CSK Take On LSG’s Red-Hot Pace In Intense IPL Playoffs Hunt

CSK vs LSG Stats Preview. [Source - AP]CSK enter Sunday’s clash in a strong position to remain in the IPL 2026 playoff race. Every point counts as they look to stay alive, while LSG, on the edge of elimination, rely on their in-form pace attack.LSG’s fast bowlers have troubled nearly every opposition this season, making them a real threat. CSK must bat carefully and execute their plans perfectly to handle the pace and keep their playoff hopes alive in this high-stakes encounter.CSK vs LSG Match 53- PreviewCSK and LSG are locking horns against each other in Match 53 of IPL 2026 on Sunday, May 10th. The thrilling encounter will take place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai and will start from 3:30 PM IST.CSK had a shaky start to IPL 2026, losing three of their first five games, but bounced back with crucial wins since. Sitting 6th with 10 points from 10 matches, CSK aims to maintain momentum and stay alive in the playoffs race.LSG, on the other hand, is struggling at the bottom with only three wins from 10 games. Needing victories in all remaining matches to stay in playoff contention, LSG faces a must-win challenge against a confident CSK side.LSG’s Formidable Pace Attack Gets Batting BoostLSG have dominated with the ball this season, but their batting has struggled. However, the recent 200+ scores, highlighted by Nicholas Pooran’s explosive 21-ball 63 against Mumbai Indians and Mitchell Marsh’s century in their last win, provide a much-needed late-season boost.LSG’s pace attack remains one of the tournament’s best. Mohammed Shami and Prince Yadav have seven Powerplay wickets each, conceding under eight runs per over. Their ability to strike early can trouble CSK’s top order, which lost three Powerplay wickets in the last home day game.With their batting form improving and a lethal new-ball attack, LSG remains dangerous despite playoff elimination looming. If their pacers strike early and top-order batsmen fire, they can challenge CSK and hurt them massively in what will be a high-stakes, thrilling encounter.Also Read: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Sets New All-Time T20 RecordCSK Must Exploit LSG’s Spin WeaknessCSK will look to target LSG’s weakness against spin this season. Noor Ahmad and Akeal Hosein are their key assets, capable of taking early wickets and applying pressure. Hosein will even bowl the new ball, boasting an impressive 6.44 economy.LSG have struggled against spin, scoring at just 7.95 runs per over and averaging 26.4. They have lost 22 wickets to spin, the joint most by any team this season, making them vulnerable, especially against disciplined left-arm orthodox spinners like Hosein.Against left-arm spin, LSG’s numbers are worse. They average just 18.4 with a strike-rate of 122.4, which drops to 118.75 in the powerplay. CSK’s spinners, backed by a solid pace attack led by Anshul Kamboj, can exploit these weaknesses.Key StatsCSK key statsSanju Samson is averaging 57.42 with 402 runs at 167.50 for CSK in IPL 2026.Sanju Samson has 200 runs at 66.66 average against LSG in IPL.Ruturaj Gaikwad has one century and a half-century in 4 innings against LSG till date.However, Ruturaj Gaikwad strike-rate comes down to 123.68 when its an afternoon match in Chennai.No team has suffered as many wickets as CSK inside powerplay after first ten games - 21 dismissals.Jamie Overton has taken 11 wickets for CSK this season at 13 strike-rate.Anshul Kamboj has been CSK's best bowler at home this season - 10 wickets, 15.8 average and 11.2 strike-rate.LSG key statsLSG lead head-to-head record against CSK by 3-2.Prince Yadav has taken a wicket every 12th ball inside powerplay this season.Nicholas Pooran is back at number 3 where he has 567 runs at 206.18 strike-rate since IPL 2025.Mohsin Khan has 8 wickets at 11.2 strike-rate in afternoon matches in IPL.M Siddharth has been LSG's second best bowler in away games this season - 6 wickets at 15 strike-rate.LSG's pace bowling economy jumps from 8.05 at home to 9.92 away from home this season.Mitchell Marsh, centurion from LSG's last win, has an average of 15.16 and a strike-rate of 113.75 against CSK.Possible ChangesWill Mohsin Khan play in CSK vs LSG?There are no updates on Mohsin Khan, who was sidelined due to injury concerns in the match against RCB. Therefore, a similar LSG playing XI is expected against CSK in Chennai.Will MS Dhoni play against LSG?The MS Dhoni wait continues for CSK as they are set to field the same playing XI from their previous game, against LSG now.What To Expect?LSG’s batting has returned to form, with recent performances showing their destructive potential. Nicholas Pooran will be crucial to counter CSK’s spin threat.CSK’s spin duo remains their biggest weapon against LSG’s vulnerability against spin. While CSK struggled in their last home day game, losing six of seven wickets to pacers, the expected wicket this time likely to offer more balance and slight help for the new ball.Post-powerplay, LSG have clear weaknesses, with only Prince Yadav consistently contributing. If CSK’s bowlers exploit this period and combine disciplined spin with their pace attack, they should be able to keep LSG’s scoring in check and win the game.Also Read: Rajasthan Royals Qualification Scenario For IPL 2026 Playoffs After Defeat Vs Gujarat Titans