Match 10 of IPL 2026 is a contest that pits two of the tournament's most strategically driven franchises against each other as Lucknow Super Giants welcome Gujarat Titans to the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium on Saturday, April 4. This 7:30 PM IST evening encounter under lights promises tactical intrigue, explosive batting, and enough fantasy value to keep Dream11 players glued to their lineups until the last minute. LSG, playing on home turf with a vocal Lucknow crowd behind them, will look to establish early dominance in the tournament, while GT — battle-hardened under Shubman Gill's captaincy and armed with Rashid Khan's world-class spin — have proven time and again that they can win in any conditions. Since their first meeting in IPL 2022, every LSG vs GT clash has been fiercely contested, and this one should be no different. Here is everything you need to build the perfect Dream11 team.

Match Overview

Detail	Info
Match	IPL 2026 Match 10
Teams	Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans
Date	Saturday, 4 April 2026
Time	7:30 PM IST (Toss at 7:00 PM IST)
Venue	BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
Broadcast	Star Sports Network / JioCinema

Check the full IPL 2026 schedule for all upcoming fixtures, venues and timings. Stay updated with the IPL 2026 injury tracker for last-minute squad changes that could affect your Dream11 picks, and monitor the IPL 2026 points table to understand where both teams stand in the race for the playoffs.

For contest selection strategy and bankroll management across the season, read our Dream11 Grand League strategy guide.

Pitch Report — BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow

The BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium (Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium) has developed a reputation as one of the more balanced venues in the IPL circuit. It is not a one-dimensional batting paradise, nor is it a minefield for bowlers — and that is precisely what makes it fascinating for Dream11 team building.

Surface Characteristics:

The pitch offers a firm, true surface during the powerplay that is excellent for strokeplay. Top-order batters who like to play through the line will enjoy the even bounce and pace on offer in the first six overs.
Swing bowlers get early assistance under the floodlights, especially with the new ball. The first three overs at Ekana have consistently yielded wickets in evening matches, making powerplay bowlers highly valuable in Dream11.
Spinners come into the game prominently from the 10th over onwards. The surface grips and turns, particularly for wrist spinners, making this a ground where leg-spinners like Ravi Bishnoi and Rashid Khan can be match-winners.
The outfield is fast and true, meaning misfields and thick edges race away to the boundary.

Average First Innings Score: The average first-innings total at this venue in recent IPL seasons hovers between 170 and 185 runs. Totals above 200 are achievable but require at least one batter to play a significant knock of 70-plus. Defending totals of 175 or above has been successful roughly 45% of the time here.

Dew Factor:

This is the critical factor for an evening match at Ekana. Dew settles in progressively from around overs 12-14 of the second innings, making the ball slippery for bowlers and more difficult to grip for spinners. The wet outfield also quickens boundary hitting. Historically, teams chasing at Ekana in evening matches have won approximately 60-65% of the time, suggesting a clear advantage for the team batting second.

Toss Advantage:

Expect the captain winning the toss to elect to bowl first. The combination of dew in the second innings and a true batting surface under lights gives the chasing team a structural edge. Fantasy players should strongly consider loading up on batting picks from the team that is expected to chase.

Fantasy Implication: Premium top-order batters and all-rounders from the team batting second are your safest captaincy bets at Ekana. Wrist spinners who bowl during the middle overs of the first innings carry the highest wicket-taking probability among bowlers.

LSG — Predicted Playing XI

Lucknow Super Giants head into Match 10 with a well-balanced squad that combines international firepower with reliable domestic talent. Playing at home, LSG are expected to field an aggressive lineup tailored to the Ekana surface.

#	Player	Role
1	KL Rahul (c/wk)	Wicket-Keeper Batter
2	Quinton de Kock	Batter (Top Order)
3	Devdutt Padikkal	Batter (Top Order)
4	Nicholas Pooran	Batter (Middle Order) / Finisher
5	Marcus Stoinis	All-Rounder
6	Krunal Pandya	All-Rounder (Left-arm Spin)
7	Ayush Badoni	Batter / Finisher
8	Ravi Bishnoi	Bowler (Leg-Spin)
9	Mark Wood	Bowler (Right-arm Express Pace)
10	Avesh Khan	Bowler (Right-arm Fast)
11	Mohsin Khan	Bowler (Left-arm Fast-Medium)

Key Fantasy Stars from LSG:

