After two games on the road, Royal Challengers Bengaluru return to their home at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium as they host Lucknow Super Giants on April 15.
Royal Challengers come home on the back of a dominant victory against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on April 12. English opener Phil Salt finally got himself back in the runs with a 36-ball 78, and skipper Rajat Patidar continued his sublime form with a 20-ball 53. The defending champions have won their two home games and will look to carry their momentum into another victory.
On the other hand, Lucknow Super Giants were beaten by Gujarat Titans at the Ekana Stadium on April 12. They put up a poor showing with the bat amidst consistent performances from the Titans. The Lucknow batters got starts, but they were unable to convert. The form of Nicholas Pooran is a significant talking point, with the big-hitting West Indies managing just 41 runs at a strike rate of 85.42 in four matches. LSG have found a gem in Mukul Choudhary, whose 27-ball 54 in the back end helped complete a nervy chase against the Kolkata Knight Riders.
The Chinnaswamy Stadium, in the two games played there, has seen run-fests, with aggregates over 400 runs in both games. With the batting prowess in both teams, this promises to be another exciting contest. The two teams have played out fierce battles in the past and have always competed with the utmost intensity.
M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru: Pitch report
The Chinnaswamy Stadium has traditionally been one of the IPL’s batting paradises. The consistent black soil wicket, combined with the short boundaries and fast outfield, makes the Bengaluru venue synonymous with high scores and big sixes. It is also aided by the onset of dew in the second innings, which has aided chasing teams of the past.
Despite this, the wicket does provide help for bowlers with early lateral movement and consistent bounce. The pitch is conducive to hit-the-deck bowling, with bowlers who bend their back having found consistent success.
IPL Stats and Records at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
| Matches Played | 102 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 44 |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 54 |
| Matches Won Winning Toss | 54 |
| Matches Won Losing Toss | 44 |
| Matches With No Result | 4 |
| Highest Team Total | 287/3 |
| Lowest Team Total | 82 |
| Average First Innings Total | 167 |
| Highest Total Successfully Chased | 203/4 - RCB |
RCB vs LSG: Strategies and Match-ups
The two teams have impressive batting lineups, but LSG have been facing problems in their last few matches due to their top-heavy approach.
RCB still maintain the balance from their title-winning team, and with Rajat Patidar batting in sixth gear this season, they have the recipe to dominate the middle overs.
The teams have met six times in the IPL, with the Royal Challengers winning four of those clashes.
