Certain IPL matches seal an era, changing the trajectory of teams and patterns. For Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), their separation from KL Rahul following two playoff appearances in 2022 and 2023 could date back to their thrashing at the hands of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) last May. In that game, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma tore LSG’s bowling attack apart, chasing down a modest score of 165 within 9.4 overs.
With LSG soon to encounter SRH once more at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on March 27, 2025, they are in the process of transition. The mega auction benefited them in refurbishing their team, but injury worries still linger, especially in their bowling lineup. Of last season’s ill-fated match, only Ravi Bishnoi and Ayush Badoni have survived, so LSG will be keen to redeem their past defeat.
SRH vs LSG: What to Expect
Hyderabad’s pitch has always delivered high-scoring matches, with 500-run totals becoming common. Both sides have strong batting line-ups, but LSG will have to steer clear of the collapse they endured against Delhi Capitals in their previous match, where they lost six wickets for only 48 runs in the last seven overs.
SRH, however, have kept their 2024 core unchanged, which is a big advantage. Head and Abhishek remain their pillars with consistency, and with the experience of Pat Cummins, Mohammad Shami, and Adam Zampa in the bowling unit, the hosts appear to be strong.
- Head-to-Head Record
- Overall: LSG are ahead 3-1
- In Hyderabad: Both have won one game apiece
SRH Team Preview
Injury & Availability: No significant injury issues for SRH. They will most likely stick with their playing XI.
Tactics & Matchups: Nicholas Pooran’s bold batting against spinners makes him a prime target, but Adam Zampa has given him some trouble in the past, getting him out twice while only giving away 38 runs in 36 balls. Pat Cummins may introduce Zampa as soon as Pooran arrives at the crease. Meanwhile, SRH will look to avoid bowling short to Mitchell Marsh, who exploited similar errors by Delhi Capitals to score a quickfire 72 off 36 balls.
Probable XI: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Aniket Verma, Abhinav Manohar, Pat Cummins (c), Harshal Patel, Adam Zampa, Mohammed Shami, Simarjeet Singh
LSG Team Preview
Injury & Availability: Fast bowler Avesh Khan has recovered and is expected to return to the playing XI, replacing Manimaran Sidharth. However, Akash Deep and Mayank Yadav remain unavailable.
Tactics & Matchups: Shardul Thakur will be crucial in the powerplay, having dismissed Abhishek Sharma twice in just 14 balls. However, he has struggled against Ishan Kishan, who has smashed him for 57 runs in 30 balls without being dismissed. LSG’s new leg-spinner Digvesh Rathi faces a tough challenge, as SRH’s top-order has multiple left-handers who excel against spin.
Probable XI: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), David Miller, Shardul Thakur, Shahbaz Ahmed, Ravi Bishnoi, Digvesh Rathi, Avesh Khan, Prince Yadav
Key Stats & Facts:
- The average first-innings total in Hyderabad since 2024 is 216.
- Nicholas Pooran has hit five sixes in just seven balls against Abhishek Sharma in IPL history.
- SRH smashed LSG by 10 wickets in their last encounter at this venue.
Expert Opinions:
- James Franklin (SRH Bowling Coach): “With the way this IPL has started, I won’t be surprised if we see teams scoring 300 soon.”
- Mitchell Marsh (LSG All-Rounder): “I’ve had injury setbacks in past IPL seasons, but I feel mentally and physically fresh this time.”
With both teams having a point to prove, this match promises to be a high-scoring thriller. Will SRH continue their dominance at home, or can LSG script a turnaround? Fans are in for a spectacle at Hyderabad’s fortress. source cricbuzz
For more information and latest update about IPL 2025 visit Sports.apexadpros.com
For more exciting updates, subscribe to Apexadpros and follow us on Instagram for regular insights!
