Chennai Super Kings will be aiming to take a step closer to the IPL 2026 playoffs as they take on Lucknow Super Giants in the reverse fixture on Friday. The last time the two sides met at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, CSK secured a 5-wicket victory, led by Urvil Patel’s blazing heroics. LSG have already been eliminated from the playoffs race, which means, they will be playing for pride in this contest, and will be looking to spoil CSK’s plans of making it to the top four. However, despite injury setbacks, CSK are favourites to win the game against Rishabh Pant and co, with their batting unit having to the heavy lifting in order to compensate for a depleted bowling line-up.
LSG vs CSK details
- Match: Lucknow Super Giants vs Chennai Super Kings, Match 59, IPL 2026
- Date: Friday, May 15, 2026
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
How have LSG and CSK fared in IPL 2026?
Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad’s men are peaking at the right time. Currently sitting 5th with 12 points, they have won four of their last five matches. The inclusion of Sanju Samson (424 runs this season) has revitalized their middle order, though they face a setback with Jamie Overton being ruled out due to injury.
Lucknow Super Giants: It has been a season to forget for the Rishabh Pant-led side, who languish at the bottom of the table. Despite stellar individual performances from Mitchell Marsh (recently scored a century) and Josh Inglis, the team has struggled to close out games. However, playing at home with “nothing to lose” makes them a massive threat to CSK’s campaign.
LSG vs CSK head-to-head record (IPL 2026)
In their previous encounter just five days ago at Chepauk, CSK narrowly defeated LSG by 5 wickets in a high-scoring thriller. Josh Inglis’s explosive 85 off 33 balls wasn’t enough to stop a Samson-led chase.
What are the key battles to watch out for in LSG vs CSK?
- Mitchell Marsh vs Anshul Kamboj: Marsh is in “century form,” but Kamboj (the joint Purple Cap holder) has been lethal with the new ball, hitting hard lengths that could trouble the Aussie opener.
- Rishabh Pant vs Noor Ahmad: Pant has struggled against wrist-spin this season. CSK will likely unleash Noor Ahmad during the middle overs to exploit this weakness.
- Josh Inglis vs CSK Powerplay Bowlers: Inglis smashed 85 in the reverse fixture; his wicket will be the primary target for CSK to prevent a 200+ total.
Ekana Stadium pitch report
The Ekana surface has shed its “slow and low” reputation this season, with 5 of the last 6 innings crossing the 200-run mark. However, it still offers grip for spinners like Shahbaz Ahmed and Noor Ahmad as the match progresses. Dew is expected after 8:30 PM, making the toss crucial.
Who will win LSG vs CSK, IPL 2026 match
While LSG has the home advantage and the explosive opening duo of Marsh and Inglis, CSK are the clear favorites. CSK’s superior depth, the clinical form of Sanju Samson, and the tactical edge in their bowling department (even without Overton) give them the upper hand.
Prediction: Chennai Super Kings to win Match 59 and stay alive in the playoff race.
LSG vs CSK predicted playing XIs
LSG Probable XI: Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis (wk), Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c), Aiden Markram, Ayush Badoni, Shahbaz Ahmed, Prince Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, Mohammed Shami.
CSK Probable XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Urvil Patel, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, MS Dhoni, Prashant Veer, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Mukesh Choudhary, Zak Foulkes.
