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Still in the hunt for a Playoffs berth despite an erratic campaign, Chennai Super Kings will look to continue their recent resilient run when they take on the already eliminated Lucknow Super Giants in an IPL match on Friday.
While CSK have managed to stay afloat with timely wins in the second half of the season, LSG’s campaign has unravelled due to a string of ordinary displays.
For CSK, the equation remains straightforward — win remaining matches and hope other results end up in their favour. CSK are currently placed fifth in the pecking order with six wins from 11 matches.
LSG skipper Rishabh Pant
Despite frequent criticism over their lack of finishing firepower, five-time champs CSK have shown fight through crucial contributions from Sanju Samson, Urvil Patel, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and a few other emerging players.
Young batter Urvil’s fearless approach at the top has added much-needed momentum to CSK’s Powerplay scoring. On Friday, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma and Dewald Brevis will also have key roles to play in the middle overs on a surface expected to aid stroke-making.
The bowling unit, however, has received a big blow recently with all-rounder Jamie Overton ruled out of the remainder of the IPL due to a thigh injury.
Despite a campaign beset by injuries to important players, a disciplined, and varied attack, including Akeal Hosein, has helped the side register vital wins.
More often than not, Mukesh Choudhary and Anshul Kamboj have done the job expected of them and Afghanistan’s left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad has also been effective.
Lucknow, on the other hand, have little except pride to play for after failing to build any momentum through the season.
Captain Rishabh Pant’s prolonged poor form has hurt the side badly, while their bowling attack has struggled to defend totals or contain opposition batters in crucial phases, including in their first-leg game against CSK, when they failed to defend 203.
Four
No. of matches won by the team batting second in the last four games between LSG and CSK; both teams have won two each
3-3
CSK vs LSG’s head-to-head record, with one match washed out
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