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#IPL #Slowburn #action #offer #LSG #KKR #face #Lucknows #black #soil">IPL 2026: Slow-burn action on offer as LSG, KKR face off on Lucknow’s black soil

A mid-season clash between two struggling sides – Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders – in IPL 2026 can either simmer into a slow burn or explode into a high-stakes shootout as both teams push to revive their campaigns.

Given the setting, the former appears more likely, despite the BRSABV Ekana Stadium in Lucknow being one of the spicier venues in this edition.

LSG coach Justin Langer likened the red soil surface to the WACA in Perth, known for its pace and bounce. While the home side’s pacers – Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan, and Prince Yadav – relished hitting the deck hard, batters struggled on a pitch that offered more swing and seam movement than most grounds this year.

Super Giants have lost all three of their home games so far, with captain Rishabh Pant admitting the batting unit hasn’t adapted well to the conditions.

However, come Sunday, there will be a slight change in conditions, with KKR facing a black-soil surface in an evening game.

IPL 2026: Slow-burn action on offer as LSG, KKR face off on Lucknow’s black soil A mid-season clash between two struggling sides – Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders – in IPL 2026 can either simmer into a slow burn or explode into a high-stakes shootout as both teams push to revive their campaigns.Given the setting, the former appears more likely, despite the BRSABV Ekana Stadium in Lucknow being one of the spicier venues in this edition.LSG coach Justin Langer likened the red soil surface to the WACA in Perth, known for its pace and bounce. While the home side’s pacers – Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan, and Prince Yadav – relished hitting the deck hard, batters struggled on a pitch that offered more swing and seam movement than most grounds this year.Super Giants have lost all three of their home games so far, with captain Rishabh Pant admitting the batting unit hasn’t adapted well to the conditions.However, come Sunday, there will be a slight change in conditions, with KKR facing a black-soil surface in an evening game. The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over. | Photo Credit: R. V. MOORTHY The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over. | Photo Credit: R. V. MOORTHY Ideally, the Knight Riders would have enjoyed these conditions with a full-strength pace attack, but injuries have left them stretched, with Kartik Tyagi stepping up consistently.Despite Vaibhav Arora’s underwhelming start, captain Ajinkya Rahane will hope the movement on offer gives him a lift. The bigger puzzle, however, lies in filling out the rest of the pace attack.Cameron Green has bowled in patches so far, but his overs could be crucial here. If he can deliver a full quota, it would add much-needed balance on a surface where slower variations on the back of the length can be effective.LSG brought back Mayank Yadav in its last home game. However, with conditions likely to slow down as the game progresses, the Super Giants could revert to a spinning option – either Shahbaz Ahmed or Manimaran Siddharth.Spinners have had minimal impact so far in three games here, on two red soil games and one mixed clay surface – just five wickets in three matches compared to 23 for pacers. Things could change if the surface plays as per its characteristics.Similar batting returnsThe pitch is unlikely to ease batting concerns for either side. It has the lowest scoring rate this season (7.93) and a boundary percentage of just 17.18. LSG is the poorest boundary-hitter at 17.53 per cent, with KKR only marginally better at 20.05 per cent.The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over. With early elimination pressure building, another high-intensity contest can’t be ruled out.Published on Apr 25, 2026 #IPL #Slowburn #action #offer #LSG #KKR #face #Lucknows #black #soil

The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over. | Photo Credit: R. V. MOORTHY

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The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over. | Photo Credit: R. V. MOORTHY

Ideally, the Knight Riders would have enjoyed these conditions with a full-strength pace attack, but injuries have left them stretched, with Kartik Tyagi stepping up consistently.

Despite Vaibhav Arora’s underwhelming start, captain Ajinkya Rahane will hope the movement on offer gives him a lift. The bigger puzzle, however, lies in filling out the rest of the pace attack.

Cameron Green has bowled in patches so far, but his overs could be crucial here. If he can deliver a full quota, it would add much-needed balance on a surface where slower variations on the back of the length can be effective.

LSG brought back Mayank Yadav in its last home game. However, with conditions likely to slow down as the game progresses, the Super Giants could revert to a spinning option – either Shahbaz Ahmed or Manimaran Siddharth.

Spinners have had minimal impact so far in three games here, on two red soil games and one mixed clay surface – just five wickets in three matches compared to 23 for pacers. Things could change if the surface plays as per its characteristics.

Similar batting returns

The pitch is unlikely to ease batting concerns for either side. It has the lowest scoring rate this season (7.93) and a boundary percentage of just 17.18. LSG is the poorest boundary-hitter at 17.53 per cent, with KKR only marginally better at 20.05 per cent.

