IPL 2024, LSG vs CSK - CSK's Overseas Trump Card vs LSG; 3 Match-winners for CSK

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube are the in-form batters for CSK [AP Photos]Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube are the in-form batters for CSK [AP Photos]

The Chennai Super Kings will play against the Lucknow Super Giants in the 34th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024). This match will be played at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on April 19th at 7:30 PM IST. 

The Chennai Super Kings have had a decent run in the tournament so far. They started with a couple of wins and then faced off a couple of losses. However, in the last two games, the team seems to have got back on track, emerging victorious on both occasions. Ruturaj Gaikwad and his men will be eager to maintain the momentum and pick up the two valuable points from this game. 


Ekana Cricket Stadium Ground Stats (IPL 2024)

Stats
Number
Matches3
Matches won batting first2
Matches won batting second1
Average first innings total176
Average second innings total159
Wickets by pacers27
Wickets by spinners11

CSK, as a team, might enjoy their outing at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. The conditions at the venue suit the CSK playstyle, and they will be looking to make the most out of it. In IPL 2023, the match between CSK and LSG at the Ekana Cricket Stadium was abandoned due to rain, but as long as the game was played, the Chennai-based franchise dominated the proceedings. Ruturaj Gaikwad will have great flexibility in his bowling options, which could put the away team in an advantageous position. 


Three Match-winners for Chennai Super Kings

Rutraj Gaikwad

The CSK skipper was going through a hot and cold time with the bat in the initial few games. However, in the last two matches, Ruturaj Gaikwad has picked up the rhythm and is looking good with the bat in hand. Ruturaj has scored 137 runs at a strike rate of 139.79 and will be looking to maintain that momentum in this game. Besides his current form, Ruturaj impressed with the bat in IPL 2023 against LSG. In the only game in the last edition, Ruturaj scored 57 runs off 31 balls and will have that confidence as he comes out to bat in this game. 

Shivam Dube 

The Indian middle-order batter has rejuvenated his career since his inclusion into the CSK set-up. In this edition of the IPL, Dube looks even more dangerous as he handles the pacers with much more composure. This has added a new dimension to his reputation as a spin basher. 

Dube's form this season has forced the opposition skipper to keep the spinners away from the bowling crease while he is out in the middle. In IPL 2024, Dube has scored 242 runs in six innings at an average of 60.50. Besides his brilliant form, Shivam Dube's numbers against LSG are another reason to consider him a potential match-winner. Against the Super Giants, Dube has scored 76 runs in two innings at a strike rate of 165.20.

Moeen Ali

This English all-rounder has not been a regular part of the CSK playing unit this season. However, if the pitch feels slowish and sluggish, the CSK management might opt to go with him. Moeen Ali's numbers also speak in his favour. In IPL 2023, Moeen played two matches against LSG and picked up three wickets. His economy was below six, with an average strike rate of 6.5 and 8, respectively. Hence, on a slowish, sluggish and turning wicket, the bowler Moeen Ali could be a match-winner for CSK.