As the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) prepare to face the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 30 of IPL 2025 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, the weight of expectation is heavier than ever.
Following an eight-wicket defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders, CSK skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni did not mince words when addressing the team's batting struggles, which have led to five consecutive losses.
It has been quite a few nights that have not gone our way. The challenge has been there; we have to accept the challenge. When you lose too many wickets, there is pressure, and against quality spinners, it is difficult.
We never got any partnerships, and with a bit more application, we would be fine.
Looking ahead, Dhoni provided insight into the team's approach, underscoring the importance of adapting to the conditions: "What is important is to see the conditions. A couple of games, we have done decently well — back your strengths and play the shots you can play. Our openers are good; they play authentic cricket shots and don’t slog or look to hit across the line. It is crucial not to get desperate seeing the scorecard. If we start looking for 60 with our line-up, it will be very difficult for us."
With a full team effort needed to halt the slump, Dhoni pointed to the necessity of timely partnerships: "Get partnerships going, maybe capitalize in the middle and later overs. If we lose wickets, the middle order has to do their job differently."
His wisdom is vital as CSK aims to regain their footing against a formidable LSG side. LSG, on the other hand, comes into the match with buoyant confidence after securing a convincing six-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans.
Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram played crucial roles in that match, both accumulating half-centuries to push LSG to their fourth win of the season. Pooran currently leads the orange cap race with 349 runs, a testament to his prowess and form.
Their bowling attack has also showcased strength, with Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, and Shardul Thakur ready to challenge CSK's faltering batting lineup. Thakur's recent performances have elevated him to second place in the Purple Cap standings, with 11 wickets to his name, just one behind the leader.
As LSG looks to extend their winning streak, they will be eyeing a big performance from skipper Rishabh Pant, who recently promoted himself to the opening slot.
Standing at the third position on the points table with four wins from six matches, LSG aims to exploit CSK's vulnerabilities, who currently find themselves at the bottom with only one victory in six outings. The historical head-to-head record favors LSG, having won three of their five encounters with CSK.
As the teams gear up, all eyes will be on Dhoni and CSK to see if they can finally turn their fortunes around against a resurgent LSG.
Probable Playing XIs: Lucknow Super Giants: Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (capt, wk), Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Digvesh Rathi
Chennai Super Kings: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (capt, wk), R Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana
