The 30th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will see the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) face off against the struggling Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Monday, April 14, at 7:30 PM IST. The match will be broadcast live on JioStar Network and streamed via the JioHotstar app and website.
Team Overviews
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Under the captaincy of Rishabh Pant, LSG have found their rhythm after a slow start. Despite Pant not being in great form with the bat, his leadership has guided Lucknow to three consecutive wins after losing two of their first three matches. Their most recent victory came against Gujarat Titans, where they successfully chased a target of 181 with three balls to spare. With consistent contributions from their batting order and a dependable bowling attack, LSG are in high spirits and will look to extend their winning run.
Nicholas Pooran has been in exceptional touch, dominating opposition bowlers with powerful hitting and consistency. Alongside him, players like Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, and Shardul Thakur have strengthened the bowling department.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
CSK, on the other hand, are facing one of their worst starts in IPL history. After a promising win against Mumbai Indians in their opening game, they have now suffered five straight defeats—something that has never happened before in their IPL journey. MS Dhoni returned to captain the side in their last match, but even his presence couldn’t turn things around as CSK were bowled out for just 103 and lost to Kolkata Knight Riders by eight wickets.
While the team has been underwhelming, Noor Ahmad has emerged as a standout performer. The Afghan spinner is the current Purple Cap holder and has been the go-to bowler for breakthroughs.
Head-to-Head Record
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Matches Played: 5
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LSG Wins: 3
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CSK Wins: 1
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No Result: 1
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First Fixture: March 31, 2022
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Most Recent Fixture: April 23, 2024
LSG hold the advantage historically and have been the better-performing side recently.
Pitch Report – Ekana Cricket Stadium
The pitch at Ekana Cricket Stadium has been balanced over the years. Out of 17 matches played, eight have been won by teams batting first and eight by chasing teams. Traditionally, the pitch offers some grip to spinners, but this season it has been slightly more batter-friendly. The team winning the toss will likely opt to bowl first, considering potential dew in the second innings.
Key Players to Watch
Nicholas Pooran (LSG) – With 349 runs in six innings at an average of 69.80 and a strike rate of 215.43, Pooran has been in breathtaking form. He has already notched up four half-centuries this season.
Noor Ahmad (CSK) – The spinner has been a rare positive for CSK with 12 wickets in six games at an average of 13.17. He remains a crucial asset in an otherwise underperforming team.
Probable Playing XIs
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG):
Rishabh Pant (c/wk), Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh, Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Akash Deep
Impact Player: Digvesh Rathi
Chennai Super Kings (CSK):
Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Dube, Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, MS Dhoni (c/wk), Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed
Impact Player: Matheesha Pathirana
Match Scenarios and Prediction
Scenario 1: LSG win the toss and bowl first
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CSK Powerplay: 40-50
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CSK Total: 150-170
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Result: LSG win
Scenario 2: CSK win the toss and bowl first
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LSG Powerplay: 50-60
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LSG Total: 170-190
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Result: LSG win
Final Verdict
LSG appear to be the stronger and more balanced side going into this contest. Their recent form, confidence, and batting firepower make them clear favorites. CSK, unless they pull off a magical performance led by Dhoni or Jadeja, are likely to continue their losing streak.
Match Prediction: Lucknow Super Giants to win.