LSG sit bottom of the table with two wins from nine matches. A third consecutive defeat would effectively end their playoff hopes. Markram, retained ahead of this season, has scored 193 runs in eight innings — his highest score of 45 this campaign reflects a top order that has found consistency hard to come by.
AFRICA PICKS: LSG vs RCB – IPL Preview
On a slow Ekana surface that grips and slows up, his technical game at the top becomes more important than ever.
RCB arrive in second place with six wins from nine, though a surprise loss to Gujarat Titans last time out takes some shine off their form.
Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar’s side carry the momentum — and the head-to-head record, with five wins from seven meetings against LSG.
Nicholas Pooran offers LSG’s most explosive threat. His 63 off 21 balls against Mumbai Indians showed what he can produce. But without a platform at the top, even Pooran’s power becomes harder to apply.
Markram building that platform may be the difference between survival and elimination.
Photo: REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas
