The terms “revival” and “continuance” will highlight the goals of the Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, respectively, as they prepare for their match at Ekana Stadium, which will mark the halfway point of their league stage careers. Thanks to two consecutive wins, CSK regained momentum after a few defeats and are currently occupying third place. Even though LSG is still in the upper part of the standings, a few defeats have put their season in jeopardy. They will be keen to bounce back because they are aware that teams in lower positions can swiftly catch up if they make any more mistakes.
In the IPL, LSG had a strong history of defending totals; once they reached 160 or more, they never lost a match. However, it is no longer the case. Their incapacity to contain two totals above 160 in back-to-back games in a version where the entire concept of totals has changed highlights their hitting. Runs are due for Quinton de Kock, KL Marcus Stoinis hasn’t failed either, Rahul has struggled to stay in the game despite having a few thirtys, and LSG’s No. 3 problems seem never-ending. LSG has fallen behind and needs to catch up quickly, while some of the other teams have been batting brilliantly and breaking new records.
However, CSK has greater depth, experience, and balance in their hitting unit, which has allowed them to win more games than they have lost. While Shivam Dube in the middle order and Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top of the order have regularly produced runs, they will also be looking for Rachin Ravindra and Ajinkya Rahane to contribute. For CSK, the bowling has also been effective. The spin section has also stood up, as have the pacemen with their variety.
When: 19:30 IST on Friday, April 19, 2024
Location: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, Match 29 of the IPL 2024, between LSG and CSK
What to expect: There hasn’t been a single 200-meter crossing in the three matches played in this tournament thus far. LSG was able to stop DC from scoring 199 and 163, but they were unable to stop DC from scoring 167, as they easily reached the mark. In this IPL, the pacers have been more successful than the spinners, taking 27 wickets at an average of 24.11 to their 31.09 average.
Head to head: 1–1
Group observation:
Super Giants of Lucknow
Availability & Injuries: Not too long ago, LSG released a video showing Mayank Yadav picking up his bowling again during a practise session, overseen by head coach Justin Langer. This is encouraging news for the squad, which has won every IPL game in which Mayank has participated in the entire match.
Strategies & Matchups: Mohsin Khan is a crucial matchup option for LSG because Ruturaj Gaikwad, who averages 10.67 against left-arm pacers in this IPL, has been dismissed three times by them. Rachin Ravindra’s struggles against spin (three wickets in 16 deliveries) may prompt LSG to consider Ravi Bishnoi’s early entry. In the meantime, KL Rahul’s favorable matchup against left-arm pace may enable LSG to overcome Mustafizur Rahman’s threat.
Guesstimate starting XI: Mohsin Khan, Shamar Joseph, Yash Thakur/Mayank Yadav, Quinton de Kock/Kyle Mayers, KL Rahul (c/wk), Deepak Hooda, Ayush Badoni, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, and Krunal Pandya. [Arshad Khan/M Siddharth, Impact sub]
Chennai Premier League
Devon Conway has been officially ruled out of the IPL due to injuries. Richard Gleeson has been brought in by CSK to take his place. Due to a niggle from the previous game, CSK was compelled to start Ajinkya Rahane at first. It’s unclear if he is fully fit again.
Strategies & Matchups: Considering that Marcus Stoinis has averaged just 10.2 against spinners in IPL and has been removed five times by them, CSK may need to rely heavily on spin when he comes to bat. Mustafizur is a good choice against Quinton de Kock and Ayush Badoni, who have been dismissed four and three times respectively by left-arm pacers in this IPL. In place of Daryl Mitchell, CSK may possibly consider substituting Moeen Ali, an all-rounder from England who has a strong bowling record against LSG, having taken 6 wickets at an economy of 5.88 and an average of 8.83 in 3 games. Last year, during CSK’s home game versus LSG, four of them wickets were taken. With five wickets in eighteen balls against Nicholas Pooran in T20 cricket, Shardul Thakur would be a good choice.
Suspected starting XI: MS Dhoni (wk), Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande, Mustafizur Rahman, Moeen Ali/Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Sameer Rizvi, and Rachin Ravindra. [Matheesha Pathirana, Impact sub].
Were you aware?
– CSK is now ranked eighth out of the ten teams in the IPL with an opening average of 27.16. With KL Rahul & Quinton de Kock averaging 24.16 and RR (20.29) averaging the least, LSG is below CSK.
– LSG has taken 32 wickets from left-arm pace since the start of the most recent IPL, more than any other team. Next, with thirty dismissals against left-arm pacers, is KKR.
– Along with Mohit Sharma, Matheesha Pathirana has taken 20 wickets in the last overs (16–20) since the IPL 2023. The best economy rate in this phase (Min.20 overs) is 8.21 for Pathirana.
What they expressed
“We’re not in a panic, but you can’t just kick back and hope for the best. We need to determine where you are making mistakes. We are going to have some tough talks. After losing against KKR, KL Rahul said, “We haven’t been able to score more than 160 in the last few games, so that’s something to think about and see how we can get to the 180-200 run mark.”
