Depleted KKR Looks for First Win Against In-Form LSG

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are looking to turn their campaign around against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) tonight at Eden Gardens. KKR had a rough patch last season, but they're hoping to bounce back with a strong performance against LSG. In their previous encounter, KKR beat LSG by 98 runs, thanks to Sunil Narine's outstanding all-round performance. KKR's is a severely depleted bowling outfit, marred by injuries to several of their key quicks. Even Varun Chakravarthy (hand injury) and Sunil Narine (illness) missed KKR's previous washed-out game against Punjab Kings (PBKS). As a result, KKR are heavily reliant on their batters to win them games and how they go about against LSG's stellar bowling line-up could decide Thursday's clash. Prince Yadav has been a revelation for Lucknow Super Giants this season! He picked up 3 wickets in 6 games last season, but has already taken 4 wickets in just 2 games this season, with an impressive economy rate of 7.71. His ability to bowl nippy, hard lengths and nail yorkers has been a big factor in LSG's powerplay success, alongside Mohammed Shami. LSG started their season with a loss against Delhi Capitals but defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by five wickets, with the bowlers coming good in both games. KKR, on the other hand, are winless after three games and their only point came via Monday's washout. Even in that match, KKR were reduced to 25 for 2 after 3.4 overs before rain arrived. The good news for them is that Narine, who missed the previous game due to abdominal pain, has recovered and likely to slot into the playing XI. Cameron Green, who has had the spotlight on him since he arrived, is also expected to begin bowling in KKR's game against LSG. Narine was seen training on the eve of the LSG clash and is likely to slot back in, replacing Rovman Powell. Chakravarthy, who missed the previous game due to a finger injury on his left hand, however, remains doubtful. According to KKR, "the medical team has been working closely with him. He bowled his full set at training." Vaibhav Arora's early IPL form was impressive, with 11 wickets in 10 games in 2024 and 17 wickets in 12 games in 2025 for KKR. However, he's struggled so far in IPL 2026, taking just 3 wickets in 2 games at an economy rate of 12.37. Given KKR's depleted fast bowling lineup, Arora's form is crucial for their success. The KKR vs LSG match at Eden Gardens is looking like a toss-up, with rain threatening to play spoilsport. The pitch is expected to be batting-friendly, with a decent score of 160-180 runs on the cards. However, the weather forecast isn't looking great, with a 65% chance of precipitation and an orange alert in place for Thursday. The teams' practice sessions were already interrupted due to heavy winds and rain, so it's likely the match could be delayed or shortened. Previous Match: Lost to Gujarat Titans Last Win: Beat Lucknow Super Giants by 98 runs in IPL 2024