Marcus Stoinis delivered a breathtaking performance as he scored an unbeaten 124 runs off just 63 balls to guide Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to a remarkable six-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Match No.39 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

Stoinis’ Performance

Stoinis’ innings were spectacular, marked by aggressive strokeplay and calculated aggression. He played a pivotal role in the highest successful run chase at Chepauk in IPL history, showcasing his prowess with 13 fours and 6 sixes.

See Also: Lucknow Super Giants beat Chennai Super Kings by 6 wickets

LSG remained in contention despite losing early wickets, largely due to Stoinis’ masterclass. Other batters, including Quinton de Kock, KL Rahul, and Devdutt Padikkal, made valuable contributions to the team’s total.

Partnership between Stoinis and Pooran

The partnership between Stoinis and Nicholas Pooran proved decisive as they kept the scoreboard ticking with crucial boundaries. Pooran’s aggressive approach complemented Stoinis’ steady innings, shifting the momentum in LSG’s favor.

During the chase, Stoinis kept playing his shots and brought up his half-century off 33 balls, but the required run rate kept climbing. It needed something special from Stoinis and his partner, Nicholas Pooran, to pull off something special.

From there on, Pooran and Stoinis kept playing big shots as LSG needed 54 runs to win off their last 24 balls. Pooran laid into Shardul Thakur in the 16th over, taking 20 runs and shifting the pressure to the CSK camp. The left-hander looked ominous after racing to 34, but Pathirana sent him back as Thakur took a well-judged catch.

Stoinis’ Century

Stoinis’ century, achieved off 56 balls, was a turning point in the match, injecting confidence into the LSG camp. Despite the mounting pressure, Stoinis displayed nerves of steel in the final over, ensuring victory for his team.

LSG’s Victory

The victory propelled LSG to fourth place in the IPL standings, highlighting their resurgence in the tournament. Conversely, CSK slipped to fifth place after suffering consecutive defeats.

LSG No.3 this season
First 7 matches: 56 off 55, six dismissals, Avg: 9.33, SR: 101.81
Stoinis (today): 124* off 63, SR: 196.83

Highest individual scores in IPL run-chases
124* – Marcus Stoinis (LSG) vs CSK, Chennai, 2024
120* – Paul Valthaty (PBKS) vs CSK, Mohali, 2011
119 – Virender Sehwag (DC) vs Deccan Chargers, Hyderabad, 2011
119 – Sanju Samson (RR) vs PBKS, Mumbai WS, 2021
117* – Shane Watson (CSK) vs SRH, Mumbai WS, 2018 final

Highest individual scores for LSG
140* – Quinton de Kock vs KKR, Mumbai DYP, 2022
124* – Marcus Stoinis vs CSK, Chennai, 2024
103* – KL Rahul vs MI, Brabourne, 2022
103* – KL Rahul vs MI, Mumbai WS, 2022
89* – Marcus Stoinis vs MI, Lucknow, 2023

Most individual hundreds in an IPL match
2 – RCB vs GL, Bengaluru, 2016
2 – SRH vs RCB, Hyderabad, 2019
2 – SRH vs RCB, Hyderabad, 2023
2 – RCB vs GT, Bengaluru, 2023
2 – RR vs RCB, Jaipur, 2024
2 – KKR vs RR, Kolkata, 2024
2 – CSK vs LSG, Chennai, 2024

In a gripping encounter between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Match 39 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Marcus Stoinis showcased an extraordinary performance, steering his team to a thrilling victory at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.

Stoinis’ Heroics against CSK

Marcus Stoinis entered the fray after an early setback in the chase. Despite losing opener Quinton de Kock cheaply, Stoinis formed crucial partnerships, notably with captain KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal, stabilizing the innings.

See Also: Watch: Yashasvi Jaiswal shares warm hug with legendary Brian Lara after match-winning knock

Stoinis’ innings gained momentum as he reached his fifty in the 10th over. Despite Matheesha Pathirana’s breakthrough, Stoinis continued his assault, eventually notching up his maiden IPL century in 56 balls.

With the match poised on a knife’s edge, Stoinis unleashed a flurry of boundaries in the final over, capitalizing on a no-ball opportunity to secure a sensational six-wicket win for LSG, remaining unbeaten at 124 runs off just 63 deliveries.

