Sunday night cricket. Lucknow. Two teams desperate for a win. Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders go head-to-head in Match 38 of IPL 2026 at the Ekana Stadium and this is genuinely a must-win for both sides.
LSG have lost four in a row. KKR only just registered their first win of the season, ending a six-match winless run. The Ekana surface will slow everything down, the spinners will dominate the middle overs, and this match is expected to be tight till the very last ball.
In this article, we have covered the latest odds, predicted XIs, pitch report, toss prediction, and our final match prediction for LSG vs KKR.
LSG vs KKR Match 38 – Key Details
Here are the confirmed details for Match 38 of IPL 2026. This is the second game of the Super Sunday doubleheader, making it an evening fixture with dew conditions coming into play — a crucial factor at Ekana.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Match 38, IPL 2026 |
| Date | Sunday, April 26, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST (Evening Fixture) |
| Venue | Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow |
| TV Broadcast | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar |
| LSG Captain | Rishabh Pant |
| KKR Captain | Ajinkya Rahane |
| LSG 2026 Form | 2W 5L — 9th place (4 points) |
| KKR 2026 Form | 1W 6L — 10th place (3 points) |
Both teams sit at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table. This is not a playoff race match — it is a survival match. Whichever team wins tonight stays in contention. Whichever team loses could effectively be out of the running with half the season still to go.
Current Form – Why Both Teams Are Struggling
Before the odds and predictions, it’s important to understand what’s actually been going wrong for both sides. The form picture here is important context.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
LSG won their first two matches of the season convincingly — including a win over KKR at Eden Gardens. But then the wheels fell off. Four consecutive defeats have followed, with batting collapses being the main culprit.
In their last game against Rajasthan Royals, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant, and Aiden Markram all got out for zero in the same innings. Mitchell Marsh was the lone warrior with a fifty, but it wasn’t nearly enough as LSG folded for 119 in a 40-run loss.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR went their first six games without a single win — one of the worst starts to a title defence in IPL history. Their bowling attack has been decimated by injuries: both Harshit Rana and Akash Deep are ruled out for the season.
The silver lining was a first win against Rajasthan Royals in their last game, where Varun Chakravarthy picked up 3 for 14 and took the Player of the Match award. KKR will be buoyed by that — but one win from seven matches is not a platform, it’s a starting point.
LSG vs KKR Betting Odds – Match 38
Markets make this one of the most evenly matched contests of the entire IPL 2026 season so far. LSG are very slight favourites at home, but KKR’s odds are almost identical — reflecting just how tight this one really is.
| Platform | LSG Win Odds | KKR Win Odds | Toss Odds (LSG) | Toss Odds (KKR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1xBet | 1.85 | 1.90 | 1.90 | 1.85 |
| Stake | 1.84 | 1.92 | 1.85 | 1.90 |
| 4RABET | 1.86 | 1.88 | 1.88 | 1.88 |
| BetVibe | 1.85 | 1.91 | 1.90 | 1.85 |
Win probability: LSG 51%, KKR 49%. This is essentially a coin flip on paper, but LSG’s home conditions and superior head-to-head record give them a marginal edge. Disclaimer: odds are indicative and may change before match time. Always verify on the platform before placing bets.
Safe Pick: Mitchell Marsh to score 25+ runs. He scored a fifty in LSG’s last game and is their most reliable top-order batter this season.
Risky High-Reward Pick: Varun Chakravarthy to take 2+ wickets. He just returned to form with 3 for 14 against RR, and the Ekana surface will give him plenty of assistance.
Toss Prediction – Bowl First Expected
The toss is a 50/50 event, but the decision is predictable: both captains will likely choose to bowl first. Here’s why.
- Dew factor: Evening match at 7:30 PM means dew will settle in by the 10th–12th over of the second innings. This makes it harder for spinners to grip the ball giving the chasing team a significant advantage against Bishnoi, Varun, and Narine.
- Target clarity: On a slow Ekana pitch, it helps to know what you’re chasing. Captains prefer bowling first here because they can set their field specifically to the target required.
- Ekana average: No team has crossed 170 in three Ekana matches this IPL 2026 season. Defending a modest total on a track that slows further as the game progresses favours the team batting first only if they can set 175+. Most teams prefer to trust the chase here.
Expect the toss winner to insert the opposition and back their bowlers to restrict the opposition under 165.
