IPL 2024, LSG vs CSK: Decoding the key player battles
Lucknow Super Giants will host the high-flying Chennai Super Kings in Match 34 of the 2024 Indian Premier League. LSG, who have three wins in six games this season, aim to return to winning ways. The Super Kings have also played the same number of matches but have one more victory. Here we decode the key player battles that can be on display.
KL Rahul vs Mustafizur Rahman
KL Rahul has been guilty of throwing away starts this season. He would want to play an innings of substance against CSK. His battle with the in-form Mustafizur Rahman in the powerplay overs would be enticing. As per ESNcricinfo, Rahul has fallen prey to left-arm pacers five times across 22 IPL meetings since 2022. His strike rate, however, is healthy in this regard (140.95).
Nicholas Pooran vs Matheesha Pathirana
Nicholas Pooran has aced the finisher's role this season. He has been striking at 161.59 in IPL 2024. Matheesha Pathirana will have the onus to keep him quiet. The pacer's toe-crushing yorkers have tormented several prominent names this season. In fact, his tally of 20 IPL wickets in the last five overs is the joint-most for any bowler since 2023.
Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Mohsin Khan
Ruturaj Gaikwad scored over 65 in his last two outings and won't mind replicating his heroics. However, his vulnerability against left-arm pacers can be exploited by Mohsin Khan. The CSK skipper has fallen to left-arm fast bowlers thrice across five meetings this season. Mohsin has scalped three wickets in the seven powerplay overs he has bowled in IPL 2024.
Shivam Dube vs Ravi Bishnoi
Shivam Dube has been a different beast in CSK colors. He can build innings besides decimating bowlers in death overs. His proficiency against spinners makes him face-off against Ravi Bishnoi interesting. Though Bishnoi has dismissed Dube once across three IPL meetings, the latter has a strike rate of 165 in this regard. However, Bishnoi's overall economy against southpaws is just 7.07 (IPL).
Key details about the match
Lucknow's Ekana Cricket Stadium will host this duel on April 19 (7:30pm IST). This venue is known for its slow tracks. While the seamers cash in on the red-soil pitches, the black-soil decks support spinners. Notably, the latter makes the run-scoring difficult. Star Sports will telecast the match, and fans can also live-stream it on JioCinema for free.