LSG Innings

Starting the chase, the LSG batters faced an early setback as opener Quinton de Kock departed on a duck; Marcus Stoinis then joined forces with captain KL Rahul, forming a 33-run partnership until Rahul fell in the 5th over to a delivery from Mustafizur Rahman. Rahul managed 16 runs off 14 balls.

Devdutt Padikkal then partnered with Stoinis, constructing another resilient partnership for the visitors. Together, they accumulated 55 runs off 39 deliveries before Padikkal was dismissed by Pathirana on the final ball of the 10th over. After 16 overs, LSG’s score was 157/3.

Matheesha Pathirana provided another breakthrough for CSK by dismissing Nicholas Pooran, who looked in sublime touch. He departed the crease after contributing 24 runs off just 15 balls. Both Pooran and Stoinis had stitched a robust 70-run stand off 34 deliveries.

In the 18th over of the match, Marcus Stoinis electrified the field by smashing his maiden IPL century in a mere 56 balls. Stoinis launched the final over with a powerful six, setting the tone for what would come. He hammered three consecutive boundaries, securing a sensational 6-wicket victory for the visiting team. He remained unbeaten at 124 runs off just 63 deliveries.

Chennai’s Innings

In the first innings, Ruturaj Gaikwad slammed his second century of the IPL career while Shivam Dube blazed to a blistering 66 off 27 deliveries, which took Chennai Super Kings to 210/4.

Asked to bat first by the visitors, Chennai suffered an early setback as Matt Henry provided LSG the first breakthrough and took Ajinkya Rahane’s wicket. Chennai Super Kings were 48/1 after five overs. It was a mixed bag of a day in the field for LSG. While Rahul took an excellent catch, Thakur dropped Mitchell at short third and Henry failed to grab a much difficult chance at the same position. 

Later, Deepak Hooda took a superb catch to dismiss Daryl Mitchell. Mitchell departed after scoring 11 runs. Ravindra Jadeja was the new batter. CSK were 85/2 after 10 overs.

Gaikwad’s Exceptional Performance

The in-form Shivam Dube walked to the crease and straightaway sent his fourth delivery for the first maximum of the innings after 12.5 overs. Dube latched onto Yash Thakur and hammered him for three successive sixes in the 16th over. Dube moved to 37 off just 15 balls, and CSK were 154/3 after 16. It was an excellent innings from Gaikwad – he slammed his sixth hundred in T20 cricket, which came off 56 balls, after a sequence of 6, 4, 4 against Yash Thakur. 

In the 19th over, Dube smashed two fours and a six against Mohsin, bringing up his fifty off just 22 balls. Both batters added 104 runs for the fourth-wicket partnership in just 46 deliveries. Dube started the final with a six off Stoinis but was run out for 66 off 27 with two balls left in the innings. That brought MS Dhoni to the middle. Gaikwad took a single on the penultimate ball, and Dhoni, as he has done throughout this season, finished off in style with a boundary.

Most IPL hundreds in defeats
3 – Virat Kohli
2 – Hashim Amla
2 – Sanju Samson
2 – Ruturaj Gaikwad

Gaikwad is the only one score a hundred in a losing cause for CSK.

Most individual hundreds in an IPL match
2 – RCB vs GL, Bengaluru, 2016
2 – SRH vs RCB, Hyderabad, 2019
2 – SRH vs RCB, Hyderabad, 2023
2 – RCB vs GT, Bengaluru, 2023
2 – RR vs RCB, Jaipur, 2024
2 – KKR vs RR, Kolkata, 2024
2 – CSK vs LSG, Chennai, 2024

Highest individual scores in IPL run-chases
124* – Marcus Stoinis (LSG) vs CSK, Chennai, 2024
120* – Paul Valthaty (PBKS) vs CSK, Mohali, 2011
119 – Virender Sehwag (DC) vs Deccan Chargers, Hyderabad, 2011
119 – Sanju Samson (RR) vs PBKS, Mumbai WS, 2021
117* – Shane Watson (CSK) vs SRH, Mumbai WS, 2018 final

Highest individual scores for LSG
140* – Quinton de Kock vs KKR, Mumbai DYP, 2022
124* – Marcus Stoinis vs CSK, Chennai, 2024
103* – KL Rahul vs MI, Brabourne, 2022
103* – KL Rahul vs MI, Mumbai WS, 2022
89* – Marcus Stoinis vs MI, Lucknow, 2023

124* is also the highest individual score against CSK in the IPL, bettering Virender Sehwag’s 122 for PBKS at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai in the 2014 Qualifier 2.

