Cricket
Kris Srikkanth Suggests Major Batting Changes for RCB Ahead of LSG Clash
Former India opener Kris Srikkanth believes Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) should rethink their batting strategy ahead of their important IPL 2026 match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on May 7.
RCB are currently fighting for the top position in the IPL points table, while LSG are struggling near the bottom after a disappointing season.
Srikkanth suggested that RCB should promote Devdutt Padikkal to open the innings and shift Jacob Bethell to the middle order to improve batting stability.
What Kris Srikkanth Said
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth pointed out that RCB’s middle order has repeatedly struggled under pressure against quality bowling attacks.
He said:
According to Srikkanth:
- RCB need more aggression in the powerplay
- Their middle order lacks consistency
- The batting collapses have become a concern in difficult matches
He also mentioned the absence of explosive starts after the impact of overseas batter Phil Salt reduced this season.
Comparison With Other IPL Teams
Srikkanth compared RCB’s approach with aggressive opening combinations used by other IPL franchises.
He highlighted:
- Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head
- Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh
He said these teams attack aggressively from ball one, creating early momentum that RCB sometimes lacks.
According to Srikkanth:
He believes Padikkal’s timing and strokeplay could help RCB maximize the powerplay overs.
Why the Match Is Important for RCB
The match against LSG is crucial because:
- RCB are currently third in the IPL 2026 standings
- They have won 6 out of 9 matches
- A victory could take them to the top of the table depending on net run rate
At the moment:
- Sunrisers Hyderabad are leading the standings with 14 points
- RCB have 12 points
- A convincing win could help Bengaluru move to No. 1
LSG’s Difficult Season
Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants have endured a poor campaign.
The team currently:
- Sits 10th in the table
- Has only 2 wins from 9 matches
- Has struggled with both batting and bowling consistency
Despite being nearly out of playoff contention, LSG still possess match-winners capable of upsetting stronger teams at home.
The Ekana Stadium pitch in Lucknow is generally slower and more bowling-friendly, which may influence RCB’s batting decisions.
Possible RCB Batting Combination
If RCB follows Srikkanth’s suggestion, the lineup could look like:
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Aggressive opener/partner
- Virat Kohli
- Jacob Bethell
- Middle-order finisher
- All-rounder
- Lower-order power hitter
The idea would be:
- Faster starts in the powerplay
- Better left-right combination
- More balance in middle overs
Tactical Challenge for RCB
RCB’s biggest concern this season has been:
- Middle-order collapses
- Dependence on top-order runs
- Lack of acceleration after early wickets
Against quality spin and pace attacks, their batting has occasionally slowed down dramatically.
Srikkanth’s proposed reshuffle aims to:
- Improve flexibility
- Reduce pressure on the top order
- Add aggression early in the innings
Match Preview
| Match | RCB vs LSG |
|---|---|
| Tournament | IPL 2026 |
| Venue | Ekana Stadium, Lucknow |
| Date | May 7, 2026 |
| RCB Position | 3rd |
| LSG Position | 10th |
| Key Focus | RCB’s batting order changes |