CSK vs LSG Match Prediction: Who will win today's IPL 2024 match?
When the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) hosted the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in last year's Indian Premier League (IPL), a half-fit MS Dhoni hoisted Mark Wood into the stands twice in a row to send the crowd into raptures. The Men in Yellow went on to win not only that game but also the trophy, their fifth.
Halfway into the league stage of IPL 2024, CSK are back at Chepauk to host LSG. Dhoni's fan following has only increased, if at all that was possible, and he remains as deadly a force as ever at the death. The Super Kings are still formidable at home, with three out of three in the tournament so far, and the crowd has been well and truly behind them as expected.
However, it hasn't been an entirely smooth competition for Chennai so far. They've lost three of their four away games under Ruturaj Gaikwad and find themselves barely clinging onto the final playoff spot.
LSG are breathing down their necks, level on points with CSK but with a slightly lower net run rate. They only just defeated Gaikwad and company at the Ekana Stadium, rather comprehensively at that, and broke a two-game skid with those two points.
Tuesday's clash will be a massive one for both teams, with the top three slowly pulling away from the pack. If they don't want to be caught in a playoff dogfight at the business end of the league stage, they will need to give themselves some breathing room by taking two points away from the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Can CSK extend their perfect record at home? Or will LSG complete the double over the defending champions?
IPL 2024, CSK vs LSG Win Probability: Hard to pick against home side at Chepauk
There are serious concerns for CSK. Ruturaj Gaikwad hasn't been in the best of form despite a couple of half-centuries, while Rachin Ravindra's form has fallen off a cliff. With Sameer Rizvi not getting to spend much time in the middle and MS Dhoni seemingly not fit enough to bat up the order, the Men in Yellow aren't anywhere close to their best.
In contrast, LSG have been an improved side in the batting department. KL Rahul has shown more intent in the powerplay in the last few games and proved to be the difference-maker between the two sides in the reverse fixture. Meanwhile, Quinton de Kock and Marcus Stoinis add power to the middle order.
That said, though, it's hard to pick against CSK at Chepauk. They will likely be more willing to bowl Moeen Ali against the likes of De Kock, and eight overs of quality spin on a track that showed signs of its true self against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) could be difficult to contend with.
LSG have good spinners of their own in the form of Ravi Bishnoi and Krunal Pandya, but barring Nicholas Pooran, they might not have the batting to take the opposition down. Their chances will hinge heavily on Rahul, who has proven to be unreliable with his shows of intent.
The Super Giants might even be the favorites for this clash, but Chennai are an excellent outfit at home. And they could just come out on top once again.
Prediction: CSK to win Match 39 of IPL 2024.