IPL 2024, LSG vs CSK: Lucknow Opt To Bowl First In Bid to Halt Chennai’s Momentum; Check Playing XIs

Lucknow: In a highly anticipated Friday evening clash at the Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium in Lucknow, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) face a formidable challenge as they host the in-form Chennai Super Kings (CSK). CSK enter the match with confidence following a recent victory over their rivals, while LSG are striving to break a two-game losing streak, notably suffering a defeat against KKR in their last encounter.

Despite showing initial promise, LSG have since faltered, succumbing to consecutive losses. Their recent performances have been lacklustre, especially in bowling, with concerns over the absence of young pace sensation Mayank Yadav due to injury. Although Yadav has returned to training, his inclusion in the playing XI remains uncertain, as confirmed by bowling coach Lance Klusener.

LSG’s batting also needs a spark. Opener Quinton de Kock’s form has dipped, putting extra pressure on skipper KL Rahul. A potential return for Devdutt Padikkal could bolster the middle order.

The two sides are evenly matched, having won one game each in their three meetings, with one encounter being washed out.

Regarding the pitch conditions in Lucknow, there has been a balanced contest between bat and ball this season. While no team has posted a 200-plus score yet, pacers have enjoyed success on the surface.

Playing XIs

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Rachin Ravindra, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Mustafizur Rahman, Matheesha Pathirana

CSK Impact Subs: Sameer Rizvi, Shardul Thakur, Shaik Rasheed, Nishant Sindhu, Mitchell Santner

Lucknow Super Giants: Quinton de Kock, KL Rahul(w/c), Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Krunal Pandya, Matt Henry, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Yash Thakur

LSG Impact Subs: Arshin Kulkarni, Krishnappa Gowtham, Yudhvir Singh, Manimaran Siddharth, Arshad Khan