IPL 2023: 3 Key Match-Ups to Watch-Out in LSG VS CSK Match No.46

IPL 2023: On Wednesday, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will face the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the second time in the ongoing IPL 2023. While LSG seeks to avenge their previous loss, CSK aims to secure a win and strengthen their position for the playoffs.

LSG has played nine matches this season and won five of them, earning a total of 10 points. However, in their last match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, LSG faced a major setback when their captain, KL Rahul, sustained a hamstring injury and was unable to score a single run as the last player to bat. Moreover, LSG were bowled out for just 108 runs, failing to chase down a score of 126 in their own backyard against RCB. Injured KL Rahul is unlikely to play against CSK, and Krunal Pandya may skip the team.

Despite back-to-back defeats to Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings, CSK’s capacity to recover should not be underestimated. Although Conway smashed an unbeaten 92 to lead his team to a score of 200 for four, CSK lost to Punjab as the total was surpassed off the final ball. This season, most of CSK’s victories have been a result of Dhoni’s tactical brilliance and different players rising to the occasion, so the Yellow Brigade, led by MS Dhoni, may take advantage of the absence of opposition skipper KL Rahul in Wednesday’s match.

IPL 2023: Top Player Battles to Keep an Eye on in LSG VS CSK Game:

3) Devon Conway vs Krishnappa Gowtham

Devon Conway has been one of the best performers for CSK in the current IPL season. Although he was unlucky to miss out on his first IPL century in the last game against Punjab Kings, the opener remained unbeaten on 92 off 52 balls. With his fifth half-century in the last six innings, Conway has been displaying remarkable consistency. However, the left-handed batter will face a stern test on the challenging Lucknow wicket, especially against the quality spin attack of LSG. In particular, Krishnappa Gowtham can pose a significant threat to Conway.

The spin-bowling all-rounder was excellent against RCB, taking a wicket while conceding just ten runs in his two overs and also contributing with the bat. Gowtham’s ability to turn the ball both ways against left-handers makes him a significant danger to Conway. The CSK opener will need to be extra cautious and play with a plan against Gowtham and the other LSG spinners on the spin-friendly surface.

2) Kyle Mayers vs Maheesh Theekshana

The West Indies all-rounder has been on a roll for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL 2023, hitting four half-centuries so far, including one against Chennai Super Kings. He made his debut for LSG and scored 73 off 38 in his first game. The all-rounder is also a useful bowling option and is famous for picking up wickets. Maheesh Theekshana, on the other hand, has only managed to take five wickets in the six matches he has played for LSG, but he has been effective in controlling the run rate.

The crafty spinner generally bowls with the new ball and will look to improve his performance against LSG on a pitch that favors spinners. He has an economy rate of 8.42, which is decent. Theekshana will hope to use his variations to trouble the in-form Mayers, who will be the key player for LSG at the top of the order. Mayers has been brilliant for LSG so far this season, and Theekshana will need to be at his best to stop him from scoring big runs.

1) Shivam Dube vs Ravi Bishnoi

Shivam Dube’s contribution to the CSK team in the current season of IPL has been nothing short of impressive. In spite of a slow start, the tall left-handed batsman has come into his own and accumulated a staggering 264 runs in nine games. He has been in scintillating form, scoring three back-to-back fifties and playing a crucial knock of 28 runs off 17 balls in their last game against PBKS, which helped his team set a respectable total. However, as they gear up for their next match against LSG in Lucknow, Dube faces a new set of challenges.

The larger boundaries at the venue and LSG’s formidable spin attack comprising the likes of Ravi Bishnoi, Amit Mishra, and Krunal Pandya, could pose a serious threat to the CSK batsman. In their last encounter, Bishnoi managed to get the better of Dube, and he may cause trouble for the left-hander once again. Bishnoi, who had a sensational outing in the previous game against RCB, taking the crucial wickets of Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell, is likely to be LSG’s trump card in their upcoming match against CSK. His skill and experience make him a formidable opponent, and he could prove to be a thorn in the side of the CSK batting line-up.