While other IPL franchises are enjoying the season’s final stretch, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will have no choice but to treat the last three matches of what has been a disastrous season as elimination matches. LSG visits the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in what should be an interesting match, as LSG has a mathematical chance of making it to the playoffs, a challenging prospect; while SRH has been eliminated from playoff contention and are left to play for pride.
LSG’s Three Game Final Challenge: Winning
LSG has an uphill battle ahead. There is one simple equation for them; they need to win their three remaining matches to give themselves the best chance of making it to the playoffs; the number of 16 points is still very much at risk due to their net run rate of -0.469, which is weak compared to the many other teams in front of them contending for the final playoff spots. It is conceivable that LSG win the three remaining matches, but that would still leave doubt as to whether they would qualify for the playoffs unless they can win scoring huge margins for their net run rate. The challenge in front of LSG is immense given that every game is an elimination game.
LSG’s battle for a playoff spot is only made tougher by the fact that they are struggling to find form with multiple players. Ravi Bishnoi has been a reliable wicket taker in the past but was excluded in LSG’s last match against Rajasthan having made just 9 wickets, at a cost of an average just above 41.67, and a costly economy rate of 10.42. LSG can at least count on being able to leave out Bishnoi in the round of matches against SRH and other teams.
Injury issues also abound. LSG have brought in William O’Rourke to replace Mayank Yadav, but O’Rourke could find getting into the LSG lineup difficult with the overseas slots already taken by Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, and David Miller. However, the emergence of young star Digvesh Rathi has been one positive in what has been a challenging season. Rathi has taken to the task of bowling with strong variations of pace through all phases of the innings and given his captain, Rishabh Pant, some tactical manoeuvring in the process.
Rathi’s Bowling Numbers in IPL 2025:
Overs (Overs 7-15) – 22 overs, 6 wkts, economy- 7.27
Death Overs (Overs 16-20) – 9 overs, 4 wkts, economy- 9.56
Powerplay (Overs 1-6) – 13 overs, 2 wkts, economy – 8.46
Middle
These numbers indicate he may be a real match-winner, particularly if he can take advantage of the big boundaries at the Ekana Stadium.
SRH: Playing for Pride and Future Developments
SRH’s playoff campaign may as well be over, but they still have more than enough to play for cultivation ahead of the 2026 season. While it has been tough this year, there have been some bright spots. The rapacious return of captain Pat Cummins from a short stint in the wilds should definitely aid their morale. The Australian pace ace will be leading his country in the World Test Championship final shortly, and this performance could help feed much-needed confidence.
SRH has troubles of their own. While star batter Travis Head has been a major asset to them, he will probably not be involved in this match due to contracting COVID-19, which is a big loss for their batting contingent. It is also an opportunity for the likes of Kamindu Mendis or some of the youngsters to step up.
What to Expect: Conditions and Head-to-Head
This will be the first time the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium has hosted a game in almost a month and the temperature is going to be blisteringly hot in Lucknow, with daytime temperatures around the 40 degree Celsius mark, so both teams will be challenged physically. The pitch at Ekana has certainly produced average scores in this season, with only one total over 200 in ten innings – power-hitters beware.
Head-to-head – LSG leads 4-1 against SRH and they recorded a comfortable victory in Hyderabad earlier this season, thanks largely to Shardul Thakur’s inspired four wickets.
Predicted Playing XIs:
Lucknow Super Giants – Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c/w), Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Avesh Khan, Akash Deep, Shardul Thakur.
Sunrisers Hyderabad – Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (w), Kamindu Mendis/Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma, Sachin Baby, Pat Cummins (c), Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Zeeshan Ansari, Eshan Malinga.
Conclusion: A Tale of Two Stakes
While LSG will quite literally have their playoff dreams on the line, SRH will be playing to spoil that progression and end their season positively. With the pressure on LSG, this should be one to watch in the heat of Lucknow. Will LSG rise to the occasion, or will SRH ruin their day? We’ll find out shortly!
