Lucknow Super Giants ( PHOTO SOURCE : IPL )
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are gearing up for another clash in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at a gap of five days. This time, KL Rahul and Co. will travel to Chennai and look to replicate their success at CSK’s den – the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium – on Tuesday, April 23.
When the two met each other last week in Lucknow, the home team won by eight wickets after MS Dhoni’s impactful 28-run cameo was outdone by a 134-run opening partnership delivered by LSG skipper KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock. The win enabled LSG to have a neck-and-neck battle with CSK on the points table.
Both the teams have completed seven matches so far, out of which they have won four and accumulated eight points. However, a slight improvement in net run rate has put CSK one place ahead (fourth) of their upcoming rivals. With CSK eyeing revenge, what will LSG’s approach be and will they make any changes to their winning combination from the previous match?
Here’s the probable playing XI for LSG versus CSK IPL 2024 clash:
Openers: Quinton de Kock, KL Rahul (c & wk)
If the LSG management had any concerns about their opening pair, they were all quashed by a match-winning stand of 134 runs in the last match. As they are going to play the same opponent, the franchise will be hoping for another effective outing for both of them.
Although Quinton de Kock’s innings was slow (54 off 33 balls), he provided the necessary support to his partner to lay a solid foundation for a big chase. Meanwhile, Rahul’s 82 off 53 balls ensured they were well in the hunt. The LSG skipper is leading them from the front, having scored 286 runs so far at an average of 40.86.
Also Check: IPL 2024 Most Runs – Orange Cap Updated List
Middle-order: Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni
Barring Nicolas Pooran, LSG’s middle order has been inconsistent and a headache for the team management. Devdutt Padikkal’s horror form has brought Deepak Hooda into the XI but the results have been the same as the right-hander has struggled to find runs.
Pooran is the key for LSG in the middle-order. The southpaw delivers effective knocks whenever the situation calls for it. In the last match against CSK, the Caribbean big-hitter scored 23 off just 12, which set up a comfortable chase for the team. Ayush Badoni had a slow start but as the tournament progressed, he found his rhythm and won the management’s trust.
All-rounders: Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya
Marcus Stoinis’ batting position will change depending on the situation. The Australian fast-bowling all-rounder has yet to live up to the occasion this series. He scored a vital 58 off 43 balls against Gujarat Titans (GT), but that alone was not enough to make him a reliable option in the middle order. Notably, he was impressive with the ball against CSK in the last match, picking up a wicket for just seven runs in his two overs.
Krunal Pandya has not brought out his batting prowess this season, but he has been crucial in the other department. The left-arm spinner, who picked up two wickets in the last match, will be hoping for another productive outing against the five-time champions.
Bowlers: Matt Henry, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Yash Thakur
Pace sensation Mayank Yadav’s injury forced the management to try different options in the fast-bowling department in the last few matches. Shamar Joseph was tested but the ‘Gabba hero’ could not shine in the Indian conditions. New Zealand’s Matt Henry was the next to get the nod, and he put in a decent performance. Despite failing to pick up a wicket, LSG are likely to give the Kiwi pacer another chance.
Mohsin Khan and Yash Thakur were not up to the mark in the previous match against CSK. Both took a wicket each in their four-over spell, but conceded too many runs. However, the left-right pace combo has been impressive in the last few matches and has managed to cement their place in the XI.
Also Check: IPL 2024 Most Wickets – Purple Cap Updated List
LSG’s predicted XI against CSK:
Quinton de Kock, KL Rahul (c & wk), Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Krunal Pandya, Matt Henry, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Yash Thakur
Impact Substitute: Krishnappa Gowtham