Why are Naveen-ul-Haq and Devdutt Padikkal not playing IPL 2024 Match 28 between KKR vs LSG?

The iconic Eden Gardens is set to host match 28 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) featuring home team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Sunday, April 14.

At the toss, Lucknow captain KL Rahul announced that they had made quite a few changes to their squad from their defeat in their last game against Delhi Capitals. The out-of-form Devdutt Padikkal and Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq have been left out. Meanwhile, West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph has been handed his maiden IPL cap. Mohsin Khan has also returned to the side.

The Super Giants, who are donning a green and maroon jersey to pay tribute to the historic Mohun Bagan Athletic Club, have kept Arshad Khan on the substitutes' bench for this clash. He played the last game against the Capitals and it would be a toss up between him and Manimaran Siddharth for the Impact Player role.

KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer opted to bowl first after winning the toss. He mentioned that Harshit Rana, who missed the last game against Chennai Super Kings due to a shoulder niggle, has returned to the side. Rinku Singh and Anukul Roy have been named among the substitutes. It is expected that the former would come in as the Impact Player when KKR bat in the second innings.

What did the two captains say at the toss?

Shreyas expressed his excitement at being back in front of the passionate KKR fans at the Eden Gardens. The former two-time champions played their only home game this season in March. Shreyas wasn't too sure about the conditions that would be on offer but was confident that his team would be able to adapt to everything that comes their way.

"We'll bowl first. Feels nostalgic, the crowd is electrifying and this was what we missed playing out of Kolkata, great feeling to be back. I've no idea about the conditions, the last game was a belter, but we're professionals and will have to adapt. Bowling first, so Rinku goes out, Harshit Rana comes in," Iyer said.

Rahul admitted that he would have also bowled first had he won the toss. He noted that there wasn't too much time between their last game and this one. LSG played against the Delhi Capitals on Friday, April 12. Rahul said that the team focused on rest and recovery ahead of this highly-anticipated fixture.

"I would have bowled first, but this does look like a good pitch. It was important to recover ona short turnover, it's just about making sure that everyone is rested and recovered well. Few changes - Padikkal and Naveen-ul-Haq miss out, Shamar Joseph and Deepak Hooda are back. Mohsin Khan is back as well," Rahul said.