Chennai lost their opening game against Gujarat while Lucknow defeated Delhi Capitals.
After decimating Delhi Capitals in the previous match, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will now play against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 3 at the MA Chidambram Stadium in Chennai. On the other hand, the MS Dhoni-led side suffered a five-wicket defeat at the hands of Gujarat Titans in the opening game of Indian Premier League 2023 and now will be gunning to get their first win of the season.
However, things will be a bit difficult for CSK. Their bowling seemed weak in the last match and that is one such area that the team management needs to address immediately. Another thing will be their middle-order batting. Ruturaj Gaikwad (92 runs off 50 deliveries) gave them a perfect start but unfortunately, no one could capitalise in the middle overs. Dhoni in the end looked in fantastic touch but will he play against LSG after injuring his knee in the last match? That’s the question everyone has on their minds right now.
Meanwhile, the Lucknow batters were brilliant against DC. Opener Kyle Mayers looked great as the 30-year-old smacked 73 runs off 38 deliveries. Nicholas Pooran, too, looked in good touch while Mark Wood wreaked havoc with the ball, picking up a five-for. Meanwhile, in Chennai, where the ball is expected to turn, Ravi Bishnoi will be very vital for the squad.
CSK vs LSG Pitch Report:
As mentioned, the pitch at Chepauk is going to favour the spinners. The captain winning the toss should opt to bowl first and anything above 160 will be a good total on this wicket.
CSK vs LSG Probable Playing XIs:
Chennai Super Kings (CSK):
Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk/c), Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Rajvardhan Hangargekar
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG):
KL Rahul (c), Kyle Mayers, Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Ayush Badoni, Mark Wood, Jaydev Unadkat, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan
CSK vs LSG Probable Best Performers
Probable best batter
Ruturaj Gaikwad:
Flamboyant opener Ruturaj Gaikwad was at his very best in the opening game. Now, for CSK to succeed in the tournament, the Pune-born cricketer needs to be very consistent at the top of the order and given his form, he can be the player to watch out for in the tournament.
Probable best bowler
Ravi Bishnoi:
Since the match is going to be played in Chennai, Ravi Bishnoi can prove to be really dangerous. The leg-spinner picked up two wickets in the match against Delhi and will hope to keep up with it as his form can determine his future in India colours.
Today’s Match Prediction: Chasing Team to win the match
