Match Preview
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) lock horns in the 15th match of Indian Premier League 2026 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday, April 9.
KKR have had a torrid time so far because of the limited bowling options which had a major role to play towards their losses. Two defeats against MI and SRH by substantial margins put tremendous pressure on the captain Ajinkya Rahane who called his critics "jealous" of his achievements after the second match. Meanwhile, the third game against PBKS was washed out after just 3.4 overs were bowled, thus getting the Kolkata franchise off the mark on the points table.

LSG have had mixed results, on the other hand. Starting their campaign against DC at home, the Rishabh Pant-led side produced an insipid batting performance which did not give the bowlers enough runs to defend. However, the team made a fantastic comeback in the next game against SRH courtesy Mohammed Shami's penetrative spell of 2/9 and Pant's unbeaten 68.
As for team news, KKR would see Sunil Narine back into the mix after the West Indian recovered from his illness. However, there are still doubts over Varun Chakravarthy's inclusion as the bowler was seen with a tape around his injured left hand on the eve of the match. In a piece of good news though, Cameron Green is likely to start bowling in the matches. The Australian is bowling in training sessions and is expected to be available for bowling from this match onwards.
LSG, on the other hand, might not be making any drastic change as the team got back on track in the last match and is just two games into the season.
KKR vs LSG Match Info
| Date | Fixture | Number | Venue | Start time (Local time) |
| Thursday, April 9 | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants | 15 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 7.30 PM |
Eden Gardens Stats in IPL
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 102 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 43 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 57 |
| No Result | 02 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 168 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 154 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 262/2 (18.4) by PBKS vs KKR, 2024 |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 49/10 (9.4) by RCB vs KKR, 2017 |
| Highest Score Chased | 262 [262/2 in 18.4 overs] by PBKS vs KKR, 2024 |
| Lowest Score Defended | 131 by KKR vs RCB, 2017 |
Eden Gardens Pitch Report and Playing Conditions:
| Aspect | Batters | Pacers | Spinners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Assistance | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Bounce | Decent | Low | Helpful |
| Movement | Minimal | Minimal | Moderate |
| Best Phase | Powerplay | Middle & death overs | After early overs |
KKR vs LSG Head-to-Head record in IPL
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 06 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 02 |
| Lucknow Super Giants | 04 |
| No Results | 00 |
KKR vs LSG Playing XI Prediction
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Ajinkya Rahane (C), Finn Allen, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (WK), Cameron Green, Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, Navdeep Saini, Vaibhav Arora
Impact Sub: Blessing Muzarabani
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant (C&WK), Nicholas Pooran, Abdul Samad, Mukul Choudhary, Manimaran Siddharth, Avesh Khan, Digvesh Rathi, Mohammed Shami, Prince Yadav
Impact Sub: Ayush Badoni
Players to watch out for in KKR vs LSG
Angkrish Raghuvanshi (KKR)
The youngster produced a couple of half centuries in both the completed matches that KKR has played so far. Raghuvanshi scored a quickfire 51 and 52 against MI and SRH, respectively, and remained unbeaten on seven in the third match against PBKS before rain forced an eventual abandonment. The 21-year-old is in wonderful form and is slated to shine once again.
Mohammed Shami (LSG)
The veteran pacer has bowled two incisive and tight spells. Against DC, Shami registered figures of 1/28 off four overs keeping the run rate in check while against SRH the right-armer rocked the opposition by dismissing the Travishek pair and conceded only nine runs in four overs to earn the POTM award. Shami is in rhythm and the 35-year-old is expected to produce another good performance.
Today's Match Prediction: Lucknow Super Giants to win
Disclaimer: This prediction is based on current form, team balance, and available match data. Cricket remains unpredictable, and actual results may vary.



