Chennai Super Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants: MS Dhoni’s return to captaincy duties in IPL 2025 has evoked a sense of nostalgia—but not the kind CSK fans hoped for. The five-time champions, known for their consistency and resilience under Dhoni’s leadership, are now in uncharted waters. Once again, the Chennai Super Kings resemble what Dhoni had described back in 2020—a “ship full of holes”—only this time, the damage seems deeper.
As CSK prepare to face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 14, 2025, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, the sense of urgency is unmistakable. With just a handful of wins and glaring issues in the batting department, CSK must find answers—fast.
Dhoni’s Dwindling Magic and CSK’s Sinking Form
CSK’s campaign has been marred by a lack of intent at the top, a fragile middle order, and lapses in fielding. In their recent crushing home loss to KKR, they played a staggering 61 dot balls, matching the number of deliveries KKR took to chase their modest target. It wasn’t just a defeat—it was a wake-up call.
Coach Stephen Fleming’s recent comments only confirmed the obvious: Dhoni has no “magic wand” this time. The team is stuck in a batting quicksand and unless there’s a turnaround soon, they risk sinking even further in the standings.
Adding to their woes, the team has been guilty of dropping 13 catches and missing 9 run-outs so far this season—an uncharacteristic lapse from a side known for its discipline.
LSG in Cruise Control
In contrast, Lucknow Super Giants are cruising comfortably. With three wins out of four at home, they look well settled. Their batting has been powered by Nicholas Pooran, the tournament’s most prolific six-hitter. Backed by top-order stars like Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, and Rishabh Pant, LSG are riding a wave of confidence.
Pant may not be at his explosive best yet, but with his top three firing and the bowling slowly finding rhythm, LSG are eyeing the summit of the points table. A win over CSK on Monday could propel them to the top four or beyond, capitalizing on their opposition’s turmoil.
CSK vs LSG Pitch and Conditions
LSG will take on CSK on Pitch No. 5, a mixed soil surface offering even square boundaries. After using red soil for PBKS and black soil for MI and GT, this pitch brings its own uncertainties.
On Sunday, CSK’s training session was interrupted by a sudden windstorm, forcing ground staff to cover the pitch. Though the rain stayed away, the event was symbolic—turbulence seems to follow CSK this season. The good news: there’s no rain forecast on match day.
CSK vs LSG Key Tactical Battles & Player Watch
- Rachin Ravindra has struggled against short-pitched deliveries, getting out 6 times to short balls in 74 deliveries across IPL 2024 and 2025. Expect LSG’s pacers to pepper him with bouncers early.
- Matheesha Pathirana, if deployed, could be CSK’s trump card. He has dismissed Pooran four times in 25 T20 balls, giving away only 25 runs.
- Ravichandran Ashwin could also be key against Pooran, despite the latter’s brutal form against spin in IPL 2025 (strike rate of 272.46). Ashwin has managed to keep him in check in the past—3 dismissals in 43 balls conceding only 40 runs.
CSK vs LSG Team News and Probable XI
Lucknow Super Giants
- Unavailable: Mitchell Marsh missed the previous game due to his daughter’s illness but is expected to return.
- Tactics: Go short against Ravindra, bowl tight at the death.
- Probable XII: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (C), Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, Digvesh Rathi, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi
Chennai Super Kings
- Injury Update: Shivam Dube suffered from cramps in the last game but is fit and trained without discomfort.
- Tactics: Use Pathirana and Ashwin wisely, revive the top order.
- Probable XII: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Dube, Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (C), Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana
CSK vs LSG Head-to-Head
- Matches Played: 5
- LSG Wins: 3
- CSK Wins: 1
- No Result: 1
All four completed games have been high-scoring thrillers, and fans will be hoping for another entertaining clash on Monday night.
CSK vs LSG Live Streaming & Broadcast Info
TV: Star Sports Network (Select channels with Hindi, English, regional language options)
Live Streaming: JioCinema (free in India across all languages and devices)
While LSG look to consolidate their place at the top, CSK are battling for survival. A loss here could spell deeper trouble for Dhoni and Co., who must now rely not on nostalgia or legacy—but on bold, tactical, and fearless cricket.
