IPL 2024: Predicting 3 players who could pick up the most wickets in today's CSK vs LSG match
Two strong home teams, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), will lock horns at the former's house, Chepauk, in IPL 2024 on Tuesday, April 23.
CSK haven't lost a game at home this season. LSG have clinched three out of four games in Lucknow, including against CSK just four days ago. Like the last game, at stake here would be the chance to cement a place in the top four, at least for a while, and avoid leaving too much for the business end of the tournament.
After supporting pacers for the first couple of games, Chepauk was back to its spinning best against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who got thrashed. LSG would be prepared for similar treatment but thanks to their well-balanced attack, they won't be hesitant about trying to get all four points from the defending champions.
Below, we have predicted three bowlers who can help the respective teams achieve their goals by picking up the most number of wickets:
#3 Mustafizur Rahman
Bangladeshi left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman has mirrored CSK's home and away form in IPL 2024. In the last two away matches, he has picked up two wickets but conceded almost 100 runs at an economy rate of over 10.
However, a return to Chepauk would bring back good memories for him. He took eight wickets here in three games earlier in the season, conceding a maximum of 30 runs in his four overs. He now has an average of 10.13 here.
The early swing, a hint of variable bounce, and substantial grip off the surface suit his style. These are also the things that LSG batters have tended to struggle against in IPL 2024, making the 'Fizz' a big threat for this game.
#2 Ravi Bishnoi
LSG's lead leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi's performances have been on and off in IPL 2024. He has looked a bit out of rhythm, often out of luck and the flat pitches and some teams' tendencies to play him out haven't helped either.
However, just like Mustafizur, a trip to Chepauk is exactly what he needs. The pitch's dryness would be tailor-made for his quick leg-breaks and googlies. In three matches here, he has five wickets at an average of 15.80 - his best average against any opponent.
CSK have also relied a bit too much on Shivam Dube to counter-spin in the middle overs and Bishnoi has got him out once before. If he gets support from his teammates in controlling runs, Bishnoi could grab another big haul at Chepauk.
#1 Ravindra Jadeja
CSK's premier all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is a beast at Chepauk. He has just four wickets in IPL 2024 so far, with three coming against KKR when he ran through the two-time champions' top order with his subtle variations and tight lengths.
Overall, he has 33 wickets here in 45 matches at an average of 24.06. LSG have a good number of left-handers in their batting lineup. However, most of their batting order hasn't been as clinical against spin as needed. LSG have collectively averaged 28.92 against spin in IPL 2024 and are ranked fifth in the metric.
If there's similar help available at Chepauk like the KKR game, Jadeja would be excellently placed to get similar results.