KL Rahul is the heartbeat of the LSG batting order. As captain-wicket-keeper, he accumulates Dream11 points from multiple sources — runs, catches, stumpings, and strike-rate bonuses. His home record at Ekana is outstanding, with an average exceeding 45 in IPL matches here. He anchors the innings beautifully and has the ability to accelerate in the death overs.
Quinton de Kock opens alongside Rahul and provides explosive starts. De Kock is one of the most reliable powerplay performers in IPL history and frequently delivers 35-55 run contributions that translate into excellent Dream11 returns.
Nicholas Pooran is the X-factor in this lineup. His ability to clear any boundary with raw power makes him a high-ceiling pick, especially if he bats at number four with time to build an innings. Pooran's strike rate at Ekana in previous seasons has been north of 160.
Mark Wood brings genuine express pace — consistently clocking 150+ km/h — and is a lethal powerplay and death-over bowler. On a surface where early swing is available, Wood can pick up two or three wickets before the opposition has settled.

GT — Predicted Playing XI

Gujarat Titans arrive in Lucknow as one of the most tactically astute sides in the IPL. Under Shubman Gill's captaincy, GT have built a culture of composure under pressure, and their bowling attack — headlined by Rashid Khan — can strangle any batting lineup.

#	Player	Role
1	Shubman Gill (c)	Batter (Top Order)
2	Wriddhiman Saha (wk)	Wicket-Keeper Batter
3	Sai Sudharsan	Batter (Top Order)
4	David Miller	Batter (Middle Order) / Finisher
5	Vijay Shankar	All-Rounder
6	Rahul Tewatia	All-Rounder / Finisher
7	Rashid Khan	All-Rounder (Leg-Spin)
8	Mohammed Shami	Bowler (Right-arm Fast-Medium)
9	Alzarri Joseph	Bowler (Right-arm Fast)
10	Noor Ahmad	Bowler (Left-arm Wrist Spin)
11	Umesh Yadav	Bowler (Right-arm Fast)

Key Fantasy Stars from GT:

Shubman Gill has matured into one of the finest T20 batters in the world. His technique against pace and spin is exemplary, and he has the ability to play the anchor role or accelerate depending on the match situation. Gill averages over 40 in IPL matches since becoming GT captain and is a cornerstone pick in any Dream11 side.
David Miller is the ultimate finisher. His ability to take on bowlers in the death overs and produce match-winning cameos of 40-50 off 20-25 balls makes him an indispensable pick when GT bat second. Miller's strike rate in the last five overs across his IPL career is among the highest in tournament history.
Rashid Khan needs no introduction. The Afghan leg-spinner is the most economical spinner in IPL history and regularly picks up wickets in the middle overs. On a surface like Ekana that offers grip and turn, Rashid becomes nearly unplayable. He also contributes quick runs down the order with the bat.
Mohammed Shami is a world-class seam bowler who excels at both the start and the death of an innings. His ability to extract movement off the surface and generate awkward bounce makes him a genuine threat at any venue. Shami's record against left-handers is especially impressive.

Player Form Analysis

Batters to Watch

KL Rahul (LSG): Rahul is in the form of his life heading into IPL 2026. His consistency at Ekana is remarkable — he rarely fails at home, and his ability to bat through the innings while maintaining a healthy strike rate makes him the safest batting pick in this match. Rahul has scored four fifty-plus scores in his last seven IPL innings at this venue, and his conversion rate from starts to big scores is among the best in the tournament.

Shubman Gill (GT): Gill has taken his game to another level since assuming the GT captaincy. He has been scoring heavily across formats and his comfort against both pace and spin makes him suited to any conditions. At Ekana specifically, Gill has played some of his finest IPL knocks, including a stunning 89 not out in a successful chase in a previous season.

Nicholas Pooran (LSG): Pooran is the definition of a high-risk, high-reward pick. When he connects, boundaries come in clusters — his ability to hit sixes over any part of the ground is extraordinary. In IPL 2025, Pooran produced three match-winning cameos of 40+ in the death overs, and at a venue like Ekana where the outfield is fast, his power hitting is amplified.

David Miller (GT): Miller's ability to finish innings under pressure is legendary in IPL circles. He has won matches for GT from seemingly impossible positions, and his experience in high-pressure chases makes him invaluable. Miller's record at Ekana includes two fifty-plus scores in four innings.

Bowlers to Watch

Mark Wood (LSG): Wood's express pace is a genuine weapon in T20 cricket. He consistently bowls at 150+ km/h and generates awkward bounce that troubles even the best batters. In evening matches where the ball swings under lights, Wood in the powerplay is devastating. Expect him to bowl two overs upfront and return at the death.

