IPL 2026: Lucknow Super Giants’ strongest predicted XI against Kolkata Knight Riders

The Lucknow Super Giants head to the Eden Gardens to take on the Kolkata Knight Riders on April 9, in Match 15 of the 2026 Indian Premier League. LSG got their campaign off to a start with their win against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 5 and will be looking to carry this momentum forward with a win against the Knight Riders.

Despite questions over their balance, they are slowly finding a team combination that is working for them. Blessed with a solid domestic bowling core and dangerous overseas batting options, they will pose a threat if their combinations are to click.

Here is the best potential playing XI for LSG for their match against KKR

Top order: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant (C & WK)

Mitchell Marsh was the best batter for LSG in 2025, with 627 runs in 13 games. Playing as a pure batter, without bowling responsibilities, has freed up the Aussie. While he started with a good-looking 35 against the Delhi Capitals, he was dismissed for 14 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. His partner, Aiden Markram, returned to open against SRH and set the platform for their chase with a brilliant 45 off just 27 balls.

Rishabh Pant opened in the first game but had dismal results. He returned to bat at one-drop against the Sunrisers, against whom he anchored the chase with an unbeaten 68 off 50 balls. While he did not look his fluent best, the LSG skipper would be glad to have got runs to kick off the season.

Middle order: Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni (impact player), Abdul Samad, Mukul Choudhary

Nicholas Pooran batted at No. 3 for LSG last season, scoring 524 runs in 14 games. But this season he has started slowly, with poor form persisting for the major part of the previous year. He is one of the most destructive batters in the shortest format, and it would be in LSG’s best interests if he could get runs under his belt.

Ayush Badoni will keep his place at No. 5 and is expected to come in as the impact player. Abdul Samad’s prowess as a six-hitter and bankable finisher iswell  known, and in Mukul Choudhary, LSG have a highly-rated domestic finisher.

Lower order/bowlers: Manimaran Siddharth, Avesh Khan, Mohammed Shami, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Prince Yadav

The rejuvenated Mohammed Shami was at his best against the Sunrisers. With a spell of 4-0-9-2, he was threatening with the new ball and has led this domestic-heavy LSG attack to the best of his abilities. Prince Yadav has shown promise in the two games he has played with his accurate yorkers and high pace. Avesh Khan once again showed his value as a death bowler when he returned to the side in place of Mohsin Khan.

With the prominence of right-handers in the KKR batting lineup, M Siddharth is expected to keep his place. He was economical against the Sunrisers and picked up the wicket of Nitish Kumar Reddy. Digvesh Rathi, who did not have a great outing against Sunrisers despite bowling well in the powerplay, is expected to keep his place in the side.

 Lucknow Super Giants predicted playing XI: 

Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant (C & WK), Nicholas Pooran, Abdul Samad, Mukul Choudhary, Manimaran Siddharth, Avesh Khan, Mohammed Shami, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Prince Yadav

Impact Player: Ayush Badoni