Despite being written off after their first game, CSK is set to be a serious threat at Chepauk, where they are favorites to win every game. The pitches at Chepauk offer nothing for the seamers, giving CSK's strong and deep batting lineup an advantage over teams with better pacers. Their spin choke will be even more potent with the return of Theekshana, as other teams generally lack as many spinners as CSK. Winning 5-6 out of 7 games at Chepauk could give them a good chance of qualifying, as long as they also secure a couple of away wins.
Despite initial reservations about Rayadu, Dube, and Tushar being in the playing xi, they proved to be valuable assets in the recent match. Dube initially wasted a few balls but then hit 3 sixes and a four in quick succession, while Rayadu came out with full intent and ended up with almost a 200 strike rate. Tushar initially conceded 18 runs in his first over but made a comeback in the 16th, 18th, and 20th overs, securing 2 wickets and conceding only 27 runs, 10 of which were in his last 2 balls when the match was already in the bag. This shows that there may be a method to the madness in backing players like them.
However, the LSG management is criticized for their decisions, such as Hooda and Krunal batting above Pooran and Badoni being placed at 7 despite being a proper bat. Dekock should replace Stoinis. KL is also criticized as being a selfish and overhyped player who has not played a match-winning knock under pressure for India or his franchise. Finally, Chahar is no longer a strike bowler and was never a death bowler, making CSK's win at home an excellent achievement.
image source -https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/sports/ipl-2023/story/ipl-2023-ms-dhoni-csk-vs-lsg-moeen-ali-mark-wood-sixes-2355533-2023-04-04