Rashid Khan (GT): On a surface that offers grip and turn from the middle overs, Rashid is the most dangerous bowler on either side. His googly is one of the most difficult deliveries to pick in world cricket, and he has the ability to bowl through the middle overs with an economy rate under 6. Rashid's IPL economy rate of 6.33 is the best among all spinners with 100+ wickets.

Ravi Bishnoi (RR): Bishnoi on his home ground is a fearsome sight. His leg-spin and well-disguised googly have consistently troubled top-order batters in the IPL. He thrives on surfaces that offer grip, and Ekana is tailor-made for his style. Bishnoi regularly picks up two or three wickets in the middle overs and has an exceptional record against left-handers.

Mohammed Shami (LSG): Shami's seam position and ability to move the ball both ways off the surface make him a threat throughout an innings. He is particularly dangerous in the powerplay with the new ball and at the death when he targets the blockhole with pinpoint accuracy. His record of 18 wickets in his last 12 IPL appearances speaks volumes.

Head-to-Head Recent Form

Match	Season	Winner	Margin
LSG vs GT	IPL 2025	Gujarat Titans	7 wickets
GT vs LSG	IPL 2025	Lucknow Super Giants	36 runs
LSG vs GT	IPL 2024	Gujarat Titans	5 wickets
GT vs LSG	IPL 2024	Lucknow Super Giants	33 runs
LSG vs GT	IPL 2023	Gujarat Titans	56 runs

Overall H2H: GT lead the head-to-head 5-3 across all IPL meetings. However, LSG have a strong record defending totals — both their wins came while batting first and posting imposing targets. GT, on the other hand, have been exceptional in chases, with Gill and Miller steering the run-chases with composure. The toss could be pivotal in determining which team's strength comes to the fore.

For a deeper look at how both squads are shaped for this season, see our IPL 2026 all-teams squad analysis.

Not sure who to pick as captain? Our Dream11 captain picks guide for all IPL 2026 matches has pre-match and match-day recommendations for every fixture.

Dream11 Team Suggestion

Role	Player	Team	Points Potential
WK	KL Rahul (C)	LSG	Very High
BAT	Shubman Gill (VC)	GT	Very High
BAT	Quinton de Kock	LSG	High
BAT	Sai Sudharsan	GT	Medium-High
BAT	David Miller	GT	High
ALL	Marcus Stoinis	LSG	High
ALL	Rashid Khan	GT	Very High (Differential)
ALL	Krunal Pandya	LSG	Medium-High
BWL	Mark Wood	LSG	High
BWL	Mohammed Shami	GT	High
BWL	Ravi Bishnoi	LSG	High

Team Credits Used: ~99.5 C: KL Rahul — home ground advantage, WK bonus points, consistent run-scorer with the highest floor among all picks VC: Shubman Gill — GT's best batter, lethal in chases, and a match-winner at Ekana in previous seasons Differential: Rashid Khan — premium spinner on a gripping surface, capable of 3-wicket hauls and quick-fire runs down the order

Captain and Vice-Captain Picks

Top Captain Pick — KL Rahul (LSG)

Rahul is the standout captain choice for this match. Playing at home as captain-wicket-keeper, he accumulates Dream11 points from multiple avenues — runs, catches, stumpings, and strike-rate bonuses. His consistency at Ekana is unmatched, and he rarely fails in front of the Lucknow crowd. A 55-run innings with two catches returns approximately 65-70 Dream11 points, which with the 2x captain multiplier translates to 130-140 points — enough to catapult your team to the top in any format. Rahul is the safe, high-ownership captain choice for small leagues.

Top Vice-Captain Pick — Shubman Gill (GT)

Gill is your ideal vice-captain. His ability to play long innings and score at a high strike rate makes him the highest-ceiling batter on the GT side. If GT chase and Gill bats through the innings for an unbeaten 70-80, the 1.5x multiplier delivers match-winning returns. Gill's composure under pressure and his excellent record against LSG's bowling attack make him a reliable secondary captaincy option.

Differential Captain Pick — Rashid Khan (GT)

For mega leagues where differentiation is everything, Rashid Khan as captain is a genuine game-changer. His ownership as captain is likely to be under 10%, but on a pitch that offers grip and turn, Rashid picking up three wickets while conceding under 20 runs is a very real scenario. Add a quick-fire 20-run cameo with the bat, and you are looking at 80+ Dream11 points — which as a 2x captain multiplier delivers 160+ points. This is the kind of pick that wins mega leagues.