The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over. With early elimination pressure building, another high-intensity contest can’t be ruled out.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#IPL #Slowburn #action #offer #LSG #KKR #face #Lucknows #black #soil
  • Deadspin | NASCAR names first CEO from outside founding family Nov 1, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell during the ARCA West Series Desert Diamond Casino 100 at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images NASCAR has promoted Steve O’Donnell to chief executive officer and Ben Kennedy to chief operating officer, the organization announced Saturday morning in Talladega, Ala. O’Donnell will succeed Jim France to become the first NASCAR head from outside the France family in its 78 years. France will remain as NASCAR chairman, and it will stay a family-run business. O’Donnell, 57, has been with NASCAR for more than 30 years, working in departments from marketing to competition. On March 31, 2025, he was promoted to president. He isn’t assuming his new role with an agenda. “I think it would be a bit presumptuous of me to come in right away and say, ‘Here’s the plan,’ ” O’Donnell told NASCAR.com. “What I’m going to do is go out and do a lot of listening, especially the first 90 days. We’ve got so many talented people in the industry — team owners, drivers, track, sponsors, even our own internal personnel that I want to go have some conversations with about what do they see and what are the opportunities? “I think the great news is, we’ve got an unbelievable foundation, right? We’ve got a great broadcast deal. We’ve got charters in place, a strong schedule. So all those nuts and bolts are there, and it’s really taking that and looking at how do we make NASCAR an absolute must-have sport in the future.” France assumed the CEO role during the 2018 season as the interim leader after the arrest of his nephew, Brian France, on charges of DUI and possession of oxycodone. Brian France’s grandfather — NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. — and father preceded him as CEO. Jim France was appointed the permanent CEO in 2019, the same year Brian France pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor DUI. The 81-year-old France has been credited with navigating NASCAR through the pandemic, guiding the sport through a dispute over team charters and negotiating the lucrative media rights deal. O’Donnell said France will continue to have a presence. “He’s still going to be involved, obviously, but for me, personally, he’s a guy who behind the scenes always listens, but always knew what was going on and does not get nearly enough credit for everything he puts into the sport,” O’Donnell said. Kennedy, the newly appointed COO, most recently held the roles of NASCAR’s executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovation officer. Kennedy, 34, formerly was a driver in the Craftsman Truck Series, which he later managed. O’Donnell said he has had a positive working relationship with Kennedy. “He’s done everything,” O’Donnell said. “He’s grown up in the sport, he’s driven, he owns race teams, he’s worked at tracks, but when he first started working for us, worked with me in competition and we put him in charge of the Truck Series. “And I think anyone wondered, like, How’s he going to do?’ And we said one of the biggest challenges we have is the relationship with owners, and we need to go out and talk to them. In three days, he had talked to every single truck owner, had a plan, and it told me right away that this guy’s all-in, and he cares, and he has great style, and he’s continued to do that.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NASCAR #names #CEO #founding #family
    Deadspin | NASCAR names first CEO from outside founding family Nov 1, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell during the ARCA West Series Desert Diamond Casino 100 at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images NASCAR has promoted Steve O’Donnell to chief executive officer and Ben Kennedy to chief operating officer, the organization announced Saturday morning in Talladega, Ala. O’Donnell will succeed Jim France to become the first NASCAR head from outside the France family in its 78 years. France will remain as NASCAR chairman, and it will stay a family-run business. O’Donnell, 57, has been with NASCAR for more than 30 years, working in departments from marketing to competition. On March 31, 2025, he was promoted to president. He isn’t assuming his new role with an agenda. “I think it would be a bit presumptuous of me to come in right away and say, ‘Here’s the plan,’ ” O’Donnell told NASCAR.com. “What I’m going to do is go out and do a lot of listening, especially the first 90 days. We’ve got so many talented people in the industry — team owners, drivers, track, sponsors, even our own internal personnel that I want to go have some conversations with about what do they see and what are the opportunities? “I think the great news is, we’ve got an unbelievable foundation, right? We’ve got a great broadcast deal. We’ve got charters in place, a strong schedule. So all those nuts and bolts are there, and it’s really taking that and looking at how do we make NASCAR an absolute must-have sport in the future.” France assumed the CEO role during the 2018 season as the interim leader after the arrest of his nephew, Brian France, on charges of DUI and possession of oxycodone. Brian France’s grandfather — NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. — and father preceded him as CEO. Jim France was appointed the permanent CEO in 2019, the same year Brian France pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor DUI. The 81-year-old France has been credited with navigating NASCAR through the pandemic, guiding the sport through a dispute over team charters and negotiating the lucrative media rights deal. O’Donnell said France will continue to have a presence. “He’s still going to be involved, obviously, but for me, personally, he’s a guy who behind the scenes always listens, but always knew what was going on and does not get nearly enough credit for everything he puts into the sport,” O’Donnell said. Kennedy, the newly appointed COO, most recently held the roles of NASCAR’s executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovation officer. Kennedy, 34, formerly was a driver in the Craftsman Truck Series, which he later managed. O’Donnell said he has had a positive working relationship with Kennedy. “He’s done everything,” O’Donnell said. “He’s grown up in the sport, he’s driven, he owns race teams, he’s worked at tracks, but when he first started working for us, worked with me in competition and we put him in charge of the Truck Series. “And I think anyone wondered, like, How’s he going to do?’ And we said one of the biggest challenges we have is the relationship with owners, and we need to go out and talk to them. In three days, he had talked to every single truck owner, had a plan, and it told me right away that this guy’s all-in, and he cares, and he has great style, and he’s continued to do that.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NASCAR #names #CEO #founding #familyNov 1, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell during the ARCA West Series Desert Diamond Casino 100 at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

