Revenge will be on the minds of defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) when they host the unpredictable Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Chennai on April 23. Both teams are eager to break out of the mid-table logjam in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
In their previous encounter in Lucknow, KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock put up a record-breaking opening partnership, leading LSG to a victory that put them on par with CSK in the IPL standings. CSK, known for their dominance at home, will be determined to avenge their loss.
CSK’s batting has been inconsistent, with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube carrying the bulk of the scoring. Their failure against LSG highlighted their struggles in the middle overs. Opener Rachin Ravindra’s form is a concern, and CSK has experimented with Ajinkya Rahane as an opener, pushing Gaikwad down to number three.
CSK’s bowling unit was overwhelmed by the onslaught of Rahul and de Kock in the previous match. Young Matheesha Pathirana was their best bowler, but pacers Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, and Mustafizur Rahman will need to improve their performance. Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja also struggled and will need to step up on his home turf.
For LSG, batting has been an issue, but they have shown their potential when their top-order fires. Rahul and de Kock are key players, and Nicholas Pooran has also made significant contributions. In bowling, LSG will hope for the return of Mayank Yadav, who missed two games due to an abdominal strain. Pacer Mohsin Khan and Yash Thakur have shown promise, but they need to work on their consistency. Matt Henry had a wicketless debut for LSG and will be eager to prove himself.
In the spin department, Krunal Pandya’s two wickets made a difference in the middle overs, and he will need to lead the attack again against CSK. Young Ravi Bishnoi will need to overcome his recent struggles.
The visitors will fancy their chances, but LSG will need consistency to pull off another win at CSK’s fortress.
