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LSG vs DC IPL 2025: Match Preview and Grand League Team Tips

Posted on April 22, 2025Welcome, cricket fans, to another thrilling IPL 2025 clash! Today, April 22, 2025, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) take on the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 40th match of the season at the iconic Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The action kicks off at 2:00 PM IST (1:30 AM PDT for our international readers). Whether you’re a die-hard IPL follower or a fantasy cricket enthusiast looking to dominate your Grand League (GL) contests, this blog has you covered with a detailed match preview and expert tips for building a winning GL team. Let’s dive in!

Match Overview: LSG vs DC

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, also known as TATA IPL 18, is in full swing, with 10 teams battling across 74 matches from March 22 to May 25, 2025. Today’s encounter at Ekana Stadium promises fireworks as LSG, led by the dynamic Rishabh Pant, face off against a resurgent DC side captained by Axar Patel. Both teams are coming off contrasting runs of form, making this a must-watch game.This match carries extra intrigue due to KL Rahul’s move from LSG to DC and Pant’s record-breaking ₹27 crore transfer to LSG, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. Their last meeting on March 24, 2025, saw DC chase down a mammoth 210 runs in a thrilling one-wicket victory, thanks to Ashutosh Sharma’s explosive 66 off 31 balls. Will LSG get their revenge at home, or can DC continue their dominance? Let’s break it down.

Team AnalysisLucknow Super Giants (LSG)

.Form Guide:

 LSG has been in top form, winning 5 of their last 7 matches (WLWWW), sitting comfortably at No. 5 with 10 points. Their recent victories showcase their ability to close out tight games.

.Key Players: Rishabh Pant, the new captain, has scored 106 runs in 7 innings and is still finding his groove. Abdul Samad has been a revelation, smashing 111 runs at a strike rate of 222, including four sixes in their last outing against Rajasthan Royals. Nicholas Pooran (strike rate 205.58) is a game-changer, though he struggles against DC’s Kuldeep Yadav (74 runs off 70 balls, dismissed 5 times).

.Bowling Strength: Ravi Bishnoi and Shardul Thakur lead the attack, while Digvesh Rathi has been impressive with 9 wickets at an average of 26.44. The potential return of pace sensation Mayank Yadav could tilt the scales in LSG’s favor.

.Probable XI: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant (capt & wk), David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav/Mayank Yadav, Digvesh Rathi, Avesh Khan.Delhi Capitals (DC)Form Guide: DC has had a mixed season, winning 5 of 7 games (LWLWW) but losing their last two, signaling a need for a turnaround. Axar Patel has taken over as captain following Pant’s departure.Key Players: KL Rahul, now with DC, will be eager to prove a point against his former team. Mitchell Starc has been a standout bowler, picking up 8 wickets in 2 games with an economy of 10.68, including a match-defining performance in a Super Over win. Kuldeep Yadav (99 IPL wickets) remains a key spinner, especially against Pooran. Tristan Stubbs (588 runs at 42) and Ashutosh Sharma (325 runs at 32.50) add batting depth.Team News: Faf du Plessis is recovering but his inclusion is uncertain, with Donovan Ferreira or Sameer Rizvi as potential replacements. DC’s opening struggles (average first-wicket stand of 21.28, lowest in IPL 2025) could be a concern.Probable XI: Abishek Porel, Faf du Plessis/Donovan Ferreira/Sameer Rizvi, Karun Nair, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel (capt), Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar.Pitch and ConditionsThe Ekana Stadium’s red-soil pitch has been a topic of discussion, with LSG previously losing to Punjab Kings on a similar surface, prompting frustration from bowling coach Zaheer Khan. Expect a pitch that aids spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi, with pacers like Starc and Thakur likely to find some early movement. LSG’s home advantage could play a role, but DC’s experience chasing big totals (like their 210-run chase against LSG) makes this a toss-up. Keep an eye on the dew factor, which could favor the team batting second.Head-to-Head and Key StatsHead-to-Head: LSG won the first three encounters, but DC has taken the last three, including their dramatic win in March 2025. That 210-run chase was DC’s highest successful chase in IPL history and the first time a 200-plus target was chased against LSG.

