IPL 2023, LSG vs CSK | Predicted Playing XIs & Impact Player Substitutes
Kyle Mayers scored a fifty against CSK in the last fixture (IPLT20.com)
As the IPL 2023 season heats up, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set to face off in a highly anticipated match on May 3 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
With both teams having won five and lost four games each, the battle for a spot in the playoffs is becoming more intense by the day. The match was preponed to May 3 from 4, due to local civic elections, adding an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings.
In their previous encounter this season, CSK edged out LSG by a mere 12 runs in Chepauk. However, LSG has a slight advantage in the IPL 2023 points table with a better net run rate, placing them at third, just above CSK in fourth.
As the teams gear up for this crucial clash, OneCricket has predicted the strongest starting XIs for both teams, along with their five impact players.
Lucknow Super Giants
Openers
Quinton de Kock (wk) and Kyle Mayers
LSG suffered a major setback when their regular skipper KL Rahul sustained a hip flexor injury during the match against RCB. Although an official update is yet to be released by the franchise, stand-in captain Krunal Pandya confirmed the injury in the post-match presentation.
In the absence of Rahul, LSG could turn to keeper-batter Quinton de Kock to bolster their batting lineup. de Kock had a fantastic 2022 season with the franchise, scoring 508 runs in 15 appearances, with an unbeaten 140 runs as his best knock.
Kyle Mayers has been in sublime form in IPL 2023 (IPLT20.com)
However, LSG will need to proceed with caution against CSK's formidable spin attack, particularly on the turning wicket in Lucknow. Kyle Mayers, who struggled against RCB after a strong performance against Punjab, will also need to play a key role in the batting lineup. LSG will have to come up with a strategy to counter the spinners and make the most of their opportunities against the visitors.
Middle-Order
Ayush Badoni, Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya (c), Krishnappa Gowtham
LSG's Ayush Badoni showed flashes of brilliance with a blistering knock of 43 runs off 24 balls against Punjab, but failed to maintain his form against RCB, scoring just four runs off 11 balls. The 23-year-old will look to put the dismal performance behind and start afresh. With Quinton de Kock joining the squad, Nicholas Pooran is likely to to warm the bench for this match, leaving Deepak Hooda with the responsibility of stepping up and delivering critical runs.
Marcus Stoinis and Krunal Pandya in action (IPLT20.com)
Meanwhile, Marcus Stoinis had an off-day against RCB, conceding 11 runs in his solitary over and getting just 13 runs off 19 balls during the chase. Krunal Pandya and Krishnappa Gowtham were effective with the ball. However, they failed to make an impact with the bat, scoring 23 and 14 runs, respectively. The all-rounders will need to improve their performances with the bat in the upcoming match against CSK bowlers.
Bowlers
Naveen-ul-Haq, Amit Mishra, Ravi Bishnoi, Yash Thakur
In their last outing against RCB, LSG bowling unit put up an impressive display to restrict Faf Du Plessis’ men to a modest total. The slow and turning wicket in Lucknow played to the bowlers' strengths and the spinners, in particular, enjoyed a great outing. The upcoming match against CSK will also be played on the same wicket, and the LSG think tank is expected to field two spinners - Amit Mishra and Ravi Bishnoi - along with pacers Yash Thakur and Naveen-ul-Haq.
LSG players celebrating against RCB (IPLT20.com)
Naveen kept things tight by bowling slower deliveries and picked up two crucial wickets while conceding only 30 runs in his four overs. Yash, on the other hand, gave away just 12 runs in his two overs without getting any wickets. Amit and Ravi, the spin duo, picked up four wickets between them and conceded only 21 and 5.25 runs per over respectively. The LSG bowlers will be hoping to repeat their performance against CSK and keep the opposition's batting in check.
Predicted Playing XI of Lucknow Super Giants:
Quinton de Kock (wk), Kyle Mayers, Ayush Badoni, Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, Krishnappa Gowtham, Ravi Bishnoi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Amit Mishra, Yash Thakur
Impact Players
- Nicholas Pooran
- Yudhvir Singh Charak
- Mohsin Khan
- Prerak Mankad
- Avesh Khan
Chennai Super Kings
Openers
Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad's fortunes in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) have been a topic of much discussion among cricketing circles. The young opener made a blistering start to the tournament, clinching the coveted orange cap in the initial stages. However, since then, Gaikwad's form has been erratic, as he struggled to retain his momentum and convert his promising starts into significant innings. With the business end of the tournament fast approaching, the onus is on Gaikwad to step up and deliver the goods for his team.
Devon Conway & Ruturaj Gaikwad have been formidable for CSK at the top (IPLT20.com)
On the other hand, CSK have found a new hero in the form of Devon Conway. The Kiwi batsman has been in sensational form of late, scoring five fifties in just nine games. Conway's consistency at the top of the order has made him a reliable opener for the Chennai-based franchise. With the tournament entering its crucial phase, the southpaw's form will be a major boost for the Super Kings. His ability to score runs at a brisk pace and anchor the innings will be vital in determining the team's fortunes in the upcoming matches.
Middle Order
Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni
Rahane's ability to navigate through challenging situations makes him a crucial asset to the team, and the management would expect him to maintain consistency in his performances with the bat. Meanwhile, Ambati Rayudu has been struggling against spinners this season, but his past performances make him a likely candidate to retain his place in the playing XI. Shivam Dube has also proven to be a reliable name for the team, adding crucial runs to the scoreboard when needed.
Ajinkya Rahane and Shivam Dube have been prolific for CSK so far (IPLT20.com)
Moeen Ali's performances in the ongoing season have been lackluster, as he has struggled to find momentum with the bat and has not been utilized to his full potential as a spinner. The Englishman will have to elevate his game and score runs for the team. Ravindra Jadeja initially failed to make an impact with the bat, but has recently displayed his ability to hit big shots in the death overs, while also maintaining a low economy rate as a bowler. Meanwhile, MS Dhoni has been leading the team from the front, displaying brilliant glovework and impressive six-hitting abilities under pressure/
Bowlers
Matheesha Pathirana, Tushar Deshpande & Maheesh Theekshana
Matheesha Pathirana has been a revelation for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) this IPL season, emerging as a reliable option for the death overs. Pathirana has impressed with his ability to restrict opposition batters, while also taking crucial breakthroughs at key moments.
CSK have bowled well as a unit (IPLT20.com)
Meanwhile, Tushar Deshpande has also been magnificent, despite conceding runs, as he has emerged as CSK's leading wicket-taker this season. With 17 scalps to his name, Deshpande will look to improve his tally in the upcoming matches. Maheesh Theekshana hasn't been at his lethal best, having picked five wickets in six games. The Sri Lankan spinner will look to make amends and put on a better display against LSG.
Predicted Playing XI of Chennai Super Kings:
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Matheesha Pathirana, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana
Impact Players
- Akash Singh
- Mitchell Santner
- Simarjeet Singh
- Prashant Solanki
- Rajvardhan Hangargekar
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