Lucknow Super Giants have played three matches on their home turf this season and have won two. They take on Gujarat Titans in Lucknow on Saturday.
Spin has played a key role in the Super Giants’ matches and it is likely that whichever team tackles the spinners better will enjoy an advantage.
The home team has a better variety in this regard with Krunal Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi and Amit Mishra in their ranks. There’s another option in Deepak Hooda’s part-time off-spin.
The Titans, on the other hand, have largely relied on just one spinner — Rashid Khan — and banked more on their pace attack. They also have left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmed.
Mark Wood’s illness is the only fitness concern for Super Giants and his availability may also determine the kind of track they would choose to play on.
The Titans have struggled to defend totals this season. Mohammed Shami has been a constant wicket-taker and has looked sharp in the Powerplay but more is expected of Alzarri Joseph and Josh Little.
Skipper Hardik Pandya also hasn’t been at his best with the ball, having picked only one wicket so far. Pacer Mohit Sharma, however, has done well in the two games he has played.
The Super Giants’ batting relies on Kyle Mayers, Nicholas Pooran and Marcus Stoinis, all capable of pulverising any opposition.
Today’s match
■ Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans, 3.30pm, Lucknow, live on Star Sports & Jio Cinema
