RR vs LSG IPL 2026: Struggling Middle Order a Concern for Rajasthan Royals Ahead of Lucknow Clash
Rajasthan Royals will look to arrest their recent slide when they take on Lucknow Super Giants at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, with mounting concerns over their underperforming middle order—particularly skipper Riyan Parag.
Currently placed third on the points table, Rajasthan began the season on a high with four consecutive wins but have since lost momentum. Their dip started with a heavy defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where a dramatic collapse saw them lose five wickets for just nine runs. In their following match, they squandered a winning position against Kolkata Knight Riders, with Rinku Singh turning the game in KKR’s favour late on.
Parag’s form has been a key worry. Leading the side after Sanju Samson stepped down, he has struggled with the bat, managing only one score above 20 in six innings. While the top order—featuring Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and Dhruv Jurel—has carried much of the batting load, the team has faltered whenever early wickets have fallen.
The issues extend beyond Parag. Ravindra Jadeja has been below par, while Shimron Hetmyer has struggled for runs. Despite this, batting coach Vikram Rathour remains optimistic about a turnaround, backing his captain to rediscover form soon.
Fielding lapses have also cost Rajasthan dearly. A dropped catch by Nandre Burger in the previous game allowed Rinku Singh to capitalise and steer KKR to victory.
Despite their recent setbacks, Rajasthan still appear stronger on paper than Lucknow, who are languishing in ninth place after three successive defeats. Rajasthan’s opening pair has been among the most consistent this season, with Sooryavanshi in fine touch and Jaiswal providing stability.
Despite their recent setbacks, Rajasthan still appear stronger on paper than Lucknow, who are languishing in ninth place after three successive defeats. Rajasthan’s opening pair has been among the most consistent this season, with Sooryavanshi in fine touch and Jaiswal providing stability.
Lucknow, meanwhile, are grappling with issues of their own. In their last outing, Punjab Kings posted a massive 254/7, exposing LSG’s fragile bowling attack. While Prince Yadav impressed, bowlers like Avesh Khan and Mohammed Shami have struggled to contain runs.
Their batting has also lacked consistency. The move to promote Ayush Badoni as an opener alongside Mitchell Marsh hasn’t paid off, while skipper Rishabh Pant has been inconsistent. Nicholas Pooran’s dip in form has further compounded their struggles.
For Lucknow Super Giants to bounce back, both their batting and bowling units will need to click together—something they’ve failed to achieve so far this season.
Edited by : Mary Rose Baba
