Key Highlights:
LSG vs CSK – A Clash of Contrasts – The Indian Premier League 2025 continues to surprise with dramatic form reversals, and today’s fixture is a tale of two teams at opposite ends of the spectrum. On April 14 at the Ekana Stadium, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), led by Rishabh Pant, take on MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a high-stakes contest.
Momentum vs Struggle: Form Guide
- LSG: WWWLW (last five matches)
- CSK: LLLLL (last five matches)
While LSG come into this game riding a confident three-match winning streak, CSK are battling a five-match losing rut – their worst-ever in IPL history. LSG’s aggressive and flexible approach with the bat and ball contrasts sharply with CSK’s rigid playing style and an out-of-form top order.
Tactical Approaches: LSG’s Edge
LSG have embraced Indian youth like Digvesh Rathi, and the batting trio of Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram are attacking right from the powerplay. The team has not lost a wicket in the powerplay in their last three games and has scored 60+ in four out of six innings this season.
Their overall strike rate, approach to spin (run rate of 10), and Pooran’s brute power (31 sixes) have made them one of the most exciting sides in the tournament.
CSK’s Woes: Top-Order Instability and Lack of Firepower
With no batter in the top 10 run-scorers this season, CSK’s woes continue. Rachin Ravindra leads their tally with just 149 runs from six games. The team’s powerplay scoring rate is the lowest this season (7.5), and their overall strike rate (124.23) is the worst.
They’ve lost the most wickets to spin this season, and with LSG boasting Bishnoi and Rathi, the middle overs could once again prove tricky.
Team News & Lineups – LSG vs CSK
LSG (Playing XI):
- Aiden Markram
- Mitchell Marsh
- Nicholas Pooran
- Rishabh Pant (captain & wk)
- Ayush Badoni
- David Miller
- Abdul Samad
- Digvesh Rathi
- Shardul Thakur
- Akash Deep
- Avesh Khan
CSK (Playing XI):
- Rachin Ravindra
- Shaik Rasheed
- Rahul Tripathi
- Vijay Shankar
- Ravindra Jadeja
- MS Dhoni (captain & wk)
- Jamie Overton
- Anshul Kamboj
- Noor Ahmad
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Matheesha Pathirana
Pitch and Conditions
The centre pitch (No. 5) at Ekana Stadium is a red-and-black soil mix, offering bounce and moderate pace. Square boundaries are 66 metres, with 73 metres straight. Dew could be a factor in the second innings. Average first innings score here is 184, and chasing sides have won six of the last ten.
Key Match-Ups to Watch
- Noor Ahmad vs David Miller: Miller has been dismissed thrice by Noor and strikes at only 54.
- Ashwin vs Pooran: Pooran has fallen three times to Ashwin in eight innings.
- Pathirana vs Pooran: Another tough battle for the LSG batter; he averages just 6.3 against Pathirana.
Fielding – CSK’s Costly Drops
CSK have dropped key batters including Patidar, Rahul and Arya early in their innings in recent games, allowing them to score big. Against LSG’s in-form top order, this cannot be repeated.
Star to Watch: Nicholas Pooran
Pooran’s 67 sixes since IPL 2024 are the most by any batter. His ability to clear the fence and rotate strike makes him the biggest threat for CSK. With Marsh returning and Miller steady in the middle, LSG’s batting is formidable.
Captain’s Corner
Rishabh Pant, back after a short break, opened in the last match but has struggled for form. Still, with his leadership and the performance of other LSG stars, his side remains strong contenders.
MS Dhoni, meanwhile, has shown tactical nous but will hope for better performance from his side’s top order and fielders.
The Hindustan Herald Is Your Source For The Latest In Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Breaking News, And Other News. Please Follow Us On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, And LinkedIn To Receive Instantaneous Updates. Also Don’t Forget To Subscribe Our Telegram Channel @hindustanherald
