LSG's Krunal Pandya won the toss and chose to bowl first.
While Hardik has been doing very well in the IPL 2023 as captain, Krunal Pandya was handed the captaincy after KL Rahul got injured in LSG match against RCB. This is also the first time two brothers are captaining opposing sides in an IPL match.
Hardik stated that it was a very emotional day and their father would have been really proud seeing them lead different IPL teams. The GT captain further said that the family would not be able to support one or another, but said that one Pandya would definitely win.
"We would have batted first. I told him a secret of the toss and let that be. Obviously, a very emotional day and our father would have been proud of us. He dreamt of it. We are short of words and the family is emotional. Yes, I would like the boys to win here and own this place and express themselves," Hardik Pandya said at the toss.
"Sometimes it can happen in the DC game and I took full responsibility of it. I want the team to express themselves and play fearlessly. We have made one change today a forced one. Josh has had to go back for national duty and in place comes Alzarri Joseph," Hardik added.
Krunal, speaking at the toss said that Lucknow had a great batting unit despite the absence of KL Rahul, who has been ruled out for the entire duration of the tournament with injury.
"We will bowl first. I feel the wicket will play mostly same. We have a good batting line-up and fancy our chances to chase it down. We have played some really good cricket. We have stand at a good stage in the points table. We are confident enough to come and play to our potential. We have Quinton de Kock in our side and Naveen misses out," Krunal said at the toss.
Here is the video of the two brothers giving each other an emotional hug: