Chennai look to bounce back on home turf

It’s the fourth day already and IPL has surely not disappointed so far. As a viewer, we have got everything that could be asked for from massive sixes to crazy catches, from an all out batting attack to an innings of brilliance from the bowler, from the seniors showing the experience to the youngsters showing their spark and talent. We have also witnessed the weather playing the spoilsport as well, although it was only after 90 per cent of the match was completed. But the things that I have enjoyed the most is the traditional combination of bouncer-yorker from a pacer and some amazing creativity from the batsman, which both have been in abundance.

CHENNAI SUPER KINGS (CSK) vs LUCKNOW SUPER GIANTS (LSG)

• TEAM INFO: It’s time for both the supers to clash with each other and the social media can’t get enough of it. Chennai Super Kings, that have had an unfortunate start against the Gujarat Titans, would be looking to remove their wrath and frustration on the Lucknow Super Giants. Although, I don’t really believe that this is going to be anywhere close to an easy opportunity for Dhoni’s men, considering the form of Lucknow that they showed against Delhi Capitals in a one-sided affair. Although, if you talk about the past, both the teams have met on one occasion where LSG had the better of CSK by just 1 run, while CSK was chasing 211 set by LSG. Although that match was at Brabourne stadium, while this time on, LSG will be travelling to CSK’s fortress – MA Chidambaran Stadium in Chennai, where CSK’s record in unbelievable.

• Head-to-Head: Played - 1; Won by CSK- 0; Won by LSG – 1

• LSG Possible Impact player – K Gowtham was used last time, which looked like a good option and LSG would like to stick with him. Other options are Prerak Mankad, Manan Vohra, Amit Mishra, Yash Thakur or Karan Sharma possibly.

• CSK Possible Impact player – Tushar Deshpande was used against Gujarat Titans. CSK has plenty of other options and they are all defined as per situational requirement.

• Pitch Report – The pitch at Chepauk is going to favour the spinners. The captain winning the toss should opt to bowl first and anything above 160 will be a good total on this wicket.

Fan Comments

“CSK is playing at home and looks quite strong, mainly because Dhoni has some magical spinners and then Gaikwad is in red hot form. Don’t think LSG stands a chance against Chennai’s 'whistle podu'.” – Dr Makarand Jewrikar, 38, Doctor, Indian.

“No doubts on cheetah's agility, hawk's eye power and Dhoni's captaincy." -- Mohammed Altamash, 37, Sports Development Manager, Indian.

This is our very own backyard's Chennai 'whistle podu'. – Haja Hameed, Senior Estimation Engineer, 32, Indian. “Lucknow is a brilliant team and I support it wholeheartedly, but such is the domination of CSK, that even the mighty LSG feels like an underdog.” – Ahmed Khan, 55, Country Manager, Indian.

Match Prediction

Lucknow is oozing with confidence and that might just overshadow the poor form of captain KL Rahul. They posted a mighty total against Delhi on the back of Kyle Mayers, but on this doggy wicket of Chennai, there is a need of a sensible innings from KL Rahul. At the same time, it would be interesting to see, how Mayers, Stoinis, Pooran and other free flowing strikers of LSG plays the quality spin of CSK. It goes without saying that, the presence of MSD behind the stumps (with his genius mind and fast hands) is always going to put extra pressure on most batters. CSK has a lot of left-right combination and most players are brilliant players of spin and CSK has surely built the team, focusing on the crucial 7 home games, where spin will play a big role. So its going to CSK on this one!