IPL 2024: Can LSG Secure Playoff Berth? Here Are 3 Key Strategies They Must Nail Against DC

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are looking to bounce back from two demoralizing defeats as they face the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday, May 14. With their home leg concluded, LSG, led by KL Rahul, must win this crucial match to keep their playoff hopes alive. Currently sitting on 12 points from as many matches, their recent heavy losses have severely impacted their net run rate (NRR), making their path to the playoffs steeper with a NRR of -0.769.

Off-field issues have also plagued LSG, including a highly publicized disagreement between franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka and captain KL Rahul. Although the coaching staff has downplayed the incident, its impact on the team’s performance remains a concern. Meanwhile, DC are on the brink of elimination after a recent defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). However, they will be buoyed by Rishabh Pant’s return and the fact that this is their last home game of the season.

Here are three crucial things LSG need to get right to secure a win against DC:

1. Intent from the Word Go

LSG’s batting unit has shown flashes of brilliance but has lacked consistency and intent at the top. They are the second-lowest-scoring team in the powerplay, with similarly underwhelming numbers in the middle and death overs. With Delhi’s surface vastly improved for batting compared to previous seasons, LSG have the perfect opportunity to go hard from the start. Improving their NRR is an added incentive. A strong foundation from KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock can allow Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Deepak Hooda, and Ayush Badoni to capitalize. If the top order falters, the lower order will be left with too much to do, as seen in their recent outing against SRH.

2. Contain DC’s Top Order to Avoid a Repeat of SRH

LSG have struggled against explosive top-order units in recent matches, facing formidable batters like Phil Salt, Sunil Narine, Travis Head, and Abhishek Sharma. Tonight, they face Jake Fraser-McGurk, who already demonstrated his prowess in the reverse fixture in Lucknow. If LSG lack a strategic bowling plan, they risk another top-order onslaught. DC’s lineup has ample firepower even beyond Fraser-McGurk, but he remains the biggest threat. The Rajasthan Royals (RR) recently contained Fraser-McGurk using Trent Boult’s around-the-wicket angle targeting the batter’s body. LSG can adopt a similar strategy with Naveen-ul-Haq’s natural incoming delivery angle. However, execution is key, and any errors in line or length will be punished by the explosive opener.

3. Trap Rishabh Pant with Spinners

LSG’s spinners, particularly Ravi Bishnoi, will play a crucial role against DC’s left-handed batters. Bishnoi, known for his googlies, has a good record against Rishabh Pant, having conceded only 54 runs off 47 deliveries and dismissing him twice. Bishnoi is LSG’s biggest trump card against the DC skipper and dismissed him in the reverse fixture. Pant has struggled against spin throughout the tournament, striking at just 114.91. Krunal Pandya, despite not being the ideal match-up as a left-arm spinner, has dismissed Pant thrice in 10 outings, though Pant has scored 70 runs off 38 balls against him. This dynamic will be crucial as LSG aim to stifle Pant’s impact.

As LSG face this must-win clash, these strategies will be key to turning their fortunes around and keeping their playoff hopes alive.