Why did Avesh Khan & Manimaran Siddharth miss LSG vs RR clash of IPL 2026?
(Courtesy : BCCI/IPL)
Avesh Khan has been a consistent member of LSG in IPL 2026.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are locking horns with Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League 2026 on Wednesday, April 22. The game is being underway at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
LSG currently take the ninth spot in the IPL 2026 points table with four points. With a victory against RR, they have an opportunity to reach 7th place. RR are far ahead of LSG at fourth, with 8 points.
LSG captain Rishabh Pant has won the toss and opted to bowl first in the game. They made two interesting changes to their playing XI by replacing Manimaran Siddharth with Digvesh Rathi and Avesh Khan with Mayank Yadav.
LSG have had a mixed run in the tournament so far. While some players have performed well, the team has struggled to find the perfect balance. Pant at the toss made it clear that they do not want too many changes.
Why are Avesh Khan & Manimaran Siddharth not playing LSG vs RR clash of IPL 2026?
Lucknow’s team selection was clearly based on conditions and match strategy. The management wanted to strengthen their bowling attack with more pace. This is why young fast bowler Mayank Yadav was brought into the playing XI. He is known for his speed of over 150 kmph. After recovering from injury, he was finally declared match fit. His inclusion adds a new dimension to LSG’s attack.
Because of this change, Avesh Khan had to miss out. The team management preferred to try Mayank’s raw pace against Rajasthan’s fiery batting line-up. It was a tactical call rather than a performance-based drop.
Manimaran Siddharth’s absence was also part of the same strategy. The left-arm spinner had done well in the previous match against Punjab Kings (PBKS). However, the conditions against Rajasthan did not favor his style of bowling. The team decided to go with a different combination to maintain balance between pace and spin.
Pant also explained that such changes are part of the game. He said the team trusts all players, including Nicholas Pooran, and believes in backing them during tough phases.
Why did Avesh Khan miss the match?
He was rested as LSG picked Mayank Yadav for extra pace
Why was Manimaran Siddharth not selected?
The team felt conditions did not suit his spin for this game.
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Ishika Aggarwal is a passionate sports writer and lifelong cricket fan who thrives on capturing the moments that make the game unforgettable, from last-over thrillers to record-breaking centuries. Through match analysis, player profiles, and behind-the-scenes stories, she brings fans closer to the heartbeat of cricket.