IPL 2026: Lucknow Super Giants’ strongest predicted XI against Chennai Super Kings

The Lucknow Super Giants head to the Chepauk to take on the Chennai Super Kings in Match 53 of the 2026 Indian Premier League.

The Super Ginats sit at the foot of the table with just three wins in ten matches. They will need a miracle to break into the playoffs, but they will be looking to win their remaining games to finish the season on a high note. They beat the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, in a game shortened to 19 overs, their first win of the season at the Ekana Stadium.

Here is the strongest predicted XI for LSG in Match 52:

Top order: Mitchell Marsh, Arshin Kulkarni, Nicholas Pooran,

Mitchell Marsh finally got off the mark in the 2026 season with his second century in the IPL. The Aussie opener has got starts throughout the season, but has failed to convert them into legitimate big scores at the top of the order. The defending champions felt Marsh’s full wrath as he smoked nine fours and nine monstrous maximums in his knock of 111. Arshin Kulkarni is expected to keep his place at the top of the order, with there yet to be any updates on Josh Inglis, who sustained a finger injury while fielding against the Mumbai Indians.

Nicholas Pooran returned to number 3 at the Wankhede Stadium and roared back into form. He scored a 21-ball 63 with eight huge sixes as he looked his dangerous best. He scored a 23-ball 38 against RCB, which added vital runs in the middle order. 

Middle order: Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant (capt & wk), Akshat Raghuwanshi, Himmat Singh (Impact),

Aiden Markram had a successful season at the top of the order in 2025, but 2026 has seen him play his trade in the middle order. He has not had a season by his lofty standards, but has made vital contributions with the bat. His minimal role has seen him score 225 runs in 10 matches, a tally unaccustomed of a player of his calibre.

Rishabh Pant scored a blistering 10-ball 32 against the defending champions while coming in as a back-end hitter. He looked at his fluent best, taking the RCB bowlers all around the park. This begs the question of whether a back-end hitter role is the best for him.  Akshat Raghuwanshi and Himmat Singh add the numbers to the LSG batting lineup in the back end. Himmat scored a 31-ball 40 against MI.

Lower order: Shahbaz Ahmed, Digvesh Rathi, Mohammed Shami, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav

Shahbaz Ahmed bowled with great control against RCB, picking up the wickets of the dangerous Rajat Patidar and Tim David, which pulled LSG back into their game. Digvesh Rathi defended 20 runs off the final over against the dangerous Romario Shepherd and Krunal Pandya. Mohammed Shami has been LSG’s main strike-bowler in the powerplay, but has seen his form wane over the last few games.

Prince Yadav has been the pick of the bowlers for LSG, picking up 16 wickets across the season. His three wickets helped rein in the momentum that RCB had throughout the innings. Mayank Yadav made his much-anticipated return against RCB, bowling rockets, but was unable to pick up any wickets.

Predicted XI for LSG vs CSK in Match 53, IPL 2026:

Mitchell Marsh, Arshin Kulkarni, Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant (capt & wk), Akshat Raghuwanshi, Shahbaz Ahmed, Digvesh Rathi, Mohammed Shami, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav

Impact Player: Himmat Singh