Predicted Playing XIs – LSG vs KKR
Both teams have selection headaches. LSG may look to rejig their middle order after the batting collapse against RR, and KKR could bring in Matheesha Pathirana now that he is fit. Here are the probable lineups.
Lucknow Super Giants Predicted XI
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mitchell Marsh | Opener |
| 2 | Rishabh Pant (c/wk) | WK-Batter |
| 3 | Aiden Markram | Batter |
| 4 | Nicholas Pooran | Batter |
| 5 | Ayush Badoni | Batter |
| 6 | Abdul Samad | Finisher |
| 7 | Krunal Pandya | All-rounder |
| 8 | Mohsin Khan | Bowler |
| 9 | Ravi Bishnoi | Spinner |
| 10 | Mohammed Shami | Bowler |
| 11 | Prince Yadav / Mayank Yadav | Bowler |
| Impact | Matthew Breetzke / Devdutt Padikkal | Batting cover |
The big question for LSG is whether Rishabh Pant returns to form as the captain-in-crisis moment approaches.
His middle-order collapse against RR — out for zero — typified the team’s struggles. Mohsin Khan has been outstanding with the ball though, with an economy rate of just 6.58 in IPL 2026. He is LSG’s best bowler right now.
Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted XI
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ajinkya Rahane (c) | Opener / Batter |
| 2 | Sunil Narine | Opener / All-rounder |
| 3 | Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk) | WK-Batter |
| 4 | Cameron Green | All-rounder |
| 5 | Rovman Powell | Batter |
| 6 | Rinku Singh | Finisher |
| 7 | Ramandeep Singh | All-rounder |
| 8 | Anukul Roy | All-rounder |
| 9 | Varun Chakravarthy | Spinner |
| 10 | Matheesha Pathirana | Pacer (fit and available) |
| 11 | Vaibhav Arora / Kartik Tyagi | Bowler |
| Impact | Manish Pandey / Nitish Rana | Batting cover |
The return of Matheesha Pathirana is a major boost for KKR — his death-over ability has been badly missed with Harshit Rana and Akash Deep both injured. Varun Chakravarthy’s 3 for 14 last game was exactly the spark KKR needed from their mystery spinner. If he can replicate that on Ekana’s tacky surface, LSG’s shaky middle order will be in serious trouble.
Ekana Stadium Pitch & Weather Report
The Ekana Cricket Stadium is one of the most spin-friendly venues in Indian domestic cricket. In the three IPL 2026 matches played here so far, no team has crossed 170 — which tells you everything you need to know about the surface.
| Aspect | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Surface | Black soil — slow, with grip for spinners. True bounce early for pacers. |
| Batting | Batters need to settle before attacking. Cross-bat shots get slower and riskier after powerplay. |
| Bowling | Spinners dominate middle overs (7–15). Pacers effective with new ball and cutters at death. |
| Avg 1st Innings Score (IPL 2026) | 155–170. No team has crossed 170 in Lucknow this season. |
| 200+ Totals | Rare — very difficult at this venue. |
| Bat or Chase? | Slight advantage chasing if dew settles. Teams prefer to bowl first here. |
The evening match timing adds an important variable. Dew typically arrives by the 10th–12th over of the chase at Lucknow, which makes the ball come on better for the batting team and harder for spinners to grip. This is why the toss result has outsized importance at Ekana.
| Weather Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 39°C during the day, cooling to ~34°C by match time |
| Condition | Clear skies, no rain expected |
| Rain Probability | Below 5% — full match guaranteed |
| Humidity | Low (20–30%) |
| Wind | 8–12 km/h |
| Dew | Moderate dew expected from around the 10th over of the chase |
No rain, clear evening, and moderate dew by the second innings. A classic Ekana evening setup that rewards the team batting second — if they can stay calm in the powerplay.
LSG vs KKR Head-to-Head Record in IPL
LSG have a strong historical advantage over KKR in this rivalry. Out of seven IPL meetings, LSG have won five — and they also won the reverse fixture earlier this season, with Mukul Choudhary’s unbeaten 54 sealing a dramatic last-ball win at Eden Gardens.
| Stat | Result |
|---|---|
| Total IPL Meetings | 7 |
| LSG Wins | 5 |
| KKR Wins | 2 |
| Ekana Record (Head-to-Head) | LSG 2 – 1 KKR |
| Reverse Fixture (IPL 2026) | LSG won at Eden Gardens (last-ball thriller) |
| LSG 2026 Form | 2W 5L — 9th in points table (4 points) |
| KKR 2026 Form | 1W 6L — 10th in points table (3 points) |
Despite LSG’s poor recent form, their 5-2 head-to-head advantage and previous win over KKR this season give them a psychological edge heading into tonight. KKR know they haven’t beaten LSG consistently — and that knowledge creates pressure.
