New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings are returning to Chepauk and the vibe of the game will be no less than a festival in the city. MS Dhoni and company would love to win their first home game after a loss against Gujarat Titans. On the other hand, Lucknow Super Giants are coming to Chennai after beating Delhi Capitals by 50 runs.
Both teams batted first in their last game and saw a similar performance as Ruturaj Gaikwad for CSK and Kyle Mayers for LSG stood out with the bat. While Dhoni showed some power-hitting, LSG had more contributing cameos in the last game. However, CSK could not contain GT batters while Mark Wood took a 5-wicket haul to thrash DC.
CSK needs strong bowling attack, middle order to win at home
While Gaikwad scored 92 off 50 and showed that he is here to continue his form, CSK’s middle order could not contribute much. Moeen Ali showed some intent while Dhoni came down the order and scored 14* off 7 which is good news for Super Kings as Dhoni: The Finisher is back. There is a question mark on Ambati Rayudu and Shivam Dube while CSK undoubtedly has power hitters in the lower order.
CSK’s bowling line-up missed Maheesh Theekshana, Sisanda Magala and Dwaine Pretorius while their impact player Tushar Deshpande went for runs. Youngster Rajvardhan Hangargekar picked up three wickets against GT and now CSK has a pace-bowling all-rounder to groom. Meanwhile, on Chennai’s spinning track, experienced bowlers Mitchell Santner and Ravindra Jadeja are expected to play well.
Ravi Bishnoi to be X-factor in Chennai
LSG won the game due to exceptional performances by Mayers and Wood, but the team would need captain KL Rahul to step up and the batters in Deepak Hooda and Krunal Pandya to contribute. With Pooran, Stoinis, Ayush Badoni and K Gowtham in the lower order, Super Giants can bat deep with power-hitting prowess.
Mark Wood’s 5-wicket haul saved the day for LSG but in Chennai, Ravi Bishnoi will be their key bowler. He has the ability to bowl fearless leg-spinning deliveries and can be a big wicket-taker today. Continuing his great form, Bishnoi took two wickets in the last game and is expected to pick two-three wickets against CSK as well.
Prediction
We might see Simranjeet Singh in place of Tushar Deshpande. LSG used their impact player really well when they brought in Krishnappa Gowtham for the last ball and he smashed a six, with the ball, he did not leak runs when he did not pick a wicket.
LSG looks stronger on paper but home advantage is a big factor in CSK’s favour.