    NASCAR has promoted Steve O’Donnell to chief executive officer and Ben Kennedy to chief operating officer, the organization announced Saturday morning in Talladega, Ala.

    O’Donnell will succeed Jim France to become the first NASCAR head from outside the France family in its 78 years. France will remain as NASCAR chairman, and it will stay a family-run business.

    O’Donnell, 57, has been with NASCAR for more than 30 years, working in departments from marketing to competition. On March 31, 2025, he was promoted to president.

    He isn’t assuming his new role with an agenda.

    “I think it would be a bit presumptuous of me to come in right away and say, ‘Here’s the plan,’ ” O’Donnell told NASCAR.com. “What I’m going to do is go out and do a lot of listening, especially the first 90 days. We’ve got so many talented people in the industry — team owners, drivers, track, sponsors, even our own internal personnel that I want to go have some conversations with about what do they see and what are the opportunities?

    “I think the great news is, we’ve got an unbelievable foundation, right? We’ve got a great broadcast deal. We’ve got charters in place, a strong schedule. So all those nuts and bolts are there, and it’s really taking that and looking at how do we make NASCAR an absolute must-have sport in the future.”

    France assumed the CEO role during the 2018 season as the interim leader after the arrest of his nephew, Brian France, on charges of DUI and possession of oxycodone. Brian France’s grandfather — NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. — and father preceded him as CEO.


    Jim France was appointed the permanent CEO in 2019, the same year Brian France pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor DUI.

    The 81-year-old France has been credited with navigating NASCAR through the pandemic, guiding the sport through a dispute over team charters and negotiating the lucrative media rights deal.

    O’Donnell said France will continue to have a presence.

    “He’s still going to be involved, obviously, but for me, personally, he’s a guy who behind the scenes always listens, but always knew what was going on and does not get nearly enough credit for everything he puts into the sport,” O’Donnell said.

    Kennedy, the newly appointed COO, most recently held the roles of NASCAR’s executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovation officer. Kennedy, 34, formerly was a driver in the Craftsman Truck Series, which he later managed.

    O’Donnell said he has had a positive working relationship with Kennedy.

    “He’s done everything,” O’Donnell said. “He’s grown up in the sport, he’s driven, he owns race teams, he’s worked at tracks, but when he first started working for us, worked with me in competition and we put him in charge of the Truck Series.

    “And I think anyone wondered, like, How’s he going to do?’ And we said one of the biggest challenges we have is the relationship with owners, and we need to go out and talk to them. In three days, he had talked to every single truck owner, had a plan, and it told me right away that this guy’s all-in, and he cares, and he has great style, and he’s continued to do that.”


