IPL 2026: LSG vs CSK, Match 59 – Top player battles to watch out for

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will host the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in match No. 59 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday, May 15.

Rishabh Pant-led LSG lost to CSK by five wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday, May 10, to get eliminated. They are languishing at the bottom of the points table, with just three wins and eight defeats from 11 matches.

Meanwhile, the Men in Yellow are firmly in contention for a spot in the playoffs. They have six wins and five defeats from 11 matches and find themselves at No. 5. A win on Friday will help Ruturaj Gaikwad and Co. to get into the top four in the standings.

Here are the key player battles in LSG vs CSK, Match 59 of IPL 2026:

3. Urvil Patel vs Shahbaz Ahmed

Urvil Patel played a blinder of an innings in the last game, belting a 13-ball half-century. The 27-year-old has a strike rate of 234.05 after playing four matches this season. He will look to continue from where he left off in the last game.

Meanwhile, Shahbaz Ahmed has bowled cleverly in the last two matches, varying his lines and speeds well. In the last game, he did concede a four and a six against Urvil, but got the better of him with a slower delivery on a length and outside off-stump, which the right-handed batter hit straight to deep extra cover.

2. Josh Inglis vs Anshul Kamboj

It seemed like Josh Inglis was batting on a different pitch in the last game, compared to his fellow batters in the LSG side. The Aussie wicketkeeper-batter smashed 85 runs off 33 balls with the help of 10 fours and six towering sixes. He finished with a strike rate of 257.58.

Meanwhile, Anshul Kamboj has been one of the most improved bowlers this season. The right-arm seamer has picked up wickets with the new ball and also at the back end. He will look to get some swing inside the power play and foil the plans of Inglis.

1. Sanju Samson vs Mohammed Shami

Sanju Samson has blown hot and cold, but that is because of his ultra-aggressive batting approach. When he has clicked, he has looked in sublime touch. In the last match, he scored a quickfire 28 off 14 balls. This season, he has aggregated 430 runs at an average of 53.75 and a strike rate of 169.30.

Mohammed Shami has bowled well, particularly with the new ball. He has been unlucky at times, getting past the edge without finding it inside the power play. Still, he is a massive threat and someone who will keep the CSK batters on their toes.