Picking a combined LSG-PBKS playing XI for IPL 2024 ft. Nicholas Pooran, Kagiso Rabada
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in match 11 of IPL 2024 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Saturday, March 30.
LSG began their campaign with a 20-run loss to Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur, while PBKS suffered a four-wicket loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru after beating Delhi Capitals by the same margin.
Lucknow bowled first against Rajasthan and conceded 193-4. In the chase, Nicholas Pooran (64* off 41) and captain KL Rahul (58 off 44) hit half-centuries. But LSG could not maintain their momentum and finished with 173-6.
Meanwhile, Punjab Kings were disappointing against RCB, managing only 176-6 after batting first. A brilliant knock from Virat Kohli (77 off 49) and a thrilling cameo from Dinesh Karthik (28* off 10) ensured victory for Bengaluru.
In the head-to-head battle between Lucknow and Punjab, LSG have a 2-1 lead in three games. As they prepare to battle it out on Saturday, we pick a combined XI of the two sides for IPL 2024.
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Openers: KL Rahul (c & wk), Shikhar Dhawan
The captains of the two franchises, KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan, would open the batting in the combined LSG-PBKS XI.
Rahul would also lead the team. He scored an impressive half-century against Rajasthan, hitting four fours and two sixes, but could not take LSG over the line.
Dhawan, meanwhile, has got starts in both games Punjab have played. He was bowled for 22 off 16 against Delhi Capitals by Ishant Sharma, while, against RCB, he was dismissed for 45 off 37, trying to go after Glenn Maxwell.
Middle-order/ All-rounders: Devdutt Padikkal, Nicholas Pooran, Sam Curran, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh
Devdutt Padikkal was out of a duck in LSG's previous game, bowled by Trent Boult. However, he has been in great form lately and would be confident on capitalizing on the same when Lucknow take on Punjab on Saturday.
Pooran played a blinder of a knock against RR, clobbering 64* off 41, slamming four fours and as many sixes. Lucknow, though, lost the game, as he didn't get much support at the other end following Rahul's dismissal.
Sam Curran and Marcus Stoinis would be the two main all-rounders in the combined LSG-PBKS playing XI. Curran was the Player of the Match for his 63 against Delhi. He contributed 23 against RCB and also claimed the wicket of Anuj Rawat.
Stoinis did not bowl for Lucknow against Rajasthan Royals and was dismissed for 3 in the chase. However, he has been a key member of the Super Giants over the last couple of season and finds a place due to his ability and experience.
PBKS lower-order hitter Shashank Singh also finds a spot in the combined XI. He could be used a floater in the batting order. He struck an impactful 21* off 8 against RCB, hitting one four and two sixes.
Bowlers: Harpreet Brar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Kagiso Rabada
Harpreet Brar and Ravi Bishnoi would be the main spinners in the combined LSG-PBKS XI for IPL 2024. Left-arm spinner Brar claimed 1-14 against Delhi and followed it up with excellent figures of 2-13 in four overs against Bengaluru, getting the wickets of Rajat Patidar and Glenn Maxwell.
Meanwhile, Bishnoi bowled four overs for 38 against Rajasthan and picked up the wicket of Shimron Hetmyer. The leg-spinner has delivered some fine performances in the IPL over the years, hence he finds a place in the team.
LSG's Mohsin Khan and PBKS' Kagiso Rabada would be the two main pacers in the combined XI. Mohsin got the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal against the Royals. He was a bit expensive but is a match-winner with the ball.
Rabada warmed up with 1-36 against Delhi Capitals, getting the scalp of Shai Hope. He excelled against RCB with figures of 2-23, claiming the big wickets of Faf du Plessis and Cameron Green.