Key Players to Watch – LSG vs KKR
With both teams this desperate for a win, individual performances are going to matter enormously. These are the six players who could decide the match.
Mitchell Marsh (LSG)
LSG’s most reliable batter this season. His fifty against RR was the only positive from LSG’s batting in that game. He provides LSG with a fast start in the powerplay — which is critical on Ekana where scoring becomes harder after over 6. If Marsh gets 40+, LSG’s total will be competitive.
Rishabh Pant (LSG)
Out for zero in the last match. Under massive pressure. But Pant has always been at his best when his back is against the wall — think IPL 2021, the Ashes, Australia 2021. The Ekana crowd is behind him, and a captain’s innings here would completely change LSG’s season.
Varun Chakravarthy (KKR)
Three for 14 in the last game. Back in form. And the Ekana surface is tailor-made for his carrom balls and googly variations. If LSG’s batters aren’t reading him — which they weren’t consistently last season — KKR could bowl LSG out cheaply. This is KKR’s biggest match-winning weapon
Sunil Narine (KKR)
The veteran all-rounder opens the batting for KKR and bowls his four overs of off-spin. He could contribute with both bat and ball on this surface. A 40-ball 50 from Narine at the top would set KKR up for a competitive total. And his spin at the top of the batting powerplay can unsettle any top order.
Mohsin Khan (LSG)
Economy rate of 6.58 in IPL 2026 among bowlers with over 10 overs — the second-best in the entire tournament. He bowled a maiden to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi last game, which is something almost nobody has managed this season. With the new ball at Ekana, he could be the difference for LSG.
Matheesha Pathirana (KKR)
Fit and available for the first time. KKR’s death bowling has been their biggest weakness — leaking runs in the final 4 overs has cost them multiple matches. If Pathirana plays and bowls his yorkers well, KKR’s bowling changes shape entirely. A potential game-changer
Match 38 Prediction – Tactical Breakdown
Let’s break down how this match is likely to unfold across the three phases.
Powerplay (Overs 1–6)
The powerplay at Ekana is critical. If Mohsin Khan gets early wickets against KKR’s top order (Rahane and Narine), KKR will be under pressure from ball one.
Conversely, if Marsh and Pant give LSG a flying start, the Ekana pitch doesn’t slow them down enough in the powerplay to contain 50–60 runs in the first 6 overs.
Middle Overs (Overs 7–15)
This is where the match will be decided. Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi versus the opposition’s middle order. On a slow Ekana surface with the ball gripping and turning, whichever team’s spinners win this battle will likely win the match.
Both sets of spinners are quality — this is genuinely the most interesting tactical duel of the game.
Death Overs (Overs 16–20)
If it stays close heading into the final 4 overs, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh (KKR) and Rishabh Pant (LSG) become the decisive factor.
Russell can clear any boundary on any surface. Rinku has nerves of steel in a chase. But Pathirana (if he plays) can bowl yorkers under pressure — something KKR haven’t had all season.
| Scenario | Expected Total | Likely Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| LSG bat first | 165–175 | Competitive if spinners defend well in overs 7–15 |
| KKR bat first | 155–170 | Need 170+ to win; dew helps LSG’s chase after over 12 |
Par score at Ekana in IPL 2026: 155–165. A total of 175+ by the team batting first is genuinely difficult to chase here, even with dew assistance.
Team Strengths & Weaknesses
A quick side-by-side breakdown of what each team brings to this specific match — and where they are vulnerable.
| Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Home advantage. Better H2H record. Mohsin Khan’s form. Bishnoi on home surface. | Varun back in form. Narine’s all-round threat. Pathirana now available. Russell + Rinku at death. |
| Weaknesses | Batting collapses (3 ducks vs RR). Pant out of touch. Middle-order fragility. | Harshit Rana & Akash Deep missing. Just one win from seven. Fragile confidence. |
| Venue Fit | Strong — Ekana is their home. Know the surface and dimensions. | Historically struggled here. 1-2 Ekana record vs LSG. |
On paper, LSG have more reasons to back themselves at home. But KKR’s individual quality — especially Varun, Narine, and a now-fit Pathirana — means they are more dangerous than their season record suggests.
