IPL 2026: LSG vs CSK Match 59 – Who will be Impact Players for today’s match?

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set to play their second consecutive game against each other when they take the field at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana International Cricket Stadium on Friday, May 15, in Match 59 of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). 

Both sides played against one another just four days ago at Chepauk, where the five-time champions secured a dramatic five-wicket victory in the last over to keep themselves in with a chance of qualifying for the playoffs. CSK are currently fifth in the standings with 12 points to their name from 11 matches.

The Super Kings opted to use Prashant Veer as their Impact Sub in their last game, who hit two sixes towards the end to help his side cross over the line. LSG, meanwhile, called Avesh Khan off the bench, who took one wicket but conceded 44 runs from his four overs. 

Predicted Impact Players for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG):

Avesh Khan: One of the few fast bowlers on LSG’s bench, Avesh Khan has six wickets to his name this season at a slightly higher economy rate of 11.06.

Mayank Yadav: Renowned for his raw pace, Mayank Yadav played just two matches this season and went wicketless in both outings.

Abdul Samad: A batting option on the bench, Abdul Samad has played just five games this season, scoring just 72 runs at a strike-rate of 110.76.

Manimaran Siddharth: A spin-bowling option, Manimaran Siddharth has taken six wickets in this season’s IPL from four matches.

Mukul Choudhary: The 21-year-old batter has played eight games this season, scoring 156 runs at an average of 31.20, whilst striking at 145.79.

Predicted Impact Players for Chennai Super Kings (CSK):

Prashant Veer: Following his positive impact in the last game, CSK could once again call Prashant Veer as their Impact Sub if they happen to chase on Friday.

Sarfaraz Khan: Yet another batting option at their disposal, Sarfaraz Khan is an aggressive option, striking at 169.47 in this season’s IPL. He has, however, not played since the end of April.

Matthew Short: With Jamie Overton out injured, Matthew Short can be utilised as the overseas all-rounder. He has played just twice all season. 

Shreyas Gopal: Shreyas Gopal has not played a game in the IPL this season. The 32-year-old, however, is an excellent spin-bowling option to call upon on a slow Ekana wicket. 

Akash Madhwal: Signed as an injury replacement, Akash Madhwal has 23 IPL wickets to his name from three seasons and is a fast-bowling option for CSK.

Expert Opinion and Final Prediction

• Home Advantage: LSG do not have the best home record this season. In five games played at the Ekana Stadium, they have won just once. 
• Recent Form: The two sides have won three matches each against one another from seven previous meetings.
• Balanced Side: CSK have a slightly more balanced side in this year’s IPL. The five-time champions, however, have lost Jamie Overton at a very crucial time of the season. 
• Prediction: With these factors in their favour, expect a tight game with the Chennai Super Kings coming out on top in Lucknow.