LSG vs RCB Highlights, IPL 2022: Faf du Plessis, Josh Hazlewood help Bangalore beat Lucknow by 18 runs

Lucknow Super Giants win toss, opt to bowl.

“One side boundary is 66 metres, the other side is 78m. The surface seems very dry and has less grass on one end compared to the other end. I expect the seamers to prefer the end where they can bowl with more grass. I don't think the captains are going to change their approach, they are going to bowl.”

“It has been really good. Obviously had a couple of hiccups but overall, we feel we're in a good space. Hopefully we can build on it.” - Maxwell on RCB's team atmosphere.  

“It's been good for the group in general. Faf with his professionalism and experience, has been a calming effect on the group, and the guys have fed off it. Most important thing is to lead by example, try to help out the younger guys and to space out your time, switch on and switch off as much as possible. Give the younger guys as much time as possible.” - Maxwell on change in captaincy 

“I feel as good as I've ever felt. Have had a nice run from the BBL till the Sri Lanka series. I've been in a good space mentally and hopefully, technically as well.” - Maxwell on his current form

Looking at Anuj Rawat's inconsistency, RCB can try to tweak their combination and let Virat Kohli open the innings with Faf du Plessis. Kohli has taken the responsibility on previous occasions, so he won't be in unfamiliar territory. 

In fact if we take a look at the stats, the former RCB skipper has opened the inning in the shortest format 71 times and averages 46.21. In fact Kohli has hit five tons when he has opened the innings in T20 and slammed 18 half-centuries.

Dinesh Karthik's stupendous show in the ongoing season has seen a lot of ex-cricketers voicing for his comeback in India's T20 squad. Former Indian cricketer and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar is the latest member to join the debate. 

"He said he wants to be a part of the Indian Team for the T20 World Cup. So what I am saying is don't look at his age, just look at what he's producing. He's doing the job that you can expect him to do at number 6 or 7 at the World Cup," said Gavaskar on Star Sports show Cricket Live.

Harshal Patel, who had won the Purple Cap in the previous edition, has been economical but has only managed six scalps in five matches. His economy stands at 6.40. 

KL Rahul will be the main threat for RCB. The Lucknow skipper averages 83.50 against them, which is the highest for any player against a particular opponent in the IPL.

Mohammed Siraj and Odean Smith are the bowlers, who have conceded the most number of sixes in the tournament. The duo have been hit for 16 sixes each so far. Wanindu Hasaranga, who is RCB's leading wicket-taker is second on the list, with 15 sixes. 

The RCB bowlers will be in a bit of a pressure as they have just managed 32 wickets in the campaign. In fact they have conceded 66 sixes, which is the most by any team in the tournament so far. 

If we compare the bowlers of both the sides, it looks like an equal competition on the papers. Young pacer Avesh Khan has been among the wickets for Lucknow and so is Jason Holder. 

For Bangalore, Wanindu Hasaranga has done the same and has went on to pick 11 wickets from six matches.

KL Rahul was fined ₹12 lakh for maintaining a slow over-rate in the clash against Mumbai Indians. The Lucknow Super Giants captain will hope not to repeat the offence again in the clash against RCB.

If we take a look at Lucknow's batting strength, they've got Quinton de Kock, captain KL Rahul at the top. Both the openers have been in top form with Rahul leading the charts with 235 runs. De Kock is placed second with 212 runs. 

Then we have Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya, and the impressive Ayush Badoni in the middle-order. 

Evin Lewis too is a great option for the franchise and the availability of  two world class all-rounders in the form of Marcus Stoinis and Jason Holder gives the team the much-needed depth in their batting. 

RCB's strength has been their middle and lower-middle order. Glenn Maxwell was superb with the bat in their previous encounter against Delhi Capitals. He had then blasted 55 off 34 balls. 

Dinesh Karthik has been enjoying his outings too with RCB and has single-handedly won matches for the franchise. He is also the team's leading run-scorer and has accumulated 197 runs from six outings. 

Shahbaz Ahmed too has been in good shape and the all-rounder has been involved in crucial partnership with DK. He is currently the team's third highest run-scorer with 145 runs from six outings. 

Despite the impressive show, RCB are dealing with problems aplenty and one among the many is the poor show by both their current and former captain with the bat. 

Skipper Faf du Plessis has not been able to put up a solid show apart from his performance in RCB's opening game. His partner Anuj Rawat too has looked scratchy.

Virat Kohli, on the other hand, continues to struggle. The premier batter has so far managed 119 runs from six outings at an average of just above 23.

Both Lucknow and Bangalore are high on confidence and will head into the contest on the back of emphatic wins. RCB had defeated Delhi Capitals by 16 runs after posting 189/5 on the board. 

Lucknow, on the other hand, defeated Mumbai Indians by 18 runs after posting 199/4 in 20 overs.

The match is being played at the DY Patil Stadium and although the trend has been win the toss and bowl first, this venue has something else to offer. In the previous two evening matches played here, the team batting first have won.

So will we see the captain opt to bat after winning the toss? 

Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans lead the points table with 10 points from six matches. Now both Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore have a great opportunity to go on level terms with the table toppers, which will also see the winner of the contest rise to the second spot. Both the franchise are locked on 8 points from six encounters. 

Hello and welcome to the LIVE COVERAGE of the Indian Premier League clash between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore. The match will take place at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai. Stay tuned for all the updates!