🏆 Final Prediction – Who Wins LSG vs KKR?
Winner: Lucknow Super Giants — very narrowly, with a win probability of 51%.
| Team | Win Probability |
|---|---|
| Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) | 51% |
| Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | 49% |
Home conditions, a 5-2 head-to-head record, Mohsin Khan’s form with the new ball, and Bishnoi’s spin on a surface he knows well — all of those tip this narrowly towards LSG.
But if Varun Chakravarthy gets into a rhythm early and KKR’s top order fires, this is an upset waiting to happen. Both teams have too much to lose to play conservatively. Expect a tight, competitive game that goes well into the final overs.
🎮 Dream11 / Fantasy Tips – LSG vs KKR Match 38
On a slow Ekana surface in an evening match, fantasy selections need to balance spin options with proven run-scorers. Here are the best picks for Match 38.
Captain Picks
- Mitchell Marsh (LSG): Most reliable batter in the match. Powerplay runs + some overs with the ball = high ceiling for fantasy points.
- Tim Seifert / Angkrish Raghuvanshi (KKR WK): If KKR’s wicket-keeper opens, they can provide explosive early points before the surface gets difficult.
Vice-Captain Picks
- Sunil Narine (KKR): Opens the batting and bowls spin on a turning pitch. Dual contribution means he can outscore anyone in the match.
- Rishabh Pant (LSG): Low recent form but home conditions and pressure situations tend to bring out the best in him. Captain-level upside here.
Budget / Differential Picks
- Mohsin Khan (LSG): Low ownership expected, but economy rate of 6.58 and consistent wicket-taking makes him excellent value.
- Ayush Badoni (LSG): A lower-order batter who can contribute 20–30 late runs on this surface and is cheap in most fantasy formats.
Players to Avoid
- Extra pacers who aren’t playing a bowling role (spinners dominate middle overs here).
- Lower-order tail-enders from either team — scores are too low at Ekana for them to contribute meaningfully.
Suggested Reads:
Conclusion
When two teams at the bottom of the table meet, the match carries more desperation than any derby. LSG vs KKR at Ekana tonight is not a glamour contest it’s a fight for survival, and those are often the best cricket matches to watch.
LSG hold a narrow edge on paper home conditions, spin-friendly surface, and Mohsin Khan’s exceptional form give them the tools.
But KKR’s individual quality Varun Chakravarthy back in form, Narine’s all-round menace, and a fit Pathirana in the attack makes this genuinely unpredictable. Back LSG, but don’t be surprised if KKR make this a last-over thriller. For live updates and official stats, track the match on IPL’s official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lucknow Super Giants start as very slight favourites at home with a 51% win probability. Both teams are struggling at the bottom of the table, but LSG’s home advantage and 5-2 head-to-head record over KKR give them a narrow edge.
As of the latest available data, LSG are priced at around 1.84–1.86 across platforms like 1xBet, Stake, and 4RABET. KKR are available at 1.88–1.92. The market reflects how close this match really is.
Mitchell Marsh is the safest captain pick — he is LSG’s most consistent run-scorer this season and contributes with the ball. For a higher-risk, higher-reward option, Sunil Narine can contribute with both bat and ball on this surface.
Both captains are expected to bowl first. The evening match creates dew in the second innings, which makes the ball harder to grip for spinners. Chasing is generally preferred at Ekana when both teams have strong spin attacks.
In 7 IPL meetings, LSG have won 5 and KKR have won 2. At Ekana specifically, LSG lead the head-to-head 2-1. LSG also won the reverse fixture in IPL 2026 earlier this season in a last-ball thriller at Eden Gardens.
The match will be telecast on Star Sports Network and streamed live on JioHotstar. It starts at 7:30 PM IST on April 26, 2026.
Technically, both teams need it equally badly. KKR have just one win from seven matches and are bottom of the table. LSG are ninth with four points after four straight defeats. A loss for either side would make a top-four finish almost mathematically impossible with less than half the season remaining.
Kiran is a cricket analyst and writer with strong expertise in the Indian Premier League and modern cricket. He closely follows match situations, player performances, team strategies, and season trends to deliver clear and accurate insights. Passionate about the game, Kiran enjoys exploring emerging talents, tracking auction movements, and sharing timely updates related to IPL and competitive cricket.
