IPL 2023: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are returning to MA Chidambaram Stadium and would be itching to get off the mark with a win against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after losing their first match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) opener against Gujarat Titans on Friday.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper Rahul, who has been under scrutiny in recent times for an extended run of below-par scores will also be looking to shrug of his form and get a decent score in the match.
The pacey Mark Wood, who dented Delhi’s hopes with his triple strike, will be the one CSK batters would be wary of. His searing pace could cause a few problems for the home team’s strong batting unit.
It is doubtful that LSG will make any change from their winning combination but CSK might make a few changes in their playing XI.
Come one, come all! The greatest carnival is back in town! 🥳 #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/iQhVFBBffF
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 2, 2023
Simrarjeet to come in for Tushar Deshpande
Simarjeet Singh could be the impact player for CSK after Tushar Deshpande failed to make an impact. In their first match, CSK subbed out specialist batsman Ambati Rayudu for pacer Tushar Deshpande in their bowling innings as a tactical move. It didn’t give the desired result to begin with, as the bowler, who represents Mumbai in state cricket, seemed to be lacking rhythm and bowled no-balls and wides, conceding 29 runs in his first two overs. He had the unenviable task of defending just 8 runs in the final over, and, unsurprisingly, gave it away in just two legal deliveries. Simarjeet has played six matches for CSK in the last edition and got four wickets.
Ben Stokes to bat up
CSK might promote Ben Stokes up the order and bring Moeen Ali to bat at 3. Stokes tend to start slowly and has no issues with facing pace can take on fiery Mark Wood. Meanwhile, Moeen Ali’s issue with the short-pitch ball is well known and CSK might keep him at No 4, where he will get the licence to go all out against the spinners. Moeen has an excellent record against spin and strikes close to 160 against the spinners in T20, which can be a game-changer at Chepauk.
Ali Bhai in Yellow @ Anbuden! 🫶🔜#WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/AWv8n5kBZz
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 2, 2023
LSG unlikely to make any changes
Fresh from their comprehensive win over Delhi Capitals, it is very unlikely that LSG would make any changes in their playing XI. Making their debut in the IPL just last year, Lucknow’s batting-heavy team-building strategy is representative of the brand of cricket the IPL has endorsed for long. Kyle Mayers launched a furious assault at the top for the Super Giants and his performance would be crucial on a wicket not so conducive for over-the-top aggression. Mark Wood took this season’s first five-for, ending his spell with 5-14.
Vaṇakkam @ChennaiIPL 😉
Kal #GazabAndaz mein whistles bajaate hain 😁#CSKvLSG | #LSG | #LucknowSupergiants | #LSGUnfiltered | #LSGTV pic.twitter.com/QxPBs1PneB
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) April 2, 2023
Venue stats
Teams have opted to bowl first most of the time in IPL since 2019 but teams batting first have won more matches than the teams chasing, though the contest has been close). The average first innings score has been 150 while the average winning score has been around 165 in the IPL since 2019.
CSK vs LSG probable XI
CSK XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Rajvardhan Hangargekar
Impact player – Simarjeet Singh
LSG XI: KL Rahul (c), Kyle Mayers, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Marcus Stoinis, Ayush Badoni, Krunal Pandya, mark Wood, Ravis Bishnoi, Jaydev Unadkat, Avesh Khan
Impact player – K Gowtham