RCB vs LSG Playing 11 Today Match 23, IPL 2026
Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Lucknow Super Giants Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru Time: 7:30 PM IST | April 15, 2026
Looking for RCB vs LSG playing 11 today? Confused about whether Josh Hazlewood is back in the side? You’re in the right place. Below you’ll find the predicted playing 11 for both teams, key player updates, pitch report, and what it all means for tonight’s match — along with how these factors shape your RCB vs LSG Dream11 prediction for today’s match.
RCB vs LSG Predicted Playing 11 Today
RCB Predicted Playing 11
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phil Salt | Opener / WK |
| 2 | Virat Kohli | Opener |
| 3 | Devdutt Padikkal | Top-order bat |
| 4 | Rajat Patidar (c) | Middle-order bat |
| 5 | Tim David | Hard-hitter |
| 6 | Jitesh Sharma (wk) | Finisher |
| 7 | Romario Shepherd | All-rounder |
| 8 | Krunal Pandya | Spin all-rounder |
| 9 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Pace bowler |
| 10 | Josh Hazlewood (if fit) | Pace bowler |
| 11 | Suyash Sharma / Jacob Duffy | Bowler (TBC) |
LSG Predicted Playing 11
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mitchell Marsh | Opener |
| 2 | Aiden Markram | Top-order bat |
| 3 | Rishabh Pant (c & wk) | Middle-order bat |
| 4 | Ayush Badoni | Middle-order bat |
| 5 | Nicholas Pooran | WK / Finisher |
| 6 | Abdul Samad | Finisher |
| 7 | Mukul Choudhary | All-rounder |
| 8 | Mohammed Shami | Pace bowler |
| 9 | Avesh Khan | Pace bowler |
| 10 | Digvesh Rathi | Spinner |
| 11 | Prince Yadav | Bowler |
The Big Question: Is Josh Hazlewood Playing Tonight?
This is the most important team news for RCB heading into this match.
Hazlewood missed the MI vs RCB match on April 12, with RCB captain Rajat Patidar confirming his absence at the toss — though no specific reason was given. Workload management is considered the most likely reason, given that Hazlewood had only just returned from injury in the match before.
Hazlewood is expected to return for this LSG game, and if he’s fit, he should make it straight into the playing 11.
There’s also a concern around Rasikh Dar. Rasikh couldn’t complete his quota of overs against MI, and RCB may draft Mangesh Yadav into the side in his place.
So RCB’s bowling combination tonight may look like: Hazlewood + Bhuvneshwar + Shepherd + Krunal + Suyash Sharma — a solid balance of pace and spin.
RCB's Form Going Into This Match
RCB are in strong shape. They have never scored less than 200 in this IPL season so far, and their five key batters have smashed a combined 52 sixes across four matches — the most by any team this season.
RCB are currently 3rd on the points table with 3 wins from 4 games. Their most recent result was a convincing win over Mumbai Indians at Wankhede on April 12.
Rajat Patidar has been the standout player this season. He has scored 195 runs at a strike rate above 200. That kind of form at the top of the order is difficult to stop, especially at Chinnaswamy.
Phil Salt also returned to form against MI, scoring a 36-ball 78 after a quiet start to his season. That’s a big boost for RCB’s top order.
LSG's Form Going Into This Match
LSG are struggling. They are 6th on the table with 2 wins from 4 games.
The main problem has been the batting. Rishabh Pant has scored just 103 runs in 4 matches at a strike rate of 130 — well below what’s expected from him in T20 cricket. Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, and Nicholas Pooran have also gone cold.
Nicholas Pooran batting at No. 5 is turning out to be a problem for LSG — he’s not getting enough balls to do damage from that position.
The one positive for LSG has been their bowling. Mohammed Shami, Prince Yadav, and Digvesh Rathi have been impressive, finding ways to keep opposition scores in check.
Key Players to Watch Tonight
Rajat Patidar — Absolutely the right pick. 195 runs this season at a strike rate above 200. He’s the most in-form batter in this match, full stop.
Virat Kohli — Always relevant at Chinnaswamy, especially when you look at his overall numbers and role in RCB’s batting this season. But he’s been “scratchy” by his own high standards this season. Worth watching, but don’t bank on a massive score from him tonight.
Mohammed Shami — 100% the right pick. He’s the one LSG bowler who genuinely troubles good batters. If Chinnaswamy sees early wickets, it’ll likely be Shami’s doing.
Rishabh Pant — I’d say he’s more of a must-watch-for-the-right-reasons player. LSG desperately need him to play a captain’s knock tonight. If he doesn’t, LSG’s chase or total will fall short.
Phil Salt — Good shout after his 78 off 36 against MI. When Salt is on, RCB’s powerplay becomes brutal. He’s a strong watchlist pick tonight.
What Could Change After the Toss?
Keep an eye on these possible changes:
- Josh Hazlewood — May or may not return. If he’s confirmed fit, Jacob Duffy or Rasikh Dar makes way. This changes RCB’s bowling balance significantly.
- LSG batting order — If Pooran moves up to No. 4 ahead of Badoni, it could fix their middle-order problem. Watch for any batting order changes after the toss.
- Impact player selection — On a Chinnaswamy pitch, both teams may use their impact player slot to bring in an extra batter in the second innings.
Final Verdict
RCB go into this match as clear favourites, based on current form, conditions, and how the toss could influence the game tonight. They’re at home, they’re in better form, and their batting lineup is the most dangerous in the tournament right now. RCB still maintain the balance from their title-winning team, and with Patidar batting in sixth gear this season, they have the recipe to dominate the middle overs.
LSG’s bowling, led by Shami, is good enough to cause problems. But their batting needs to fire — and at Chinnaswamy, that’s a big ask against this RCB attack.
FAQS
RCB and LSG are expected to field mostly unchanged lineups, with Josh Hazlewood likely to return if fit.
Josh Hazlewood is expected to return, but his inclusion will be confirmed only at the toss.
Rajat Patidar is the top player to watch, with 195 runs this season at a strike rate above 200.
RCB look like the stronger team because of better form, home advantage, and a powerful batting lineup.
The toss can confirm Hazlewood’s return, impact player choices, and possible batting-order changes for LSG.
