IPL 2025: Can Nicholas Pooran outwit CSK bowlers at spin-friendly Ekana?

As Lucknow Super Giants prepare to host Chennai Super Kings in Match 30 of IPL 2025 at the Ekana Stadium, much of the spotlight will be on Nicholas Pooran and how he handles CSK’s diverse spin unit.  Check IPL 2025 LSG vs CSK LIVE SCORE UPDATES here    With the surface in Lucknow often aiding slower bowlers, CSK’s spin trio - Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Noor Ahmad, could play a pivotal role. However, Pooran’s previous encounters with these bowlers paint an intriguing picture. 

 

Pooran vs Jadeja: The Power Play Advantage? 

Pooran has had success against Ravindra Jadeja in the IPL. In 5 innings, he’s scored 46 runs at a strike rate of 164, while only being dismissed once. 

Pooran vs Jadeja in IPL
Bowler	Innings	Runs	Outs	Average	Strike Rate
Ravindra Jadeja	5	46	1	46	164

 

This matchup could be where LSG look to accelerate, especially during the middle overs, using Pooran to counter Jadeja's accuracy with brute force.

 

Pooran vs Ashwin: Cautious Calculations 

Against Ravichandran Ashwin, Pooran has played more cautiously. In 5 innings, he has scored 30 runs, also getting out once, but his strike rate drops to 107. 

Pooran vs Ashwin in IPL
Bowler	Innings	Runs	Outs	Average	Strike Rate
Ravichandran Ashwin	5	30	1	30	107

 

This suggests a tactical stalemate, Pooran is unlikely to lose his wicket easily but won’t score freely either.  Check DC vs MI LIVE SCORE UPDATES here

 

Noor Ahmad: Pooran's Kryptonite? 

The real threat lies in Noor Ahmad, the Afghan spinner whose variations have Pooran in a bind. Across T20s, Noor has dismissed Pooran twice in five innings, conceding only 13 runs. The Purple cap holder this season will be a handful for the Windies batter. 

Noor vs Pooran in T20s
Format	Innings	Runs	Outs	Average	Strike Rate
T20s Overall	5	13	2	6.5	50

  But the IPL numbers are even more brutal, 2 runs in 3 innings, out twice, strike rate 25. 

Noor vs Pooran in IPL
Format	Innings	Runs	Outs	Average	Strike Rate
IPL	3	2	2	1	25

If Pooran can survive Noor’s spell and cash in on Jadeja, LSG could be well-positioned to post or chase a strong total. However, if CSK bring in Noor early or hold him back for Pooran specifically, this could neutralize one of LSG’s most explosive finishers.

 

In a high-stakes game where spin will dictate momentum, Pooran’s battle against CSK’s slow bowlers could very well shape the match, a calculated gamble that either leads to a big LSG win or a middle-order collapse.