Lucknow: It’s Match 30 of IPL 2025 at Ekana, Lucknow, with LSG hosting CSK under lights (7:30 PM IST). LSG, sitting 4th with 4 wins in 6 games, look to leverage home advantage. CSK, struggling at 10th with 5 straight losses after an opening win, desperately need a turnaround. Ekana’s slow, spin-friendly pitch and LSG’s recent dominance over CSK set the stage for a gritty battle. Let’s track who holds the edge as we dive in!
Head-to-Head at Ekana:
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CSK and LSG have clashed twice at Ekana. In 2023, rain washed out their game (no result). In 2024, LSG chased 177 with 8 wickets and 6 balls to spare, thanks to KL Rahul (82 off 53) and Quinton de Kock (54 off 43).
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Overall head-to-head: LSG leads 3-1 in 5 matches, with their Ekana win showcasing their chasing prowess. Edge: LSG for their 2024 masterclass, but CSK’s hunger to snap their losing streak keeps them in the fight.
Ekana Pitch and Conditions:
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Ekana’s pitch is slower than Chepauk, with an average 1st innings score of 166 in IPL matches (14 games since 2023). Spinners take 38.86% of wickets, and teams batting first have won 7 of 14 games, though chasing sides have 6 wins.
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In 2025, Ekana has been inconsistent—slow in LSG’s last game vs. MI but batter-friendly earlier. Dew could ease chasing tonight, per Justin Langer’s pre-match comment: “Evening games here can get slippery.”
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CSK’s spin trio (Jadeja, Ashwin, Noor Ahmad) thrives on such tracks, but LSG’s Ravi Bishnoi (15 wickets in 13 Ekana games) and Krunal Pandya know these conditions better. Edge: Slight lean to LSG due to home familiarity, but CSK’s spinners could level the playing field.
Team Form Check:
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LSG: Rishabh Pant’s explosive 55 vs. KKR and Nicholas Pooran’s consistent power-hitting (89* off 46 at Ekana in 2023) give LSG batting depth. Their bowling, despite injuries, has held up, with Avesh Khan and Mohsin Khan tightening the screws. A fan on X posted: “LSG’s bowling is gelling—4 wins show they’re no fluke.”
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CSK: CSK’s batting is wobbling—61 dot balls in their last loss to KKR. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s starts (33 off 28 at Ekana in 2024) haven’t converted, and Shivam Dube struggles against spin. MS Dhoni’s 28 off 9 at Ekana last year was a spark, but can he repeat at 44? Fleming lamented: “We’re stuck in a batting rut.” Edge: LSG for better form, though CSK’s experience looms large.
Key Matchups – Early Overs:
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LSG’s Openers vs. CSK’s Pacers: Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh (LSG’s new opening pair, per ESPNcricinfo) face Khaleel Ahmed and Matheesha Pathirana. Khaleel’s swing troubled Markram in 2024 (1/22). If CSK strike early, they could expose LSG’s middle order to Jadeja.
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CSK’s Powerplay vs. Avesh Khan: CSK’s Rachin Ravindra has been shaky against short balls (6 dismissals in 2024/25). Avesh’s bounce could exploit this on Ekana’s two-paced deck. Edge: CSK if they survive the powerplay; otherwise, LSG’s bowlers take control.
Middle Overs – Spin Battle:
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LSG’s spin duo of Bishnoi and Pandya could choke CSK’s Gaikwad and Dube, who scored slowly here in 2024 (Gaikwad 33 off 28, Dube 3 off 8). Bishnoi’s 1/30 in 2024 at Ekana was tight.
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Conversely, Jadeja’s 57* off 34 at Ekana last year showed his clutch ability, and Ashwin’s variations could rattle Pant, who’s been loose against off-spin (dismissed 3 times in 2024). Edge: CSK for their world-class spinners, but LSG’s home know-how keeps it tight.
Death Overs – Firepower Clash:
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LSG’s Pooran and Stoinis are finishers par excellence. Stoinis’ 89* at Ekana (2023 vs. MI) and Pooran’s 34 off 15 at Chepauk prove their clutch credentials.
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CSK rely on Dhoni’s cameos and Pathirana’s yorkers (2/28 at Ekana in 2024). But with CSK’s middle order misfiring, they lean heavily on Dhoni magic. A local reporter tweeted: “Dhoni at Ekana gets the crowd roaring, but LSG’s batsmen look hungrier.” Edge: LSG for batting depth, unless Dhoni turns back time.
Toss and Strategy:
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Toss is crucial—teams batting first have a slight edge (50% win rate), but dew favors chasers. If LSG win and bowl, their pacers could rattle CSK early. If CSK bat first, they’ll aim for 170, trusting Jadeja-Ashwin to defend. Langer said: “We’ll back our plans regardless of toss.” Edge: Toss-dependent, but LSG’s flexibility gives them a nose ahead.
Crowd and Momentum:
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Ekana’s passionate LSG fans create a cauldron, unlike Chepauk’s yellow sea. In 2024, the crowd lifted LSG during their 134-run opening stand. CSK, however, draw love for Dhoni even away—a 2024 PTI photo captured thousands cheering his entry.
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LSG’s 4-2 record vs. CSK’s 1-5 swings momentum their way. Edge: LSG for home support and confidence, but CSK’s never-say-die spirit persists.
Current Edge (Pre-Game): As we head into the match, LSG hold a 60-40 edge at Ekana. Their 2024 chase, strong batting, and Bishnoi’s home record outweigh CSK’s spin advantage and Dhoni factor. But CSK’s pedigree—5 IPL titles—and Jadeja’s all-round threat mean they’re not out yet. If CSK fix their powerplay woes, they could flip the script. Stay tuned—this one’s going down to the wire!