    –Field Level Media

    • #Deadspin #NASCAR #names #CEO #founding #family">Deadspin | NASCAR names first CEO from outside founding family
    Deadspin | NASCAR names first CEO from outside founding family Nov 1, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell during the ARCA West Series Desert Diamond Casino 100 at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images NASCAR has promoted Steve O’Donnell to chief executive officer and Ben Kennedy to chief operating officer, the organization announced Saturday morning in Talladega, Ala. O’Donnell will succeed Jim France to become the first NASCAR head from outside the France family in its 78 years. France will remain as NASCAR chairman, and it will stay a family-run business. O’Donnell, 57, has been with NASCAR for more than 30 years, working in departments from marketing to competition. On March 31, 2025, he was promoted to president. He isn’t assuming his new role with an agenda. “I think it would be a bit presumptuous of me to come in right away and say, ‘Here’s the plan,’ ” O’Donnell told NASCAR.com. “What I’m going to do is go out and do a lot of listening, especially the first 90 days. We’ve got so many talented people in the industry — team owners, drivers, track, sponsors, even our own internal personnel that I want to go have some conversations with about what do they see and what are the opportunities? “I think the great news is, we’ve got an unbelievable foundation, right? We’ve got a great broadcast deal. We’ve got charters in place, a strong schedule. So all those nuts and bolts are there, and it’s really taking that and looking at how do we make NASCAR an absolute must-have sport in the future.” France assumed the CEO role during the 2018 season as the interim leader after the arrest of his nephew, Brian France, on charges of DUI and possession of oxycodone. Brian France’s grandfather — NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. — and father preceded him as CEO. Jim France was appointed the permanent CEO in 2019, the same year Brian France pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor DUI. The 81-year-old France has been credited with navigating NASCAR through the pandemic, guiding the sport through a dispute over team charters and negotiating the lucrative media rights deal. O’Donnell said France will continue to have a presence. “He’s still going to be involved, obviously, but for me, personally, he’s a guy who behind the scenes always listens, but always knew what was going on and does not get nearly enough credit for everything he puts into the sport,” O’Donnell said. Kennedy, the newly appointed COO, most recently held the roles of NASCAR’s executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovation officer. Kennedy, 34, formerly was a driver in the Craftsman Truck Series, which he later managed. O’Donnell said he has had a positive working relationship with Kennedy. “He’s done everything,” O’Donnell said. “He’s grown up in the sport, he’s driven, he owns race teams, he’s worked at tracks, but when he first started working for us, worked with me in competition and we put him in charge of the Truck Series. “And I think anyone wondered, like, How’s he going to do?’ And we said one of the biggest challenges we have is the relationship with owners, and we need to go out and talk to them. In three days, he had talked to every single truck owner, had a plan, and it told me right away that this guy’s all-in, and he cares, and he has great style, and he’s continued to do that.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NASCAR #names #CEO #founding #familyNov 1, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell during the ARCA West Series Desert Diamond Casino 100 at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

    NASCAR has promoted Steve O’Donnell to chief executive officer and Ben Kennedy to chief operating officer, the organization announced Saturday morning in Talladega, Ala.

    O’Donnell will succeed Jim France to become the first NASCAR head from outside the France family in its 78 years. France will remain as NASCAR chairman, and it will stay a family-run business.

    O’Donnell, 57, has been with NASCAR for more than 30 years, working in departments from marketing to competition. On March 31, 2025, he was promoted to president.

    He isn’t assuming his new role with an agenda.

    “I think it would be a bit presumptuous of me to come in right away and say, ‘Here’s the plan,’ ” O’Donnell told NASCAR.com. “What I’m going to do is go out and do a lot of listening, especially the first 90 days. We’ve got so many talented people in the industry — team owners, drivers, track, sponsors, even our own internal personnel that I want to go have some conversations with about what do they see and what are the opportunities?

    “I think the great news is, we’ve got an unbelievable foundation, right? We’ve got a great broadcast deal. We’ve got charters in place, a strong schedule. So all those nuts and bolts are there, and it’s really taking that and looking at how do we make NASCAR an absolute must-have sport in the future.”

    France assumed the CEO role during the 2018 season as the interim leader after the arrest of his nephew, Brian France, on charges of DUI and possession of oxycodone. Brian France’s grandfather — NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. — and father preceded him as CEO.


    Jim France was appointed the permanent CEO in 2019, the same year Brian France pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor DUI.

    The 81-year-old France has been credited with navigating NASCAR through the pandemic, guiding the sport through a dispute over team charters and negotiating the lucrative media rights deal.

    O’Donnell said France will continue to have a presence.

    “He’s still going to be involved, obviously, but for me, personally, he’s a guy who behind the scenes always listens, but always knew what was going on and does not get nearly enough credit for everything he puts into the sport,” O’Donnell said.

    Kennedy, the newly appointed COO, most recently held the roles of NASCAR’s executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovation officer. Kennedy, 34, formerly was a driver in the Craftsman Truck Series, which he later managed.

    O’Donnell said he has had a positive working relationship with Kennedy.

    “He’s done everything,” O’Donnell said. “He’s grown up in the sport, he’s driven, he owns race teams, he’s worked at tracks, but when he first started working for us, worked with me in competition and we put him in charge of the Truck Series.

    “And I think anyone wondered, like, How’s he going to do?’ And we said one of the biggest challenges we have is the relationship with owners, and we need to go out and talk to them. In three days, he had talked to every single truck owner, had a plan, and it told me right away that this guy’s all-in, and he cares, and he has great style, and he’s continued to do that.”


    –Field Level Media

    #Deadspin #NASCAR #names #CEO #founding #family