IPL 2026, LSG vs KKR LIVE: Rinku Departs, KKR 144/4 After 17 Overs

Out of tune and bereft of ideas, Kolkata Knight Riders may ring in sweeping changes in search of their first win of the season when they face a Mohammed Shami-inspired Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, on Thursday.

The 'local' man Shami, a fine exponent of straight seam bowling and movement, will relish the conditions at Eden Gardens and could emerge as a key threat for a KKR who are yet to win after three matches.

A glimpse of what to expect was seen on Monday when PBKS' Australian speedster Xavier Bartlett showed how effective straight seam bowling can be on a grassy Eden pitch, blowing away KKR's top order by dismissing overseas duo Finn Allen and Cameron Green in the space of three balls.

LSG's strength lies in their power play bowling, something evident when they reduced both Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad to identical scores of 26/4 early on. KKR with their fragile batting it would be an interesting contest early on.

KKR have persisted with the Ajinkya Rahane-Finn Allen opening combination with mixed results, but may look to restore balance by reuniting the Kiwi duo of Allen with Tim Seifert, who has been overlooked in a baffling decision.

LSG, meanwhile, will be buoyed by their recent win, especially with the way Rishabh Pant, batting at No. 3, showed maturity and game awareness to anchor the chase with an unbeaten 68.

The LSG also boast of Aussie skipper Mitchell Marsh and veteran Aiden Markram in top-three as their match-up against struggling KKR bowlers would be a key contest.