Highest targets successfully chased in last six overs (IPL)
96 – RR vs KKR, Kolkata, 2024
92 – RR vs PBKS, Sharjah, 2020
89 – MI vs CSK, Delhi, 2021
87 – LSG vs CSK, Chennai, 2024
86 – KKR vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2019

Successful 200-plus run-chases at Chepauk in the IPL
211 – LSG vs CSK, 2024
206 – CSK vs RCB, 2012
203 – CSK vs KKR, 2018
201 – PBKS vs CSK, 2023

Highest successful run-chases for LSG (by targets)
213 vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2023
211 vs CSK, Brabourne, 2022
211 vs CSK, Chennai, 2024
183 vs SRH, Hyderabad, 2023
177 vs CSK, Lucknow, 2024

Successful 200-plus run-chases against CSK (by targets)
219 – By 4 wickets – MI, Delhi, 2021
211 – By 6 wickets – LSG, Brabourne, 2022
211 – By 6 wickets – LSG, Chennai, 2024
206 – By 6 wickets – PBKS, Abu Dhabi, 2014
201 – By 4 wickets – PBKS, Chennai, 2023

In a thrilling encounter between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at M.A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Ruturaj Gaikwad etched his name in IPL history by becoming only the eighth captain to score a century.

Dynamic Partnership of Ruturaj and Shivam

A stellar partnership with Shivam Dube complemented Gaikwad’s monumental achievement, as they amassed 104 runs in just 46 balls. Their dynamic collaboration was pivotal in setting up a formidable target for LSG. Shivam Dube scored 66 runs off 27, and Gaikwad scored 108* runs off 60 balls.

See Also: IPL 2024: Major boost to SRH as star pacer returns, ACB grant NOC

An array of remarkable shots, including powerful sixes and well-timed boundaries, marked Gaikwad’s innings. Notable highlights include Gaikwad’s lofted six over backward square and exquisite cover drive to reach his century.

Gaikwad’s innings epitomized class, precision, and determination, showcasing his ability to control the game from the outset. His second IPL century underscored his talent and impact as a key player for CSK in IPL 2024.

Milestones of the Match

Highest individual scores for CSK (IPL)
127 – Murali Vijay vs RR, Chennai, 2010
117* – Shane Watson vs SRH, Mumbai WS, 2018 final
116* – Michael Hussey vs PBKS, Mohali, 2008
113 – Murali Vijay vs DC, Chennai, 2012 Q2
108* – Ruturaj Gaikwad vs LSG, Chennai, 2024

Century partnerships for 4th wicket or below for CSK
109* – MS Dhoni & S Badrinath vs KKR, Kolkata, 2010
108* – MS Dhoni & David Hussey vs SRH, Ranchi, 2014
104 – Ruturaj Gaikwad & Shivam Dube vs LSG, Chennai, 2024
102* – Ambati Rayudu & Ravindra Jadeja vs MI, Delhi, 2021
101 – MS Dhoni & Ambati Rayudu vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2018

Shivam Dube for CSK
Inns: 33
Runs: 1018
Avg: 37.7
SR: 161.07
50s: 8
HS: 95*

CSK’s Dominance in the Match

CSK exhibited dominance throughout the match, with Gaikwad’s exceptional performance spearheading their formidable total of 210 runs. Despite early setbacks, CSK’s batting lineup showcased resilience and firepower, courtesy of Gaikwad and Dube’s partnership.

Rahane’s early dismissal and Mitchell’s failure to make an impact at number 3 were setbacks for the team. However, Ruturaj Gaikwad stole the spotlight tonight. He was in top form from the beginning and played flawlessly throughout his innings. Gaikwad showcased impeccable timing, precise placement, and sheer class, culminating in his second IPL century. Jadeja was promoted to number 4 but couldn’t contribute much, yet the partnership between Dube and Gaikwad turned the game around.

