Players of Lucknow Super Giants and Chennai Super Kings observed a minute’s silence and wore black armbands ahead of their IPL 2026 match at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday in memory of those who lost their lives in recent storms across Uttar Pradesh.
“In solidarity and remembrance. Today, we stand together in grief and remembrance, honouring the lives lost in the storms in Uttar Pradesh,” CSK posted on X before the match.
LSG captain Rishabh Pant won the toss and elected to bowl first against CSK.
A win for CSK would move them into the top four of the points table and strengthen their playoff hopes. LSG are already out of contention and are playing for pride in their remaining matches.
LSG made three changes to their playing XI, bringing in Akash Singh, Abdul Samad and Mukul Choudhary.
Speaking at the toss, Pant said the pitch looked “a little tacky” and added that the side was testing combinations for next season while continuing to compete strongly.
“We are trying a few things for next season for sure and looking to give our 200% regardless of anything,” Pant said.
CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad confirmed that Spencer Johnson would make his debut for the franchise in place of injured Jamie Overton, while Gurjapneet Singh replaced Akeal Hosein during the bowling innings.
“It is a privilege to wear the yellow jersey,” Gaikwad said. “There is a bit of moisture to start, but if we bat well and get to 170-180, it could be a challenging total.”
