Since entering the IPL in 2022, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have built an impressive record against Mumbai Indians (MI). In fact, they’ve won five out of six matches. However, as they get ready to face MI in Lucknow, LSG have several issues to address.
LSG’s Batting
So far, Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh have delivered a few impactful innings. However, most other batters have underperformed. For example, Rishabh Pant has scored just 17 runs across three matches. Additionally, Ayush Badoni, whom LSG retained, has made only 51 runs. Aiden Markram also hasn’t made a strong impact yet.
As a result, the team’s batting looks shaky. On top of that, injuries to key pacers Avesh Khan, Akash Deep, Mayank Yadav, and Mohsin Khan have added to their problems. Fortunately, Akash Deep is now fit and may play his first match this season.
MI Have Recovered From a Poor Start
Initially, MI lost their first two matches. However, they bounced back with a convincing win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Despite missing Jasprit Bumrah, their bowling has remained sharp. In fact, MI currently rank second in wickets taken, bowling average, and economy rate.
In terms of batting, Suryakumar Yadav appears to be regaining form. Moreover, Ryan Rickelton played a fast-paced half-century against KKR. Still, Rohit Sharma’s poor form — just 21 runs in three innings — continues to worry the team.
Going into this match, both teams will be under pressure to improve with the bat. It could come down to which side handles the situation better.
MI’s Young Bowlers Are Stepping Up
Over the years, MI have discovered many young Indian talents. Even Bumrah and Suryakumar developed their T20 skills at MI. This season, they have introduced two exciting bowlers — Vignesh Puthur (left-arm wristspinner) and Ashwani Kumar (left-arm pacer). Notably, Puthur has taken four wickets in two games. Ashwani grabbed four wickets in his only match so far.
Bishnoi Struggles
Ravi Bishnoi remains LSG’s top wicket-taker since 2022. The team retained him for ₹11 crore. Nevertheless, his performance this season has been below expectations. In 11 overs, he has only three wickets and a high economy rate of 12.54. Specifically, his eight overs in the middle phase have gone for 12.25 per over.
To compare, Ravindra Jadeja, the next most expensive bowler in that phase, concedes just 8.32 runs per over. Clearly, LSG need Bishnoi to regain form quickly.
Akash Deep has recovered from his back injury, which he suffered last December. He is likely to replace Avesh Khan, who has been expensive this season — giving away 75 runs in just seven overs and picking up only one wicket.
MI’s Strong Spin Unit
Mitchell Santner, Puthur, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Will Jacks provide plenty of spin options. Notably, MI’s spinners have the second-best economy rate (8.12) and third-best bowling average (27.28) this season. If the pitch in Lucknow offers turn, MI could put pressure on LSG’s fragile batting.
Pitch and Weather
In their previous home match against Punjab Kings, LSG used a red-soil pitch. After that game, mentor Zaheer Khan criticized the surface, saying “it looked like the opposition’s curator prepared it.”
This time, LSG will play on a black-soil pitch, which usually helps spinners. However, the move could backfire if MI’s spinners find more success.
As for the weather, it could hit 38°C during the day, but it should cool down by the 7:30 pm match. Thankfully, there’s no chance of rain.
Probable Playing XIs
Lucknow Super Giants: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Akash Deep, Digvesh Singh
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Ashwani Kumar