Dube’s aggressive batting style dominated the LSG attack, especially against slower off-cutters, sending the ball sailing over deep mid-wicket multiple times. Dube’s innings proved to be crucial as CSK crossed the 200-run mark. Additionally, the crowd was thrilled to witness MS Dhoni’s brief appearance, smashing his only ball to the boundary. It sets the stage for an exciting chase for LSG.

Dwayne Bravo, the renowned West Indies all-rounder and current bowling coach of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since taking over the role from Laxmipathy Balaji in 2023, Bravo has played a pivotal role in enhancing the performance of CSK’s fast-bowling arsenal. After losing the important encounter against LSG in Lucknow by 8 wickets, CSK is now looking for perfect revenge in their den “chepauk” against LSG today. Before the clash, CSK’s bowling coach praised bowlers and provided some insights on training sessions.

Dwayne Bravo’s Impression of Matheesha Pathirana

One of the standout talents under Bravo’s guidance is Matheesha Pathirana, whom Bravo fondly calls “Baby Malinga” and “Baby Goat” owing to his remarkable resemblance to the legendary Lasith Malinga in both action and effectiveness. Pathirana’s innate ability and skill set have impressed Bravo, who believes that some players, like Pathirana, require minimal coaching due to their natural flair for the game.

See Also: IPL 2024: Player Analysis: How did Yuzvendra Chahal become a bonafide IPL legend?

“Pathirana is very special. I call him Baby Malinga. I also call him Baby Goat. He is not someone you try to coach because he has a natural ability and skill,” Bravo said, heaping praise on the Sri Lankan fast bowler.

Mustafizur Rahman’s Unique Skill Set

Bravo also lauds Mustafizur Rahman’s contributions, highlighting his unconventional bowling action and mastery of delivering slower balls. Rahman’s reputation for having one of the best slower balls in the world has made him a valuable asset for CSK. Bravo acknowledges the importance of empowering such players with knowledge and information rather than overwhelming them with excessive coaching.

“Fizz (Mustafizur) is also very special. He has a unique action. He has the reputation of having one of the best slower balls in the world. You don’t try to over-coach these players. You just empower them with knowledge, and information and try to keep it simple,” Bravo added.

Tushar Deshpande’s Performance

In addition to Pathirana and Rahman, Bravo expresses his admiration for Tushar Deshpande, whose consistent performances have caught the attention of both fans and experts alike. Deshpande’s growth and resilience on the field have earned him praise from Bravo, reflecting the coach’s keen eye for talent and dedication to nurturing it.

“Tushar, I am very very impressed with him. Especially last season and also this season. We said in our team meetings, we want to be the smartest bowling team in the competition. We see to it that we don’t repeat our mistakes. We have to be prepared for every scenario. We do drills, especially by keeping in mind the ground dimension. We practice with vision, with a purpose. When people look at us, they should see a plan, sometimes it doesn’t work, but most times, it will,” Bravo added.

CSK’s Strategy for Bowling Excellence

Under Bravo’s guidance, CSK aspires to be the epitome of bowling excellence in the IPL, aiming to outsmart their opponents with meticulous planning and execution. The team’s commitment to avoiding repetitive mistakes and preparing for every conceivable scenario underscores Bravo’s emphasis on strategic prowess and adaptability.

“You can’t last long without a yorker. If you look at players, who have had most of the success in T20 cricket, Lasith Malinga, Bumrah or Pathirana, myself when I played, we had a similar plan, try to bowl as many yorkers as possible,” he added.

Proficiency in Bowling Yorkers

Bravo emphasizes the significance of mastering the art of bowling yorkers, citing it as a crucial skill for bowlers in T20 cricket. Through focused coaching sessions, Bravo instils confidence in his bowlers, encouraging them to embrace the challenge and refine their yorker deliveries to perfection.

In a thrilling encounter, Lucknow Super Giants secured a convincing eight-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings in their recent Indian Premier League match. Skipper KL Rahul and opening partner Quinton de Kock played stellar innings, guiding LSG to chase down the target of 177 runs set by CSK.

Rahul showcased his class with a magnificent 82 runs off just 53 balls, embellished with nine boundaries and three towering sixes. De Kock provided solid support with his composed knock of 54 runs from 43 deliveries, featuring five fours and a six. The duo’s formidable partnership of 134 runs for the opening wicket set the tone for LSG’s successful chase.

