Now Reading: LSG vs RCB 2026: Playing 11, Squads, and Match Preview
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LSG vs RCB 2026: Playing 11, Squads, and Match Preview
New Delhi, May 7, 2026: The battle for supremacy in IPL 2026 continues as the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) prepare to host the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Ekana Stadium. With the playoff race heating up, this Match 50 is a high-stakes encounter that could define the season for both franchises.
Here is everything you need to know about the clash, including the match details, full squads, and the predicted playing XIs.
LSG vs RCB 2026: Match Details
The match is scheduled for May 7, 2026, in Lucknow. While RCB holds a slight psychological edge from their earlier encounter this season, LSG’s home advantage at the Ekana makes this an unpredictable contest.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Match 50) |
| Date | Thursday, May 7, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow |
| Broadcaster | Star Sports Network |
| Live Stream | JioHotstar |
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): Team News & Squad
LSG, led by the dynamic Rishabh Pant, are looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Mumbai Indians. Despite posting a mammoth 228 in their last game—fueled by Nicholas Pooran’s 21-ball 63—their bowling failed to defend the total. Rumors suggest Arjun Tendulkar might finally get a look-in to bolster the local pace attack.
LSG Full Squad for 2026
- Wicket-keepers: Rishabh Pant (C), Nicholas Pooran, Josh Inglis, Mukul Choudhary.
- Batters: Aiden Markram, Himmat Singh, Matthew Breetzke, Akshat Raghuwanshi.
- All-rounders: Mitchell Marsh, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Arshin Kulkarni, Ayush Badoni.
- Bowlers: Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, Manimaran Siddharth, Mohammed Shami (Traded), Anrich Nortje, Wanindu Hasaranga, Prince Yadav, Arjun Tendulkar, Naman Tiwari.
LSG Predicted Playing 11 (Match 50)
- Aiden Markram
- Rishabh Pant (C/WK)
- Mitchell Marsh
- Nicholas Pooran
- Ayush Badoni
- Abdul Samad
- Shahbaz Ahmed
- Manimaran Siddharth
- Avesh Khan
- Mohammed Shami
- Anrich Nortje
- Impact Player: Arjun Tendulkar or Mohsin Khan.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Team News & Squad
RCB, currently captained by Rajat Patidar, sit comfortably in the top half of the table. Despite a recent slip-up against Gujarat Titans, the form of Virat Kohli and the bowling brilliance of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood make them favorites. There is speculation regarding the inclusion of Phil Salt and Venkatesh Iyer, though the team might stick to a stable core.
RCB Full Squad for 2026
- Wicket-keepers: Jitesh Sharma, Phil Salt, Tim Seifert, Jordan Cox.
- Batters: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (C), Devdutt Padikkal, Tim David, Swastik Chikara.
- All-rounders: Krunal Pandya, Liam Livingstone, Venkatesh Iyer, Romario Shepherd, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell.
- Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam, Nuwan Thushara, Jacob Duffy, Vicky Ostwal.
RCB Predicted Playing 11 (Match 50)
- Virat Kohli
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rajat Patidar (C)
- Jitesh Sharma (WK)
- Tim David
- Romario Shepherd
- Krunal Pandya
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood
- Rasikh Salam
- Suyash Sharma
- Impact Player: Yash Dayal or Venkatesh Iyer.
Pitch & Conditions: The Ekana Factor
The Ekana Stadium has traditionally been a “slow and low” track, favoring spinners and cutters. However, recent games in 2026 have seen a slight shift toward better batting conditions.
- Average Score: 165–175.
- Weather: Haze expected with a temperature around 27°C. Humidity will likely play a role in the second innings, potentially introducing dew.
- Toss Strategy: Winning the toss and batting first has been the trend here to avoid the pitch slowing down, though chasing under lights is tempting if dew is heavy.
Key Players to Watch
- Virat Kohli (RCB): He has been the anchor for Bengaluru, and his battle against Mohammed Shami in the powerplay will be the highlight of the evening.
- Nicholas Pooran (LSG): After his explosive 63 in the previous match, Pooran is the man RCB bowlers will fear most in the death overs. +1
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (RCB): With 3 wickets in the last game, Bhuvi’s swing could dismantle LSG’s top order early on.
- Mohammed Shami (LSG): Since his trade to LSG, Shami has been their spearhead. His experience is vital in high-pressure games like this.
Conclusion
As we head into Match 50, the stakes couldn’t be higher. LSG needs a win to stay alive in the top-four race, while RCB looks to solidify their standing for a direct ticket to the Qualifiers. Expect a tactical masterclass between Pant and Patidar tonight!
