Explained: Why Lucknow Super Giants will take field in maroon and green at Eden Gardens today
Today (April 14) in IPL 2024, Kolkata Knight Riders will host Lucknow Super Giants at Eden Gardens, for which the visitors will don green and maroon shirts.
LSG debuted in the IPL in 2022 in an aqua shirt, but were quick to switch to a deeper version of blue. However, in the 2023 edition, Lucknow took field in maroon and green for their match against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens.
The franchise is owned by the RPSG Group, who also own the Mohun Bagan Athletic Club, who renamed themselves to the Mohun Bagan Super Giant since the acquisition in 2023. RPSG also used to own the now-defunct IPL team Rising Pune Supergiant as well as the current SA20 team Durban’s Super Giants.
Established in 1889, Mohun Bagan is the oldest football club in India, and forms one-half of the fierce Kolkata derby that also involves the East Bengal Club. Unlike other major Indian cities, the major teams in Kolkata football have also dominated Kolkata cricket over the years. While the move was likely to win support of the Mohun Bagan supporters in the crowd, it was just as likely to have turned the East Bengal faction against them.
The decision resulted in a controversy in 2023 – some Mohun Bagan fans were prevented from entering – leading to both Mohun Bagan and Kolkata Knight Riders to issue official statements.
However, Lucknow have decided to stick to maroon and green for their IPL 2024 fixture at the Eden Gardens as well.
New colours for a big game! 💚♥️
কাল দেখা হবে 🤝 pic.twitter.com/gi8NP9dW3n
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) April 13, 2024
Last year’s clash was a cliffhanger, where Nicholas Pooran powered LSG to 176-8 with a 30-ball 58. Rinku Singh (67 not out in 33) kept KKR in the hunt until then end: with 18 to win off three balls, he could manage only two sixes and a four off Yash Thakur.
The match will begin at 3.30 local time. There will be focus on Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir, who used to be with Lucknow Super Giants in the same role until 2023.
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