Key Matchups:Nicholas Pooran vs Kuldeep Yadav: Pooran has scored 74 runs off 70 balls against Kuldeep, dismissed 5 times.Digvesh Rathi (LSG, 9 wickets) vs Vipraj Nigam (DC, 7 wickets): A fan poll on ESPNcricinfo (2.4K votes) favors Rathi to outshine Nigam.DC’s top 7 batsmen have a strike rate of ≥147 against Gujarat Titans, showing their aggressive intent.Stat Nugget: DC’s average first-wicket stand (21.28) is the lowest in IPL 2025, highlighting their opening woes.Grand League (GL) Team TipsFor fantasy cricket players aiming to win big in Grand League contests, here’s how to craft a winning team:Captain/Vice-Captain Picks:Rishabh Pant (LSG): As captain and wicketkeeper, Pant is likely to shine on his home pitch, making him a safe captaincy choice (106 runs in 7 innings).KL Rahul (DC): Motivated to perform against LSG, Rahul’s consistency (4949 runs at 45.82) makes him a top vice-captain pick.Mitchell Starc (DC): With 8 wickets in 2 games, Starc is a differential captaincy option for his ability to deliver in crunch moments.Must-Have LSG vs DC IPL 2025: Match Preview and Grand League Team TipsPosted on April 22, 2025Welcome, cricket fans, to another thrilling IPL 2025 clash! Today, April 22, 2025, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) take on the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 40th match of the season at the iconic Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The action kicks off at 2:00 PM IST (1:30 AM PDT for our international readers). Whether you’re a die-hard IPL follower or a fantasy cricket enthusiast looking to dominate your Grand League (GL) contests, this blog has you covered with a detailed match preview and expert tips for building a winning GL team. Let’s dive in!Match Overview: LSG vs DCThe Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, also known as TATA IPL 18, is in full swing, with 10 teams battling across 74 matches from March 22 to May 25, 2025. Today’s encounter at Ekana Stadium promises fireworks as LSG, led by the dynamic Rishabh Pant, face off against a resurgent DC side captained by Axar Patel. Both teams are coming off contrasting runs of form, making this a must-watch game.This match carries extra intrigue due to KL Rahul’s move from LSG to DC and Pant’s record-breaking ₹27 crore transfer to LSG, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. Their last meeting on March 24, 2025, saw DC chase down a mammoth 210 runs in a thrilling one-wicket victory, thanks to Ashutosh Sharma’s explosive 66 off 31 balls. Will LSG get their revenge at home, or can DC continue their dominance? Let’s break it down.Team AnalysisLucknow Super Giants (LSG)Form Guide: LSG has been in top form, winning 5 of their last 7 matches (WLWWW), sitting comfortably at No. 5 with 10 points. Their recent victories showcase their ability to close out tight games.

Key Players:

 Rishabh Pant, the new captain, has scored 106 runs in 7 innings and is still finding his groove. Abdul Samad has been a revelation, smashing 111 runs at a strike rate of 222, including four sixes in their last outing against Rajasthan Royals. Nicholas Pooran (strike rate 205.58) is a game-changer, though he struggles against DC’s Kuldeep Yadav (74 runs off 70 balls, dismissed 5 times).Bowling Strength: Ravi Bishnoi and Shardul Thakur lead the attack, while Digvesh Rathi has been impressive with 9 wickets at an average of 26.44. The potential return of pace sensation Mayank Yadav could tilt the scales in LSG’s favor.Probable XI: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant (capt & wk), David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav/Mayank Yadav, Digvesh Rathi, Avesh Khan.Delhi Capitals (DC)Form Guide: DC has had a mixed season, winning 5 of 7 games (LWLWW) but losing their last two, signaling a need for a turnaround. Axar Patel has taken over as captain following Pant’s departure.Key Players: KL Rahul, now with DC, will be eager to prove a point against his former team. Mitchell Starc has been a standout bowler, picking up 8 wickets in 2 games with an economy of 10.68, including a match-defining performance in a Super Over win. Kuldeep Yadav (99 IPL wickets) remains a key spinner, especially against Pooran. Tristan Stubbs (588 runs at 42) and Ashutosh Sharma (325 runs at 32.50) add batting depth.Team News: Faf du Plessis is recovering but his inclusion is uncertain, with Donovan Ferreira or Sameer Rizvi as potential replacements. DC’s opening struggles (average first-wicket stand of 21.28, lowest in IPL 2025) could be a concern.Probable XI: Abishek Porel, Faf du Plessis/Donovan Ferreira/Sameer Rizvi, Karun Nair, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel (capt), Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar.Pitch and ConditionsThe Ekana Stadium’s red-soil pitch has been a topic of discussion, with LSG previously losing to Punjab Kings on a similar surface, prompting frustration from bowling coach Zaheer Khan. Expect a pitch that aids spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi, with pacers like Starc and Thakur likely to find some early movement. LSG’s home advantage could play a role, but DC’s experience chasing big totals (like their 210-run chase against LSG) makes this a toss-up. Keep an eye on the dew factor, which could favor the team batting second.Head-to-Head and Key StatsHead-to-Head: LSG won the first three encounters, but DC has taken the last three, including their dramatic win in March 2025. That 210-run chase was DC’s highest successful chase in IPL history and the first time a 200-plus target was chased against LSG.

Key Matchups:Nicholas Pooran vs Kuldeep Yadav: Pooran has scored 74 runs off 70 balls against Kuldeep, dismissed 5 times.Digvesh Rathi (LSG, 9 wickets) vs Vipraj Nigam (DC, 7 wickets): A fan poll on ESPNcricinfo (2.4K votes) favors Rathi to outshine Nigam.DC’s top 7 batsmen have a strike rate of ≥147 against Gujarat Titans, showing their aggressive intent.Stat Nugget: DC’s average first-wicket stand (21.28) is the lowest in IPL 2025, highlighting their opening woes.Grand League (GL) Team TipsFor fantasy cricket players aiming to win big in Grand League contests, here’s how to craft a winning team:Captain/Vice-Captain Picks:Rishabh Pant (LSG): As captain and wicketkeeper, Pant is likely to shine on his home pitch, making him a safe captaincy choice (106 runs in 7 innings).KL Rahul (DC): Motivated to perform against LSG, Rahul’s consistency (4949 runs at 45.82) makes him a top vice-captain pick.Mitchell Starc (DC): With 8 wickets in 2 games, Starc is a differential captaincy option for his ability to deliver in crunch moments.

Must-Have Players:

Batsmen:Abdul Samad (LSG): In red-hot form, scoring 111 runs at a 222 strike rate, perfect for explosive finishes.Tristan Stubbs (DC): Consistent with 588 runs at an average of 42, a reliable middle-order anchor.Nicholas Pooran (LSG): Despite his struggles against Kuldeep, Pooran’s 205.58 strike rate makes him a game-changer.All-Rounders:Axar Patel (DC): The captain contributes with bat (1793 runs) and ball (124 wickets), a must-pick.Shardul Thakur (LSG): Useful with both bat and ball, Thakur’s 134 wickets make him a valuable asset.