Players to Avoid

Umesh Yadav (GT): While Umesh brings experience, his recent economy rates in T20 cricket have been concerning. On a batting-friendly surface like Ekana, he is likely to concede runs without picking up enough wickets to justify his inclusion. There are better bowling options available.
Wriddhiman Saha (GT): Saha bats at number two but rarely delivers big scores in the IPL. His strike rate in the middle overs is below par, and with premium WK options like KL Rahul available, Saha does not warrant a spot in your Dream11 team.
Ayush Badoni (LSG): Badoni is a talented youngster, but he bats at number seven in this lineup, which limits his batting exposure. Unless LSG collapse or the match goes deep, Badoni may not face enough deliveries to generate meaningful Dream11 returns.
Vijay Shankar (GT): Shankar offers dual utility but rarely maximises either skill. His batting contributions are inconsistent, and he bowls only one or two overs. There are better all-rounder picks available in this match.

Small League vs Mega League Strategy

For Grand League specific strategy, read our Dream11 Grand League strategy guide.

Small Leagues (2-10 teams):

Play it safe with KL Rahul as captain and Shubman Gill as vice-captain. These are the two highest-floor players in this match.
Build a balanced team with 6 LSG and 5 GT players to maximise coverage.
Ensure Rashid Khan and Ravi Bishnoi are both in your side — on a spin-friendly Ekana surface, at least one of them will deliver a multi-wicket haul.
Pick reliable scorers like de Kock, Stoinis, and Miller who rarely return single-digit Dream11 scores.
Avoid risky differential picks — consistency wins small leagues.

Mega Leagues (100+ teams):

Try Rashid Khan as differential captain. His ownership as captain will be under 10%, and the Ekana surface is perfectly suited to his bowling style. If he picks up 3 wickets and scores 15-20 runs, you are looking at a match-winning captain score.
Consider Nicholas Pooran over David Miller — Pooran has a higher ceiling and lower ownership, and if he connects at number four, the returns are extraordinary.
Stack 6-7 players from the team you predict will bat second (dew advantage). If you believe GT will chase, load up on Gill, Miller, Rashid, and Sai Sudharsan.
Use Noor Ahmad as a differential bowler pick — left-arm wrist spin is rare in the IPL, and his variations can trouble LSG's right-handed dominated middle order.
Avoid the template team. In mega leagues, you need to differentiate — pick at least 2-3 players that fewer than 20% of teams will have.

Support Your Team — LSG and GT Official Jerseys

Nothing beats watching the IPL in your team's colours. Grab an official 2026 jersey before match day.

Final Verdict

LSG vs GT at Ekana promises to be a tactically absorbing contest between two well-drilled outfits. The pitch favours a balanced approach — batters who play through the line will prosper in the powerplay, while spinners will be pivotal in the middle overs. The dew factor in this evening match gives a clear edge to the team batting second, making the toss a decisive moment.

Our recommended Dream11 team backs KL Rahul as captain — his home ground dominance, WK bonus points, and sheer consistency make him the safest pick — with Shubman Gill as vice-captain for his ability to anchor chases and deliver big scores. Rashid Khan is our differential pick: on a surface that grips and turns, he can single-handedly swing a Dream11 contest in your favour.

Lock in your Dream11 team before 7:30 PM IST on April 4, 2026. After the toss, adjust your team based on who is batting second — load up on their top-order batters to capitalise on the dew advantage. If GT win the toss and chase, strongly consider moving Gill to captain.

For more fantasy cricket tips and IPL 2026 predictions, browse our full fantasy tips section.

Also Check: Upcoming IPL 2026 Predictions

Don't miss our expert picks for the next IPL 2026 matches:

FAQ

1. Q: When is the next IPL/WPL season? A: IPL 2026 typically runs from March to June. WPL 2026 usually precedes or runs alongside IPL. Check official BCCI calendar for exact dates.

2. Q: Where can I watch IPL matches live? A: IPL is broadcast on Star Sports (TV) and JioCinema (streaming). International matches are available on various platforms based on location.

3. Q: How many matches are there in IPL 2026? A: IPL 2026 has 74 matches across 10 teams (double round-robin + playoffs).

4. Q: Is cricket betting legal in India? A: Betting is regulated. Fantasy cricket through licensed platforms like Dream11 is legal. Real-money wagering has restrictions.

5. Q: What is the difference between Test, ODI, and T20 cricket? A: Test = 5 days (90 overs/side), ODI = 1 day (50 overs/side), T20 = 3 hours (20 overs/side). Each format requires different strategies.

6. Q: How do I improve my cricket knowledge? A: Watch matches regularly, follow expert analysis, read cricket news, and study player statistics. Understanding the game improves Dream11 decisions.