India, May 15 -- Chennai Super Kings have landed themselves in serious trouble in the playoff race after a heavy defeat to Lucknow Super Giants on Friday night. CSK's bowling attack struggled throughout the chase and failed to apply any sustained pressure as LSG openers Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis dominated from the outset. The pair added a massive 135-run partnership that effectively took the game away from Chennai in the pursuit of 188. Marsh led the charge with an aggressive knock, while Inglis played the perfect supporting role to keep the scoring rate under control.

CSK did manage to spark brief hope with three quick wickets in the later stages, but by then the damage had already been done, and the middle order was left with a st...