*LSG VS CSK MATCH 45 PREVIEW*
*THE BUILD UP:*
*LUCKNOW’S DISAPPOINTING RUN AT HOME EVIDENT BEFORE AN IMPORTANT CLASH:*
Loss to Punjab by 2 wickets, Loss to GT by 7 runs in an unbelievable choke and a 18 run loss to RCB, to cap it off.
Life is worrisome if you’re in Lucknow coming out to the stadium and supporting your team. LSG have failed to capitalise and make the most of their home conditions. While the Ekana track has suited their batters better, it is their batting that has failed to chase a low target twice here and losing out on two close games could prove to be decisive in deciding their future in the tournament. CSK on the other hand haven’t been as successful at their home turf either- they have come close as they lost to RR and PBKS(the unexpected one) in what were seen as two thrilling contests at MA Chidambaram. However, CSK have adapted better away from home and it’s pretty evident in all their victories specially that in Bengaluru and the Eden Gardens. This day game today should keep them in good stead and they certainly have the edge.
*LSG PROBABLE XI:*
With KL Rahul experiencing discomfort and Unadkut not available as well, we may see a forced change in LSG’s lineup with Dekock making the cut right at the top. This could force LSG to bring Avesh back into the side replacing Naveen Ul Haq, despite the latter being in good form.
Kyle Mayers, Quinton Dekock(wk), Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya(c), Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Krishnappa Gowtham, Amit Mishra, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan
Mishra and Bishnoi were clinical the other day vs RCB and were able to utilise the conditions perfectly. In what is expected to be similar conditions with the ball gripping more given its a day game, their role could be crucial against the likes of Rahane, Jadeja and Dhoni- all these who struggle against spin bowling type.
The injury to KL should be seen as a blessing in disguise for LSG. The marked return of Dekock is a big bonus for Lucknow and if he finds form directly, their lineup could get even more lethal than it already is. However, he will have to be vary of the bag of tricks that Dhoni is going to throw at him while he bats and on a slow surface, trust me, it’s going to be an uphill task.
*IMPACT PLAYER STRATEGY:*
Yash Thakur to come in as the impact sub if LSG bowl second. But if they bowl first, we could see Badoni take up that same spot.
*CSK PROBABLE XI:*
Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(wk)(c), Maheesh Theekshana, Maheesh Pathirana, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Singh
Ravindra Jadeja has not lived upto his finishers role this season. What has hurt CSK even more has been the minimum balls that MSD has had to play just to push Jaddu up the order, with CSK most definitely missing out on a few crucial death overs runs. Ideally, MSD should come up the order with the kind of imperious touch that he is in.
On a slow wicket in a daygame against a powerpacked LSG lineup with destructive hitters all around, Maheesh Theekshana could be a trump. His bag of tricks is what I will be keenly looking at.
*IMPACT PLAYER STRATEGY:*
Ambati Rayudu to come in if CSK bat second. Otherwise Akash Singh to play the same role.
*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE GAME:*
*FOR LSG:*
Highest run getter- Marcus Stoinis/Nicholas Pooran
Highest wicket taker-Ravi Bishnoi/Amit Mishra
*FOR CSK:*
Highest run getter- Ruturaj Gaikwad/Devon Conway
Highest wicket taker- Maheesh Theekshana/Tushar Deshpande
*FOR THE GAME:*
CSK to win this game