Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants lock horns in Match 23 of IPL 2026 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 15. The defending champions RCB boast one of the most fearsome batting lineups in the tournament, featuring Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Tim David.
Meanwhile, LSG will rely on their explosive top order led by captain Rishabh Pant, Mitchell Marsh, and Nicholas Pooran. This clash promises fireworks as both teams have match-winners capable of turning the game single-handedly.
RCB vs LSG Match 23 Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | 23rd Match, Indian Premier League 2026 |
| Teams | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Lucknow Super Giants |
| Date | 15 April, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
What Is the RCB Probable Playing 11?
RCB are expected to field an unchanged lineup after their dominant 18-run victory against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium. Josh Hazlewood’s return has strengthened their pace attack significantly. The defending champions have found their winning combination and are unlikely to tinker with success.
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | Batter |
| Phil Salt (WK) | Batter |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Batter |
| Rajat Patidar (C) | Batter |
| Jitesh Sharma | Batter |
| Tim David | Batter |
| Romario Shepherd | All-rounder |
| Krunal Pandya | All-rounder |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Bowler |
| Josh Hazlewood | Bowler |
| Suyash Sharma | Bowler |
Impact Player Options: Jacob Bethell, Venkatesh Iyer, Rasikh Salam, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Duffy
What Is the LSG Probable Playing 11?
LSG are likely to make one change from their last outing, bringing back Ayush Badoni to strengthen the middle order after their 7-wicket loss to Gujarat Titans. The team needs more firepower in the batting department against RCB’s bowlers at Chinnaswamy.
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Mitchell Marsh | All-rounder |
| Aiden Markram | Batter |
| Rishabh Pant (C & WK) | Batter |
| Nicholas Pooran | Batter |
| Ayush Badoni | Batter |
| Abdul Samad | Batter |
| Mukul Choudhary | All-rounder |
| Mohammed Shami | Bowler |
| Avesh Khan | Bowler |
| Digvesh Rathi | Bowler |
| Prince Yadav | Bowler |
Impact Player Options: Manimaran Siddharth, Matthew Breetzke, Shahbaz Ahmed, Anrich Nortje, Himmat Singh
Who Are the Key Players to Watch?
Here are the key players to watch in this contest based on their recent form, overall IPL stats, and T20 performances.
1. Virat Kohli (RCB)
The King of Chinnaswamy returns to his fortress, where he has scored over 3,500 IPL runs. Kohli’s hunger for runs at age 37 remains unmatched, and his fitness levels continue to defy expectations. He holds a stellar record against LSG, having scored crucial runs in previous encounters. The RCB opener anchors the innings while maintaining an aggressive strike rate in the powerplay.
IPL 2026 Stats: 4 matches, 187 runs, Average 46.75, Strike Rate 148.41
2. Phil Salt (RCB)
England’s explosive wicketkeeper-batter provides RCB with rapid starts alongside Kohli. Salt’s ability to take on pace bowling in the powerplay makes him a nightmare for opposition captains. His form has been exceptional this season, scoring a blistering fifty against Mumbai Indians that set up RCB’s commanding victory.
IPL 2026 Stats: 4 matches, 156 runs, Average 39.00, Strike Rate 162.50
3. Tim David (RCB)
The Singapore-born finisher has emerged as RCB’s most destructive batsman in the death overs. David’s 21-ball 50 against CSK showcased his raw power and ability to clear any boundary. At Chinnaswamy’s short boundaries, he becomes virtually unstoppable when set.
IPL 2026 Stats: 4 matches, 124 runs, Average 62.00, Strike Rate 188.67
4. Josh Hazlewood (RCB)
Australia’s premier fast bowler leads the bowling charts in this rivalry with 9 wickets against LSG. Hazlewood’s accuracy at the death and ability to take wickets in the powerplay make him invaluable. His return to the XI against Mumbai Indians immediately bolstered RCB’s bowling attack.
IPL 2026 Stats: 2 matches, 5 wickets, Economy 7.85, Best 3/28
5. Krunal Pandya (RCB)
The left-arm spinner provides crucial control in the middle overs when batters look to accelerate. Krunal’s economical bowling has been a revelation for RCB this season, picking up 5 wickets while maintaining an economy under 8. His handy contributions with the bat add extra depth to the lineup.
IPL 2026 Stats: 4 matches, 5 wickets, Economy 7.92
6. Rishabh Pant (LSG)
India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-captain carries LSG’s hopes on his shoulders. Despite a slow start to IPL 2026, Pant’s ability to play match-winning knocks under pressure is well documented. His unbeaten 118 off 61 balls against RCB in IPL 2025 remains the highest individual score in this rivalry. Chinnaswamy’s flat pitch and short boundaries suit his aggressive style perfectly.
IPL 2026 Stats: 4 matches, 89 runs, Average 22.25, Strike Rate 131.86
7. Mitchell Marsh (LSG)
Australia’s all-rounder opens the batting for LSG and provides crucial early momentum. Marsh’s ability to dominate the powerplay while also contributing with his medium pace makes him a vital cog in LSG’s setup. His 67 against RCB in their last meeting set up LSG’s mammoth total of 227.
IPL 2026 Stats: 4 matches, 112 runs, Average 28.00, Strike Rate 145.45
8. Mohammed Shami (LSG)
India’s spearhead leads LSG’s pace attack with his deadly accuracy and seam movement. Shami’s experience in high-pressure situations and his ability to pick early wickets make him crucial against RCB’s power-packed batting lineup. His battle against Virat Kohli adds extra intrigue to this contest.
IPL 2026 Stats: 4 matches, 6 wickets, Economy 8.45, Best 3/32
Key Matchup: Mohammed Shami vs Virat Kohli – Shami has dismissed Kohli 5 times in 12 IPL innings, holding a psychological edge over the RCB stalwart.
9. Nicholas Pooran (LSG)
West Indies’ explosive left-hander provides LSG with firepower in the middle order. Pooran’s ability to clear boundaries at will makes him dangerous on any surface, but especially at Chinnaswamy where the ball flies off the bat. However, his form this season has been concerning with an average of just 10 runs per game.
IPL 2026 Stats: 4 matches, 42 runs, Average 10.50, Strike Rate 122.73
10. Avesh Khan (LSG)
The tall Indian pacer provides LSG with raw pace and bounce. Avesh has been impressive with the new ball this season, picking up early wickets and putting pressure on opposition openers. His partnership with Shami gives LSG one of the most potent opening pace combinations in the tournament.
IPL 2026 Stats: 4 matches, 5 wickets, Economy 8.12, Best 2/28
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Key Battles to Watch
| Battle | Details |
|---|---|
| Virat Kohli vs Mohammed Shami | Shami has dismissed Kohli 5 times in IPL. The RCB opener will look to dominate this matchup at home. |
| Phil Salt vs Avesh Khan | Salt’s aggressive approach against Avesh’s pace will set the tone in the powerplay. |
| Tim David vs Digvesh Rathi | David’s power hitting against LSG’s mystery spinner could be decisive in the death overs. |
| Rishabh Pant vs Josh Hazlewood | Pant’s counter-attacking style against Hazlewood’s accuracy promises fireworks. |
