The match 45 of IPL 2023 between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Chennai Super kings (CSK) at Lucknow’s Ekana Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, 3 May promises to be an exciting contest. Lucknow is on the third position in the points table, while Chennai is on the fourth position.
LSG, led by KL Rahul, have won five and lost four matches so far, while CSK, captained by MS Dhoni, have won five and lost four matches in their campaign. In their last match, LSG were dominated by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Meanwhile, CSK were also dominated by the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their last match.
Two highly skilled teams are set to collide in what promises to be an exciting match. With both the teams eager to secure their sixth win in the IPL 2023. Both teams have played nine matches in this season. Lucknow has won 1 game, while Chennai has won 1 game so far in the head to head encounters.
Also Read: IPL 2023 Lucknow Super Giants vs Chennai Super Kings: Weather Report for Match 45
Here are three player battles to watch out for during LSG vs CSK match:
1) Ajinkya Rahane vs Ravi Bishnoi
Ajinkya Rahane has been CSK’s unexpected X-factor in IPL 2023. After scoring a couple of 30s, he smashed a superb 71 not out off 29 balls in their match against Kolkata Knight Riders. Having found a different kind of rhythm in his batting, Rahane will be eager to continue. LSG leggie Ravi Bishnoi’s duel with Rahane could be an interesting sight. The CSK batter has had difficulties against slow bowlers in the past, but his confidence is at a different level now. It will be interesting to see how Bishnoi will find a way to stop Rahane from scoring runs.
2) Devon Conway vs Avesh Khan
CSK’s Devon Conway has been outstanding with the bat, with five fifty-plus scores in his last six innings. In their last match against Punjab Kings, he scored an unbeaten 92 off 52 balls. LSG’s Avesh Khan, on the other hand, has had an inconsistent run in the tournament so far. He was excellent in the match against Rajasthan Royals, taking three wickets for 25 runs. However, he has gone wicketless in the last two matches. It would be interesting what Avesh will do to stop Conway.
3) Kyle Mayers vs Tushar Deshpande
LSG’s opener Kyle Mayers, who has been in excellent form, was dismissed for a duck in their previous match against RCB. With KL Rahul also unavailable due to injury, LSG suffered a big loss in a chase that was within reach. Mayers has scored four fifties in nine matches at a strike rate of 158.82 in IPL 2023. On the other hand, CSK’s pacer Tushar Deshpande, who has picked up important wickets, has also been expensive. After nine matches, he has an impressive haul of 17 wickets at an average of 21.71 and an economy rate of 11.07. It would be an interesting battle to watch.