LSG vs CSK Match Prediction: Who will win today's IPL 2024 match?
There isn't much to separate the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) points table, with a difference of only two points from six matches each.
Momentum, though, is a real factor. It paints an entirely different story, with these two teams coming into their clash on Friday, April 19, with vastly different runs of form. While CSK have won their last two matches after a two-game losing streak on the road, LSG racked up three wins on the trot before suffering consecutive defeats.
It means that while the Super Kings are comfortably placed third in the standings, level on points with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the Super Giants are barely inside the top half of the table. Their most recent defeat, which came against KKR, was a thumping one. And it also marked their second successive failure at defending a total, something they have generally been good at.
LSG have won two of their three IPL 2024 matches at the Ekana Stadium, which has offered a variety of conditions depending upon which pitch is used. CSK might be looking forward to playing at a venue that could be somewhat similar to their home turf, given that their away displays so far in the tournament have been unconvincing.
The head-to-head record between these two teams stands at 1-1, with one game being washed out. Can CSK continue their winning run? Or will LSG pull level with them on points?
IPL 2024, LSG vs CSK Win Probability: Ruturaj Gaikwad and company start as clear favorites
LSG's batting lineup hasn't inspired much confidence in IPL 2024.
Quinton de Kock's uber-aggressive approach at the top of the order hasn't paid off. KL Rahul has tried to bat with a bit more intent in the last two games, but even he is yet to make a match-defining contribution. Devdutt Padikkal was dropped, and Deepak Hooda doesn't seem to be a reliable No. 3 batter.
The above issues, coupled with Marcus Stoinis' terrible fit in the side, have resulted in the Super Giants being overly reliant on Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni to pull them out of tricky situations. That isn't possible all the time, as they have learned in their last two matches.
CSK's bowling attack, boosted by the return of the incredible Matheesha Pathirana, could enjoy bowling to the LSG batters. Interestingly, Shardul Thakur has an excellent record against Pooran, who is clearly the key name in the middle order.
Chennai have a few issues of their own, though. Rachin Ravindra started brightly but has faded, while Daryl Mitchell hasn't looked too fluent in the middle order. Sameer Rizvi has barely gotten any time in the middle to make an impact, and Ravindra Jadeja has notable weaknesses in his batting that don't seem any closer to resolution.
Despite that, however, CSK are the favorites for this encounter. They have more firepower in both departments, and LSG don't seem well-rounded in any aspect. Anything can happen on the night, but the away side will likely have an edge.
Prediction: CSK to win Match 34 of IPL 2024.