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Spin Challenge Awaits in Lucknow
Pant and Rohit under pressure as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) take on Mumbai Indians (MI) in a crucial IPL 2025 encounter. Both teams are looking to sort out their batting inconsistencies, with neither skipper making a strong impact so far.
Yes, Pant and Rohit under pressure, and their performances could make or break this game. Rishabh Pant has managed just 17 runs from three innings, while Rohit Sharma has struggled with 21 runs in as many matches. Their forms will be closely watched as this clash unfolds in Lucknow—on a black-soil pitch expected to favour spinners.
LSG: Searching for Batting Rhythm
While Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh have delivered big hits for Lucknow, the rest of the batting unit is yet to fire. Ayush Badoni has shown glimpses with 51 runs, but Aiden Markram and others have had a slow start.
The good news for LSG is the return of Akash Deep, who could slot in for Avesh Khan. With Akash fit, LSG’s bowling unit may finally gain some balance.
Likely LSG XI:
Markram, Marsh, Pooran, Pant (c & wk), Badoni, Miller, Samad, Thakur, Rathi, Akash Deep, Bishnoi
MI: Bowling Strong, Batting Shaky
Mumbai began the season with two defeats but roared back with a win over KKR. Despite missing Jasprit Bumrah, their bowling attack has looked dangerous—second-best in terms of average and economy rate.
The return to form of Suryakumar Yadav and a quickfire fifty from Ryan Rickelton have helped steady MI’s ship. But Rohit Sharma’s form remains a concern, especially on a surface expected to assist spin.
Likely MI XI:
Rohit, Rickelton (wk), Suryakumar, Tilak Varma, Hardik (c), Dhir, Santner, Chahar, Boult, Ashwani, Puthur
If spin plays a major role, MI might include Mujeeb Ur Rahman for extra variety, potentially replacing Will Jacks.
Watch Out For:
Ravi Bishnoi
Bishnoi is LSG’s top spinner since 2022, but this season, he has struggled. He’s taken just 3 wickets at an economy of 12.54, and in middle overs, he’s leaked runs at 12.25 per over. On a spin-friendly surface, LSG will hope he rediscovers his rhythm.
MI’s Spin Options
MI’s spin unit—Santner (left-arm orthodox), Puthur (left-arm wristspin), Mujeeb and Jacks (offspin)—is one of the most varied. So far, they’ve had the second-best economy (8.12) and third-best average (27.28) among IPL spin units in 2025.
| Stat | Figure |
|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma’s IPL strike rate | 130.09 (lowest among 2500+ run scorers) |
| Pooran’s sixes since 2024 | 202 (highest in T20s) |
| Lucknow’s spin economy (since 2022) | 7.44 (2nd best among all venues) |
Pitch and Conditions
LSG will switch to a black-soil pitch—expected to favour spin. This move comes after mentor Zaheer Khan criticised the red-soil surface used earlier against PBKS. The temperature may touch 38°C during the day, cooling by match time. No rain expected.
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