LSG defeat CSK with stunning performance

Earlier, CSK posted a competitive total of 176 runs for the loss of six wickets, propelled by a composed fifty from Ravindra Jadeja. Alongside contributions from Ajinkya Rahane (36), Moeen Ali (30), and a blistering cameo by MS Dhoni (28 not out), CSK managed to put up a challenging target on the scoreboard after being asked to bat first.

However, the standout moment of the first innings undoubtedly belonged to Dhoni, whose explosive cameo provided late impetus to CSK’s innings. His quickfire knock of 28 runs from just 9 balls, laced with three boundaries and two towering sixes, injected momentum into the CSK innings.

De Kock and KL Rahul Shines

As LSG commenced their chase, they displayed dominance from the outset, reaching the 50-run mark without losing any wicket in just 5.2 overs. De Kock, despite being dropped early in his innings, showcased his resilience to reach his fifty in 41 balls, before eventually departing for a well-compiled 54 runs.

See Also: IPL 2024: Vintage Dhoni is never enough for the fans; Have a look!

Rahul, on the other hand, continued his sublime form, notching up his fifty in just 31 deliveries, guiding LSG past the 100-run mark in the 11th over. Despite his dismissal, LSG comfortably achieved the target with seven balls to spare, securing a comprehensive victory over CSK by eight wickets.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, often heralded as one of cricket’s greatest finishers, continues to defy the constraints of age and physical challenges. On April 19, at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, home of the Lucknow Super Giants, Dhoni showcased why he remains a pivotal force in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Dhoni’s Performance at Ekana Stadium

With the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) struggling at 141/6 and just 13 balls left in the innings, Dhoni walked into a pressure-cooker situation, a scenario all too familiar yet always thrilling.

See Also: Why is Dhoni not coming to bat early? Fans unhappy

Dhoni’s blistering 28 off nine balls at the Ekana Stadium is yet another chapter in his book of memorable innings. His ability to elevate his game when it matters most keeps his legend growing. At a time, when 160 looked tough, Dhoni made 176 possible with explosive batting. 

Dhoni batting in the 20th over in the IPL
Runs: 772
Balls: 313
SR: 246.64
4s/6s: 53/65
This season: 57 off 16, four fours, six sixes (SR: 356.25)

Breakdown of Dhoni’s Explosive Innings

Facing a robust bowling lineup and a crucial juncture of the game, the stage was set for a spectacle. Dhoni, with a potentially injured knee and minimal match practice this season, was about to remind everyone of his unmatched prowess. Dhoni faced a variety of deliveries, showcasing his skill to adapt and attack. His strategic singles and boundary hits were calculated moves that drove CSK’s score upward dramatically.

Before Dhoni’s arrival at the crease, CSK was teetering towards an underwhelming total. His explosive batting not only stabilized the innings but also set a challenging target for LSG.

Fan and Media Reactions

The social media was abuzz with praises for Dhoni, with fans and pundits lauding his ability to turn the game dramatically. Cricket experts dissected Dhoni’s innings, highlighting his unyielding nature and his crucial role in CSK’s tactical lineup.

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) progresses into its 2024 season, certain elements remain timeless in their appeal. One such constant is Mahendra Singh Dhoni, whose presence continues to captivate audiences and stir up fervor among cricket fans.

The Phenomenon of MS Dhoni Mania

Dhoni’s appeal transcends regional boundaries; he is a national icon whose influence is felt across India. This was palpable as he made his way into Lucknow, a city that laid out the red carpet in honor of the cricketing legend.

See Also: Stephen Fleming provides major update on Deepak Chahar’s injury

As the team bus approached the stadium, Dhoni’s fans took over the street, their excitement unmaintainable. The sheer number of supporters underscored the magnetic pull of Dhoni’s presence.

Batting Lower in the Order

In the ongoing match against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Dhoni was yet to bat, with CSK five wickets down. His expected batting position at no. 8 caused a stir among fans, leading to a flurry of social media memes expressing their frustration and anticipation.

Fan Reaction on Social Media

The digital space buzzed with activity as fans shared their thoughts and emotions about Dhoni’s late appearance in the batting lineup, highlighting how integral he is to the fan experience.

