![LSG elect to bowl vs CSK [Source: Screengrab/JioHotstar]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1778852282740_LSGelectstobowlvsCSK.jpg?type=hq)
LSG elect to bowl vs CSK [Source: Screengrab/JioHotstar]
It has been a horrendous IPL 2026 for the Rishabh Pant-led LSG side, as the side became the first franchise to be eliminated from the playoff race. On Friday evening, the Lucknow-based franchise will aim to salvage its pride as they collide against the Chennai Super Kings at the Ekana Cricket Stadium.
LSG sits in tenth position, with 3 wins out of 11 matches, and the best they can now do is spoil CSK’s playoff party. The Lucknow side has nothing to lose, and the team should try to play a fearless brand of cricket in front of their home fans.
On the other hand, CSK is placed fifth on the points table, and the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side has a solid chance to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs. The side has won 6 out of 11 matches, and if they beat LSG, the franchise will enter the top four and will displace PBKS.
LSG Vs CSK Toss Update
LSG won the toss and captain Rishabh Pant made a surprising call to bowl first. The franchise has done well while batting first, and hence, the decision came in as a surprise. The LSG skipper has made a couple of key changes, with Abdul Samad, and Mukul Choudhary in the impact player list.
On the other hand, Gaikwad was happy to bat first, and the CSK captain revealed two important changes, with Aussie pacer, Spencer Johnson making his IPL debut, and Gurjapneet Singh back in the playing XI.
Also Read: Playoff-Hungry CSK Face LSG’s Fast-Bowling Barrage In Lucknow
LSG Vs CSK Playing XIs
Lucknow Super Giants Playing XI: Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant (c and wk), Akshat Raghuwanshi, Mukul Choudhary, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohammed Shami, Akash Singh, Prince Yadav
Chennai Super Kings Playing XI: Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Urvil Patel, Kartik Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Spencer Johnson, Mukesh Choudhary
LSG Vs CSK: What the captains had to say
Rishabh Pant: "[What are LSG doing?] We will look to bowl first.
[Why LSG are bowling first?] See, the wicket is looking a little bit tacky. Didn't want to go out there and bat ourselves.
See, as a team, we definitely have a lot to achieve. That is something we are trying to do. Akash Singh is playing tonight. His first game of the season. We are a team that runs on trust. We are trying a few things for the next season and giving our 200%.
Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings Captain): "[How does he handle the expectations] It is a privilege to have, always a privilege to wear this Yellow jersey. Privilege to be here.
[On setting a score] This is the kind of venue where you have to bat well and bowl well as well. Batting first, we need to put up a good score. Looks like there's a bit of moisture. If we score 170-180, it will be a good total to defend.
[On dealing with injuries in the squad] It is tough. You have to keep changing a lot. Once you find momentum and once you find the squad, you want to keep going. But it is something we can't control. But it also gives an opportunity for others who want to represent CSK
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