lot of LSG's batting woes is surely because of Nicholas Pooran's poor form as he is averaging just 10.3 at a strike-rate of 85.4 this season so far. 

After an explosive 2025 season, where he scored 524 runs at a strike-rate of 196.3, his inability to replicate that form has put a huge dent in LSG’s batting depth.

Also Read: Virat Kohli Injury Update: RCB Legend Hits Nets With A Protective Gear

Key Stats

• RCB lead the head-to-head record vs LSG by 4-2.
• LSG have won each of the 2 games vs RCB at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
• Rajat Patidar has 155 runs vs LSG at 189.02 strike-rate.
• Rishabh Pant has an average of 53.9 and 158.06 strike-rate vs RCB in IPL, including a century in the last meeting.
• Phil Salt also loves playing vs LSG - 151 runs at 188.75 strike-rate.
• Nicholas Pooran for LSG at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium - 2 innings, 102 runs, 255 strike-rate, 1 50.
• Josh Hazlewood has 9 wickets vs LSG at 7.3 strike-rate and 7.54 economy.
• LSG have taken the least number of wickets in 7-16 overs in IPL 2026 - 6 wickets, 58.17 average.
• RCB have been the most dominating batting side in 7-16 overs this season - 36.17 average and 182.35 strike-rate.
• Jacob Duffy has taken joint highest wickets inside powerplay in IPL 2026 - 5 wickets, 9.60 strike-rate.
• Prince Yadav has taken a wicket every 9th ball inside powerplay in IPL 2026 - 4 wickets, 10 average.
• Mohammed Shami has an economy of 6.1 inside powerplay in IPL 2026 with 3 wickets as well.
• LSG have the most number of dismissals against left-arm spinners in IPL 2026 - 7 dismissals, 13.29 average and 103.33 strike-rate.

Also Read: RCB Vs LSG Dream11 Prediction Today Match 23, IPL 2026 Fantasy Cricket Tips, Dream11 Team Today

Possible Changes

Josh Hazlewood latest update for RCB vs LSG

Josh Hazlewood missed RCB’s last game against Mumbai Indians and was also absent from training ahead of the LSG clash, indicating he may not return. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli hinted and Rasikh Salam looked ready and mostly likely feature in the RCB playing XI vs LSG.

Mayank Yadav Set To Play vs RCB?

Mayank Yadav thrilled fans with his express pace against RCB when he last played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, picking 3/14. Tom Moody confirmed his fitness alongside Mohsin Khan, meaning one could replace Avesh Khan in LSG’s playing XI vs RCB.

What To Expect?

RCB have remained unbeaten in their last four games at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium and will aim to make it five. Their batting has flourished at home, while disciplined new-ball lengths have delivered consistent breakthroughs in the powerplay.

However, LSG possesses a top order capable of handling that approach. Their pacers enjoy similar hard lengths, which fetched RCB six powerplay wickets so far in IPL 2026. With Mayank Yadav likely returning, it can be anyone's game, but obviously a high-scoring one.

Also Read: BCCI Brutally Punishes Ajinkya Rahane After KKR's IPL 2026 Defeat Vs CSK