Dhoni’s Arrival in Lucknow

Upon their arrival, the CSK team, led by the ever-iconic MS Dhoni, was greeted with an electrifying welcome. It was Dhoni’s first visit to the Ekana Cricket Stadium for IPL 2024, and the anticipation had clearly reached a fever pitch.

Dhoni’s Current Form

Heading into the Lucknow match, Dhoni’s form was stellar, having recently scored a quick 20 off 4 balls against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians. His performance has been crucial in key moments, maintaining his reputation as a formidable finisher.

Fan’s Reception at the Airport

A video shared by the IPL captured the moment Dhoni stepped off the plane to cheers and applause from the waiting crowd. The fans showcased their affection, reminiscing their favorite memories of the superstar, creating an atmosphere filled with nostalgia and admiration.

Sanjeev Agarwal, the chief curator at the Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium, shared insights into Dhoni’s character. He recalled Dhoni’s approachable and humble nature, and how he has always taken time to interact with the ground staff during his visits.

The 34th match of the IPL 2024 season will be played between Lucknow Super Giants vs Chennai Super Kings at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Friday, April 19, 2024. However, Lucknow Super Giants won the toss and opted to bowl first.

Lucknow Super Giants started with a defeat before winning three successive matches before losing their last two games as well On the other hand, CSK won four matches so far and the last two as well. However, both teams will try to win the game and keep the momentum on. This is going to be an exciting match for both teams as well.

ALSO READ: Zaheer Khan shares MS Dhoni’s plans after IPL 2024

IPL 2024: LSG vs CSK, Match 34: Who said what at the toss?

KL Rahul: We’ll bowl first. Looks like a good wicket, dew hasn;t been a big factor. Hopefully it stays good for 40 overs. We would like to know what we are chasing. There weren’t any blunders we made. Last game against KKR was a big defeat. Still pretty relaxed. I know it’s halfway mark. As a leadership group, if we panic it spreads. That’s not what I like to be. Great support staff. We are trying to keep as relaxed as possible. The pitches have been relaid here. Each time you play, it can be different. Just one change. Joseph is out, Matt Henry comes in.

Ruturaj Gaikwad: We would have bowled first. We batted first in the last game and batted well. (Win against MI) A good confidence-booster. Going there and defending is a big boost for us. We don’t want to get complacent. We are trying to be as consistent as possible. Just a bit lucky (on his batting), unlucky dismissal in the first two matches. Good to be back, good to be going. Everyone is confident. Two changes. Mo comes in for Mitchell, Deepak comes in for Shardul.

Playing XIs:

Lucknow Super Giants: Quinton de Kock, KL Rahul(w/c), Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Krunal Pandya, Matt Henry, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Yash Thakur

Lucknow Super Giants Impact Subs: Arshin Kulkarni, Krishnappa Gowtham, Yudhvir Singh, Manimaran Siddharth, Arshad Khan

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Rachin Ravindra, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Mustafizur Rahman, Matheesha Pathirana

Chennai Super Kings Impact Subs: Sameer Rizvi,Shardul Thakur,Shaik Rasheed, Nishant Sindhu,Mitchell Santner

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most celebrated teams in the IPL, are currently navigating through the 2024 season with a blend of strategy and resilience. Among the updates from the team is the status of Deepak Chahar, a pivotal player in CSK’s bowling lineup, whose recent injury has been a talking point among fans and analysts alike.

The Impact of Deepak Chahar’s Injury

Deepak Chahar has been a crucial bowler for CSK, known for his swing bowling and ability to pick early wickets. His role in the team is instrumental, often setting the tone in the initial overs of the game.

See Also: ‘At 33, my career is just starting’ – Asha Sobhana says after she earns her maiden call-up for Bangladesh tour

Recently, Chahar sustained a minor niggle, which has led to him warming the sidelines. The nature of his injury, described as minor by CSK’s head coach Stephen Fleming, suggests a cautious approach to his recovery, prioritizing long-term fitness over immediate gameplay.

Chahar’s absence means a shift in the bowling strategy for CSK, with other players needing to step up to fill his overs. The team’s approach in the upcoming games will likely reflect this adjustment.

