The stakes couldn’t be higher for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). With just 10 points and a dismal net run rate of -0.469, even three wins from their final three games may not be enough. A loss to the in-form Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Match 61 of IPL 2025 will officially end LSG’s playoff hopes. The margins are razor thin, and time is running out for Rishabh Pant’s side to salvage a season that started with promise but has since gone off the rails.
A win against SRH earlier this season—away from home and without key bowlers—should give LSG some belief. However, this time, they would have to repeat the heroics against a strong SRH unit.
LSG Predicted Playing XI vs SRH
| Position | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Mitchell Marsh  |
Top-order Batter |
| 2. | Aiden Markram |
Top-order Batter |
| 3. | Nicholas Pooran |
Middle-order Batter |
| 4. | Rishabh Pant (c/wk) | Middle-order Batter/WK |
| 5. | Abdul Samad | Finisher |
| 6. | Ayush Badoni | Middle-order Batter |
| 7. | David Miller |
Finisher |
| 8. | Akash Singh / Ravi Bishnoi | Bowler |
| 9. | Digvesh Singh Rathi | Spinner |
| 10. | Avesh Khan | Pacer |
| 11. | Akash Deep / Shardul Thakur | Pacer |
| Impact Sub | Prince Yadav | Bowler |
Mayank Yadav ruled out; Ravi Bishnoi’s selection hangs in balance
One of the big stories out of LSG’s camp is the confirmed unavailability of India’s pace sensation Mayank Yadav, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a recurring back injury. The 11-crore retention pick has managed just two games in 2025, returning mediocre figures before fitness issues resurfaced.
LSG have drafted in New Zealand pacer William O’Rourke as a replacement, but the overseas slots are already locked with Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, and David Miller expected to feature again. Unless there’s a shake-up in team strategy, O’Rourke may not get a look-in.
Meanwhile, Ravi Bishnoi’s dip in form has left the management in a dilemma. Dropped in the last match for Akash Singh, the leg-spinner has only 9 wickets in 10 games and has been leaking runs at over 10 an over. The decision to bring Bishnoi back could depend on pitch conditions and how much LSG want to bank on spin at this venue. Left-arm seamer Akash impressed on debut and may retain his place, though Prince Yadav’s death bowling skills keep him in contention as well.
With Pant himself struggling—his strike rate of 99.22 being the lowest for any batter with 100+ balls this season—the leadership group will be looking to the top order of Marsh, Markram, and Pooran to set the tone.
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