LSG vs CSK: What to Expect from Ekana Stadium Pitch in IPL 2025 Match

The stage is set for a thrilling clash between Lucknow Super Giants and Chennai Super Kings at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. As captains Rishabh Pant and MS Dhoni face off, both teams are eyeing a crucial win. Lucknow can take the top spot in the points table with a victory, while Chennai is desperate to break its five-match losing streak and keep its playoff hopes alive.

Rishabh Pant’s team bounced back strongly after a shaky start to the season. Nicholas Pooran is in top form, currently holding the Orange Cap, while Pant himself is still waiting for a big score. With Mitchell Marsh returning to the playing XI, Lucknow’s batting lineup looks formidable. The team’s bowling unit, featuring Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, and Yash Thakur, has been impressive.

Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, is struggling to find its footing. The team has lost five consecutive matches and sits at the bottom of the points table with just one win in six matches. MS Dhoni took over as captain after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury, and the team will be looking to turn its fortunes around.

Ekana Stadium: A Challenging Venue

The Ekana Stadium has hosted several high-scoring matches in the past. Some key stats from previous IPL matches at the venue include:

• 17 matches played
• 8 wins for the team batting first
• 8 wins for the team batting second
• 10 instances of teams scoring 150+
• 6 instances of teams scoring 200+
• 235/6, the highest score at the venue (KKR vs LSG in 2024)
• 89, the highest individual score at the venue (Marcus Stoinis vs MI)
• 5/14, the best bowling figures at the venue (Mark Wood vs DC)

The mixed soil pitch at Ekana is expected to offer a balanced contest between bat and ball. The presence of grass will aid fast bowlers, while the spin-friendly nature of the pitch will pose challenges for batsmen. A score of 190 or more could be a good benchmark for the team batting first. The decision to bat or bowl first will depend on the toss and the presence of dew.

Weather Conditions

Lucknow’s weather is expected to be pleasant during the match, with a temperature of around 28 degrees Celsius and humidity at 55%. Winds will be blowing at a moderate 8 km/h, and there is no chance of rain. The weather conditions are unlikely to impact the game.