Overview of Fleming’s Statements

During a recent pre-match press conference, Fleming provided updates on Chahar’s condition, reassuring that the injury was minor and that Chahar was undergoing rehabilitation. He emphasized the importance of allowing adequate recovery time for Chahar.

“He is doing his rehabs well. It was a minor injury nothing to worry about. Shardul Thakur bowled well in the last match against Mumbai so we opted to give time to Chahar to recover well,” said Fleming on Chahar at the pre-match press conference.

Shardul Thakur, stepping in for Chahar, has been a competent all-rounder with a proven track record in both domestic and international cricket. His ability to control the run rate and deliver in crucial moments has been evident in recent games.

In the match against Mumbai Indians, Thakur managed to keep the scoring under control, conceding just 35 runs in his quota of four overs. His performance has been crucial in maintaining the team’s momentum in Chahar’s absence.

Brief Overview of CSK’s Performance

The season has seen CSK securing a strong position in the league standings, thanks in part to strategic gameplay and dynamic leadership. Under the captaincy of Ruturaj Gaikwad, the team has showcased a balanced attack and has secured four wins out of six games, placing them third in the standings.

The upcoming match against the Lucknow Super Giants is critical for CSK to maintain their position in the top tier of the standings. With both teams showcasing formidable line-ups, the clash is expected to be a highlight of the season.

LSG vs CSK Match Preview

Lucknow Super Giants will face Chennai Super Kings in the 34th match of the IPL 2024. The game will take place at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium and will begin at 7:30 PM IST on April 19. Lucknow Super Giants have lost their previous two games, making the upcoming game against CSK crucial. LSG hasn’t been at their best thus far. This season, teams have consistently scored 200 points or more. Meanwhile, CSK defeated MI in a thrilling match at the Wankhede Stadium. The team is third in the points table, with four wins and two losses. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s return to form is great news for the team, and Shivam Dube has been incredibly consistent.

LSG vs CSK Match Details

Lucknow Super Giants vs Chennai Super Kings – 34th Match

Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium – Lucknow

Date & Time: 19th April 2024 at 07:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Jio Cinema

LSG vs CSK Venue Stats

LSG vs CSK Pitch Report

The average score batting first on this pitch is 165, but given the batting talent on display. We expect this surface to produce totals of around 190 in this match.

LSG vs CSK Weather Report

Clear skies are expected throughout the game, with temperatures dropping slightly from 32 degrees to 28 degrees by the end of the game. Throughout the contest, humidity levels will not exceed 35%.

LSG vs CSK Last Five Matches

LSG vs CSK Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Most runs and Most wickets after Match 10, RCB vs KKR

LSG vs CSK Probable Playing XIs:

Chennai Super Kings Probable Playing XIs

Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rachin Ravindra, Ajinkya Rahane, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Sameer Rizvi, MS Dhoni (wk), Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande, Mustafizur Rahman

Lucknow Super Giants Probable Playing XIs

Quinton de Kock, KL Rahul (c & wk), Deepak Hooda, Ayush Badoni, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Krunal Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Shamar Joseph, Yash Thakur

Topmost Picks for LSG vs CSK Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Chennai Super Kings

• Ruturaj Gaikwad – Gaikwad has finally picked momentum after a slow start to IPL 2024. He played a magnificent innings of 69 against MI. This was his second fifty of the tournament and he now has 224 runs to his name.
• Matheesha Pathirana – Making a return from injury, Matheesha Pathirana made an immediate impact and bagged a four wicket haul against MI. He has been magnificent, taking eight wickets in three matches for CSK. 

Top Picks – Lucknow Super Giants

• KL Rahul – KL Rahul has been one of the most consistent performers in IPL. Year after year, KL Rahul has piled on runs for his team. He got his IPL 2024 campaign off to a great start as he scored a brilliant 58 against RR.
• Ravi Bishnoi – Bishnoi was taken for plenty against RR, but the conditions in Lucknow will help him get into the groove.

LSG vs CSK Probable Winners:

LSG will begin the match as favorites. On paper, they appear to be the better side. They have more quality batting, and the presence of three quality spinners makes them appear better prepared for the sluggish conditions. They will have the advantage of being at home, as well as the support of the crowd. The team has played the majority of its cricket in Lucknow, so LSG are clear favourites to win. Considering the team combination, Lucknow Super Giants is expected to win this match.