Kuldeep Yadav (DC): A middle-over threat with 99 wickets, especially effective against Pooran.Ravi Bishnoi (LSG): Known for picking wickets in crucial moments, Bishnoi’s economy (8.03) is a bonus.Wicketkeeper:KL Rahul (DC): Adds value with bat and gloves, a no-brainer for GL teams.X-Factor:Mayank Yadav (LSG): If he plays, his raw pace could be a game-changer, making him a high-risk, high-reward pick.Pro Tips:Toss and Conditions: Check the toss and pitch report before locking your team. Dew could favor the chasing side, boosting players like Rahul or Pant.Team News: Monitor updates on Faf du Plessis and Mayank Yadav. If Faf is unfit, consider Sameer Rizvi or Donovan Ferreira as differentials.Differentials: Players like Abdul Samad and Digvesh Rathi are low-owned but high-impact, ideal for GL success.Match PredictionLSG enters as slight favorites, thanks to their home advantage and recent form (5 wins in 7 games). The potential return of Mayank Yadav could give their bowling an edge. However, DC’s firepower, led by Starc and Kuldeep, and their knack for chasing big totals make them dangerous. The Pooran-Kuldeep matchup and Rahul’s performance against his old team will be pivotal. Expect a high-scoring thriller, with LSG likely edging out a close win unless DC’s openers finally click.ConclusionThe LSG vs DC clash is set to be a blockbuster, with star players, intriguing storylines, and high stakes. For fantasy players, building a balanced GL team with a mix of safe picks (Pant, Rahul, Starc) and differentials (Samad, Yadav) is key to climbing the leaderboards. Stay tuned for the toss and team updates, as last-minute changes could impact your strategy. Drop your GL team picks in the comments below, and let’s cheer for an epic IPL showdown!Happy fantasy cricket, and may your team top the charts! Samad (LSG): In red-hot form, scoring 111 runs at a 222 strike rate, perfect for explosive finishes.Tristan Stubbs (DC): Consistent with 588 runs at an average of 42, a reliable middle-order anchor.Nicholas Pooran (LSG): Despite his struggles against Kuldeep, Pooran’s 205.58 strike rate makes him a game-changer.All-Rounders:Axar Patel (DC): The captain contributes with bat (1793 runs) and ball (124 wickets), a must-pick.Shardul Thakur (LSG): Useful with both bat and ball, Thakur’s 134 wickets make him a valuable asset.Bowlers:Kuldeep Yadav (DC): A middle-over threat with 99 wickets, especially effective against Pooran.Ravi Bishnoi (LSG): Known for picking wickets in crucial moments, Bishnoi’s economy (8.03) is a bonus.Wicketkeeper:KL Rahul (DC): Adds value with bat and gloves, a no-brainer for GL teams.X-Factor:Mayank Yadav (LSG): If he plays, his raw pace could be a game-changer, making him a high-risk, high-reward pick.Pro Tips:Toss and Conditions: Check the toss and pitch report before locking your team. Dew could favor the chasing side, boosting players like Rahul or Pant.Team News: Monitor updates on Faf du Plessis and Mayank Yadav. If Faf is unfit, consider Sameer Rizvi or Donovan Ferreira as differentials.Differentials: Players like Abdul Samad and Digvesh Rathi are low-owned but high-impact, ideal for GL success.Match PredictionLSG enters as slight favorites, thanks to their home advantage and recent form (5 wins in 7 games). The potential return of Mayank Yadav could give their bowling an edge. However, DC’s firepower, led by Starc and Kuldeep, and their knack for chasing big totals make them dangerous. The Pooran-Kuldeep matchup and Rahul’s performance against his old team will be pivotal. Expect a high-scoring thriller, with LSG likely edging out a close win unless DC’s openers finally click.ConclusionThe LSG vs DC clash is set to be a blockbuster, with star players, intriguing storylines, and high stakes. For fantasy players, building a balanced GL team with a mix of safe picks (Pant, Rahul, Starc) and differentials (Samad, Yadav) is key to climbing the leaderboards. Stay tuned for the toss and team updates, as last-minute changes could impact your strategy. Drop your GL team picks in the comments below, and let’s cheer for an epic IPL showdown!

Happy fantasy cricket, and may your team top the charts!