Match prediction: LSG to win
Toss prediction: CSK to win the toss and bat first
Chennai Super Kings will be up against Lucknow Super Giants on Monday (April 3) at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. It will be the second game for both franchises, and they will look to find their best Playing XI and set a tone for the rest of the season. Read our in-depth preview for all teams ahead of the CSK vs LSG match.
- Date & Time: April 3, 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Contents
CSK vs LSG match preview
Chennai Super Kings
The Chennai-based franchise faced off against Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2023 opener at Ahmedabad. A spirited effort from Ruturaj Gaikwad helped them get a prolific start, but the middle-order could not be proficient enough, as they posted 178, which was a par score on the pitch.
Then, the experienced bowlers, Deepak Chahar and Ravindra Jadeja could not put enough pressure on the opposition. Although Rajvardhan Hangargekar bagged three wickets, the Titans sealed the game in the last over.
Skipper MS Dhoni is likely to field the same playing XI for this match and expect the middle-order and bowlers to come up with improved performances in their first home game at the venue since 2019.
Also Read: IPL predictions
CSK Possible 11: Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ben Stokes, Ambati Rayudu, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Rajvardhan Hangargekar
Lucknow Super Giants
Lucknow Super Giants had a terrific start to their IPL 2023 campaign on Saturday. They posted 193 on the board, with Kyle Mayers slamming 73 off 38 balls. Then, they backed it up with a terrific bowling performance in the bowling unit.
Mark Wood registered a five-wicket haul while giving away only 14 runs off four overs. He was exceptional with his pace, line and lengths to help LSG win the game by 50 runs. Alongside him, Ravi Bishnoi and Avesh Khan bagged two wickets each.
Despite the win, the KL Rahul-led outfit is likely to make one change as Quinton de Kock will be available from the next game. He is likely to slot in for Mayers, despite the big-hitter playing a match-winning knock.
LSG Possible 11: KL Rahul (c), Kyle Mayers/Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Ayush Badoni, Mark Wood, Jaydev Unadkat, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan
Pitch and expected weather conditions
The MA Chidambaram Stadium has hosted 67 IPL matches to date, with 41 resulting in the team batting first winning the game. The teams have loved to post strong totals on the board on this ground, and the spinners have been the key wicket-takers. The average score on this ground batting first is 162.
CSK vs LSG Dream11 prediction
Wicket keepers: KL Rahul, Devon Conway, Quinton de Kock
Batters: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Deepak Hooda
All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali, Kyle Mayers
Bowlers: Mark Wood, Avesh Khan, Rajvardhan Hangargekar
Recommended captain: Ruturaj Gaikwad
Recommended vice-captain: Mark Wood
In the wicket-keeper category, KL Rahul, Devon Conway and De Kock are the must-picks. Although Rahul and Conway failed in their first appearance, they are expected to make a fighting comeback. Though Pooran batted well, De Kock coming back makes it tough for him to be picked in the Dream11 side, with the latter also expected to open the innings, which makes him a better fantasy selection.
Ruturaj Gaikwad mustered 92 off 50 balls against the Titans and is the captain pick for your fantasy team. Alongside him in the batting department will be Deepak Hooda, who contributed 17 in the first game.
Among the all-rounders are Ravindra Jadeja and Moeen Ali. Both are experienced campaigners but had an average start to the season – however, you can expect them to be key contributors in this fixture. The third pick in this category, Kyle Mayers smoked 73 off 38 in his IPL debut and is one of the finest picks.
Mark Wood finds a place in the XI due to his match-winning performance in the first game against Capitals. He finished with figures of 5/14 in four overs and played a key role to help LSG start with a victory. Wood’s team-mate Avesh Khan has a knack for taking wickets, which was evident with two scalps in the last game and should be part of this team. From the CSK bowling unit, Hangargekar bagged three wickets and is expected to continue his good work.
Match prediction: Lucknow Super Giants to win
Lucknow Super Giants are coming into this game with a dominant victory in their last outing. Their batting unit was well-complemented by the bowlers, and they are looking like a complete unit. On the other hand, CSK possesses a strong batting department, but their bowling strength lacks potency and needs a few more games to find their groove.
Toss prediction: CSK to win the toss and bat first
CSK skipper MS Dhoni has generally worked on the formula of batting first and then putting pressure on the opposition with his bowling unit in Chennai. The spin bowling unit is likely to play a key role for CSK on a possible rank-turner.
Man of the match prediction: Ruturaj Gaikwad
Irrespective of CSK losing their first game, Ruturaj Gaikwad shone bright with his sublime knock of 90 off 52 balls against Titans. His timing was top-class, and the ease with which he hit shots all around the park was pleasing to the eye. With a good track record and current form, Gaikwad is expected to be the top contributor for CSK in this game, and likely bag a MOM award.
Betting odds
Chennai Super Kings – 2.1
Lucknow Super Giants – 1.7
Super Giants are slightly ahead of the Super Kings in terms of odds due to their dominant performance in the first game. The batting, as well as bowling unit of LSG, clicked together well and they possess a good all-round balance in the team. It will certainly be a tough test for the Super Kings, who would need to put up an improved bowling performance to open their account in IPL 2023.