Lucknow

Former India coach and commentator Ravi Shastri believes Chennai Super Kings would have taken valuable lessons from their disappointing defeat against Lucknow Super Giants, and backed the five-time champions to respond strongly in their remaining league fixtures to stay in contention for a playoff berth.

CSK’s campaign suffered a significant setback after Lucknow comfortably chased down a target of 188, winning by seven wickets and pushing the Chennai side into a must-win scenario as the league stage approaches its conclusion.

Sharing his assessment on JioHotstar, Shastri said there were still plenty of positives for Chennai despite the loss.

He noted that the pitch was not the easiest for batting, yet CSK managed to post a competitive total of 187 after opting to bat first.

Shastri pointed out that key batters such as Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad did not make substantial contributions, suggesting that if the senior players regain rhythm in the upcoming matches, Chennai’s batting unit could become significantly stronger.

He also said the match would help the bowling group better understand the lengths and variations required in unfamiliar conditions.

According to Shastri, CSK traditionally understand home conditions exceptionally well and would benefit from the experience when they return to familiar surfaces.

He described the defeat as an “off day” rather than a major setback, adding that it offered the team important tactical insights heading into the final phase of the tournament.

One of the talking points of the match was the expensive spell from young pacer Anshul Kamboj, who conceded 63 runs in just 2.4 overs as Chennai struggled to contain Lucknow’s aggressive batting lineup.

Shastri felt the youngster could have adapted better after coming under pressure, particularly against Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who punished him with four sixes.

The former India captain said Kamboj should have switched to yorkers aimed at the base of the stumps rather than continuing with deliveries in Marsh’s preferred hitting zone.

He also suggested that if short balls were part of the plan, they needed to be directed outside off stump and closer to head height, supported by smarter field placements.

Shastri explained that anything around chest or waist height would naturally suit a batter like Marsh, who has grown up playing on fast, bouncy pitches in Perth.

Despite the punishment, Shastri believes the spell could become an important learning experience for the young fast bowler.

He said players often grow the most from difficult outings and that such experiences help shape better decision-making under pressure.

Turning his attention to the playoff race, Shastri also backed Gujarat Titans to maintain their momentum in the crucial clash against Kolkata Knight Riders.

He said the side led by Shubman Gill possesses the balance and depth to perform in any conditions, making them one of the strongest contenders this season.

Shastri added that Gujarat’s immediate focus would be securing a top-two finish, which would provide them with two opportunities to reach the final.

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He noted that with the tournament finale scheduled in Ahmedabad, the Titans would be highly motivated to finish near the top and maximise their advantage heading into the knockout stage.