The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will host the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a highly anticipated reverse fixture this Tuesday. Both teams are eager to break free from the mid-table congestion and CSK, the defending champions, are particularly focused on avenging their recent defeat to LSG. The previous encounter between these two teams saw LSG secure a victory, courtesy of a record-breaking opening stand by KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock, which left both teams tied at eight points each in the standings.
Playing at their home ground, where they have traditionally been strong, CSK will be determined to leverage their home advantage to rectify their past performance and strengthen their playoff aspirations. After the setback in their last matchup against LSG, CSK are looking forward to their upcoming series of home games as a golden opportunity to regain momentum.
The Super Kings have relied heavily on the performance of Shivam Dube, who has been instrumental in piling up runs for the team. However, his failure in the previous game against LSG resulted in a lacklustre batting display during the middle overs. Adjustments to the batting order saw Ajinkya Rahane opening and Gaikwad moving down to number three, despite his success at the top of the order for the 5-time champions. This lineup change remains a point of contention and it will be interesting to see how CSK adjust going forward.
Ravindra Jadeja's recent half-century provided some stability, allowing Moeen Ali and MS Dhoni to launch an offensive in the later stages of the innings, but CSK will be hoping for a more consistent performance from their top order in the rematch against LSG.
On the bowling front, CSK’s pacers, including Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, and Mustafizur Rahman, will be under pressure to contain LSG's hitters after struggling in their last outing. Jadeja, despite his struggles in the previous match, is expected to play a key role in the familiar surroundings of Chepauk.
LSG's lineup has shown that they can be formidable when their batters find form. Rahul and de Kock are expected to once again lead the charge, with Nicholas Pooran also providing crucial runs in tight situations. Their bowling attack, potentially bolstered by the return of young pace prospect Mayank Yadav, will aim to improve on their previous performance, particularly in the death overs where they previously faltered against Dhoni’s late assaults.
Krunal Pandya and Ravi Bishnoi, key figures in LSG’s spin attack, will also be pivotal in their strategy against CSK. After a tough previous game, Bishnoi will be keen to rebound, while Pandya will look to replicate his effective middle-over spells.
Team News
Rachin Ravindra's form has taken a hit in the last 5 matches but CSK will most likely persist with the Kiwi all-rounder. The Super Kings, however, also have the option of picking his compatriot Daryl Mitchell, who has previously opened for the Black Caps, or use him in the middle-order, with Rahane and Gaikwad taking the responsibility to open the innings.
For LSG, Mayank Yadav iwon't be available for this match as well. The speedster might only be back against the Rajasthan Royals on April 27, as per LSG bowling coach Morne Morkel.
Head-to-head record
The two sides have faced each other 4 times, with LSG leading the count with 2 wins to CSK's 1, while 1 match last season was a no result.
Weather Report
It will be a hot and humid evening at Chepauk, with temperatures hovering between the 30-35°C mark. There's a 5% chance of rain as well, but expect a full game irrespective of the forecast.
Probable XIs
CSK Probable XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rachin Ravindra, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali, MS Dhoni (wk), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Mustafizur Rahman, Matheesha Pathirana
LSG Probable XI: Quinton de Kock, KL Rahul (wk/c), Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Krunal Pandya, Matt Henry, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav (Impact sub: Yash Thakur)
Full squads:
Chennai Super Kings: Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Sameer Rizvi, MS Dhoni(w), Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande, Mustafizur Rahman, Matheesha Pathirana, Nishant Sindhu, Moeen Ali, Mitchell Santner, Shaik Rasheed, Aravelly Avanish, Maheesh Theekshana, RS Hangargekar, Simarjeet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary, Prashant Solanki, Ajay Jadav Mandal, Richard Gleeson, Deepak Chahar
Lucknow Super Giants: Quinton de Kock, KL Rahul(w/c), Deepak Hooda, Ayush Badoni, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Krunal Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Shamar Joseph, Yash Thakur, Manimaran Siddharth, Prerak Mankad, Arshad Khan, Krishnappa Gowtham, Amit Mishra, Kyle Mayers, Ashton Turner, Matt Henry, Naveen-ul-Haq, Devdutt Padikkal, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Mayank Yadav, Arshin Kulkarni
