Blog

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Date: April 14, 2025

Time: 11:00 AM IST

Venue: Lucknow

Overview:

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) head into this clash with momentum and a solid playoff trajectory, while Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are in deep trouble, having lost five consecutive matches. A comfortable home win seems likely, but with the unpredictability of T20 cricket, there’s always room for surprises.

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Team Form & News:

Lucknow Super Giants:

Sitting in a strong position on the points table.

Mitch Marsh’s availability remains uncertain due to personal reasons.

Hinmat Singh replaced him last game, while Rishabh Pant opened the innings.

Players like Breetzke and Shahbaz Ahmed continue to wait for their chances.

Probable XI:
Markram, Pant/Breetzke, Pooran, Badoni, Miller, Samad, Shardul Thakur, Rathi, Arshad Khan, Siddharth/Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi

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Chennai Super Kings:

Their campaign is in disarray with confusion over team combinations and underwhelming performances from several experienced players.

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s absence is being felt heavily.

Pathirana is expected to return, providing a much-needed boost to their bowling.

Probable XI:
Ravindra, Devon Conway (or Pathirana), Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, MS Dhoni, Noor Ahmad, Khamboj, Khaleel Ahmed

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Pitch Report:

Lucknow has seen a mix of scores, with five 190+ first-innings totals in 17 matches. The average par score hovers around 180. While not a typical run-fest venue, power-hitters like Pooran could shift gears quickly.

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Key Insights:

LSG have shown better batting firepower, especially in terms of six-hitting ability.

CSK’s lineup lacks clarity, and several players are out of form.

Pathirana’s return could be crucial for CSK, especially in the death overs.

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Fantasy XI – LSG vs CSK

Wicketkeeper:

Nicholas Pooran – In great touch and a six-hitting machine.

Batters:

Aiden Markram – Reliable top-order anchor.

Shivam Dube – One of the few bright spots for CSK.

Badoni – Consistent and adaptable.

Ruturaj Gaikwad (If fit) or Tripathi as a budget pick.

All-rounders:

Ravindra Jadeja – Valuable for both bat and ball.

Shahbaz Ahmed (If picked) – A flexible option.

Shivam Mavi / Samad – Depending on team composition.

Bowlers:

Matheesha Pathirana – Likely impact player for CSK.

Ravi Bishnoi – Can thrive on the Lucknow pitch.

Khaleel Ahmed – Swinging it upfront, decent wicket-taker.

Captain: Nicholas Pooran

Vice-Captain: Shivam Dube / Aiden Markram

—LuCKnow super gaints