IPL 2025: CSK Face Do-or-Die Clash Against Rampant LSG in Lucknow

Chennai Super Kings (CSK), reeling from an unprecedented five-game losing streak, face a must-win IPL battle against a buoyant Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Monday.

CSK’s batting woes, exposed by three straight home defeats at Chepauk, have pushed them to the brink, with the absence of star batter Ruturaj Gaikwad deepening the crisis. Even MS Dhoni’s return as captain couldn’t spark a turnaround in their last outing.

CSK’s openers, Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway, struggle to provide explosive starts, while Rahul Tripathi, replacing Gaikwad, faces pressure to deliver. Shivam Dube’s power-hitting needs support, but Dhoni’s shifting batting slot—down to No. 9 recently—complicates matters. Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round impact remains underutilized as CSK grapple with a lack of firepower, a point Dhoni himself admitted, noting even 60 powerplay runs feels ambitious.

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LSG, chasing a fourth consecutive win, have found rhythm. Their bowlers, led by Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, and Shardul Thakur, stifled Gujarat Titans recently, while Nicholas Pooran’s clean striking thrives on Lucknow’s batting-friendly pitch. Rishabh Pant’s brief stint as opener showed promise, but Mitchell Marsh’s return poses a selection dilemma.

CSK’s Mike Hussey insists the team won’t abandon their style, banking on their veterans to rally. For LSG, consistency is key to cementing their playoff push.

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