IPL 2023: CSK vs LSG Preview – Chennai keen to register first win at their den

After losing their first game against Gujarat Titans, Chennai Super Kings will now host the Lucknow Super Giants for their second game of the Indian Premier League 2023. While the hosts will be eying to open their account in the tournament, the visitors will try to continue their winning form and get their second victory in the competition.

The four-time IPL champions will surely have the advantage as they will be playing on their home ground, and the players too have spent a good amount of time practicing on the surface. The MS Dhoni-led side performed decently in the previous game, and several players showcased promising performances, but they lost the game by five wickets.

Lucknow, on the other hand, put up a very dominating performance against Delhi Capitals in their recently concluded game. They put up a daunting total of 193/6, courtesy of Kyle Mayers’ exploits with the bat. The KL Rahul-led side then defended the score and restricted Delhi to 143/9 in the second innings, thanks to the fiery five-wicket haul by Mark Wood.

The two sides have clashed only once previously when they locked horns in the previous edition of the cash-rich event. Lucknow defeated Chennai in the contest and have an upper hand but CSK will be aiming to level it 1-1.

Pitch and conditions

The pitch at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai assists the spinners majorly and hence, they will have a key role to play in the upcoming contest. Batters might face difficulty in the initial stages, but scoring runs may turn out to be an easier process once they settle into the game.

Venue details: M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Last T20 match at the venue: WI- 181/3 (20 overs) | IND- 182/4 (20 overs)

Here’s the probable playing XI for Chennai Super Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants clash:

Chennai Super Kings

The Men in Yellow are unlikely to make any changes to their playing combination. In the previous game, Tushar Deshpande’s spell proved to be costly for them, but the seamer was an Impact Player and hence, his inclusion in the upcoming contest is unlikely.

Lucknow Super Giants

KL Rahul and Co looked in sublime touch when they took on Delhi Capitals in their previous game. The players dominated the show throughout, in the first as well as second innings, which resulted in the team attaining a 50-run victory. Hence, they would want to carry the same momentum.