IPL 2024: Predicting Lucknow Super Giant’s Playing XI for their clash against Chennai Super Kings

On Tuesday, the Lucknow Supergiants led by KL Rahul will be up against Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Chennai Super Kings at the latter’s home den. LSG’s recent victory against the same opposition adds a layer of spice to this contest and thus, this game is sure to be a humdinger. LSG will be looking to make it two out of two against CSK and put themselves in a good position as the tournament slowly but steadily moves to its business end.

Here, we look at LSG’s probable playing XI for the game:

KL Rahul

At the top of the order will be the team’s captain, KL Rahul. The 32-year-old got a great half-century in the previous game but he has not looked at his best so far this season. His strike rate has shown improvement but there is still room for more. He will have one eye on the T20 World Cup and hence, consistent performances will hold the key.

Quinton de Kock

Quinton de Kock has looked pretty good so far this season as he has three half-centuries under his belt. He has shown great intent which has also helped LSG make up for the lack of it from KL Rahul’s end. LSG will be hoping that he carries on from where he left in the previous encounter against Gaikwad and Co.

Deepak Hooda

In the previous game, LSG dropped Devdutt Padikkal and brought Deepak Hooda into the XI. However, he too hasn’t set the stage on fire and thus, there might not be too many opportunities left for him. As such, Hooda needs to make it count.

Marcus Stoinis

Marcus Stoinis hasn’t been in great form of late and with the presence of Ashton Turner on the bench, the pressure will be on the experienced all-rounder. Stoinis will need to put up a good showing against CSK to convince the LSG management to hand him more opportunities.

Nicholas Pooran

Nicholas Pooran is one of the best batters in T20 cricket at the moment and he has been in good nick in this year’s IPL as well. In 7 innings, he has a tally of 246 runs at a strike rate of close to 170. What would have given LSG even more joy is the fact that he has finished a few games and they will be hoping for more such displays from the West Indian.

Ayush Badoni

Ayush Badoni will slot in at number 6 for LSG. He played a good knock against the Delhi Capitals but he will need to put up more performances. There are a few domestic batters on the bench and hence, he must make the most of his opportunities. His strike rate is also on the lower side which indicates improvement.

Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya has been a crucial member of the LSG side this season. He has not got to face a lot of deliveries but he has played a couple of impactful knocks. With the ball, he has been highly economical, conceding runs at less than 8 runs per over. He will be looking to carry on similarly.

Yash Thakur

Yash Thakur had a magnificent outing in the game as he achieved a five-wicket haul but apart from that game, he hasn’t been too impressive. He has been quite expensive but he is likely to get another game before a judgement is made.

Ravi Bishnoi

Ravi Bishnoi has not been at his best so far in this edition of the cash-rich league. He has taken just 5 wickets in 7 games and conceded runs at almost 9 runs per over. However, given his class and skills, he is likely to return to form soon and with the T20 World Cup selection happening soon, he will be desperate to get back into his groove. The conditions in Chennai will surely help him in his quest.

Matt Henry

Matt Henry was handed a debut in the previous game and he gave a good account of himself despite not picking up even a single wicket. Henry will thus retain his place in the playing X1 and it will help that he has experience of the venue, having been a part of CSK earlier.

Impact Substitute: Yash Thakur and Prerak Mankad

Mohsin Khan and Prerak Mankad are likely to be the impact substitutes for LSG in the game against KKR. Mohsin has picked up 6 wickets in 4 games thus far and has bowled pretty well. He will be desperate to return to his best at the earliest. Mankad on the other hand, hasn’t gotten an opportunity so far this season but he showed some good promise last season and that will hold him in good stead if he gets a chance.