It’s time for a weekend double-header, and the action kicks off with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) locking horns with Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 26 of IPL 2025 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. While GT have quietly climbed to the top of the table with four consecutive wins, LSG are riding a two-match winning streak and will be eager to extend their form at home, a venue where results have been mixed this season.
Match Details: LSG vs GT
- Date: April 12, 2025
- Time: 15:30 IST
- Venue: Ekana Stadium, Lucknow
- Head-to-head: LSG 1 – 4 GT
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar & Star Sports Network
Ekana Stadium Pitch & Venue Report
The Lucknow surface has been a puzzle for home sides, with both red and black soil pitches producing contrasting games this season. For this day game, expect a slightly slower pitch with spin playing a bigger role than pace. While both surfaces were being prepared, focus on the black soil strip closer to the matchday could mean less bounce and more grip for spinners.
| Pitch Type | Spin-friendly (black soil likely) |
|---|---|
| Weather | Hot and dry |
| Dimensions | Square – 58m & 51m; Straight – 65m |
| Avg 1st Innings | 151 (IPL 2024-25) |
| Avg 2nd Innings | 126 |
LSG – Team News & Tactics
Injuries/Unavailability:
Mayank Yadav remains out due to injury.
Key Matchups:
- Avesh Khan vs Gill/Shahrukh: Avesh has dominated GT’s top and middle-order, especially Shahrukh Khan (2 dismissals in 7 balls).
- Ravi Bishnoi vs Jos Buttler: Could be a key battle in the middle overs if Buttler drops anchor.
Probable XII:
Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Rishabh Pant (C), Ayush Badoni, Mitchell Marsh, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Digvesh Rathi
GT – Team News & Tactics
Injuries/Unavailability:
Kagiso Rabada is still unavailable due to personal reasons.
Key Matchups:
- Rashid Khan vs Nicholas Pooran: Pooran has struck 24 sixes this season, but Rashid has dismissed him twice in T20s while maintaining a decent economy.
- Siraj vs Pant: Siraj has dismissed Pant 4 times in 43 balls — could be a go-to option for GT.
Probable XII:
Shubman Gill (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Sai Sudharsan, Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Arshad Khan, Rashid Khan, Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kulwant Khejroliya/Washington Sundar
LSG vs GT Dream11 Prediction Team, Fantasy Tips
Wicketkeepers
| Player | Notes |
|---|---|
| Nicholas Pooran (C/VC) | In brutal form, 24 sixes already. Hasn’t struggled against GT bowlers. |
| Jos Buttler | Dangerous at No.3, though Avesh could be a threat up front. |
Batters
| Player | Notes |
|---|---|
| Aiden Markram | Matchups look good, but needs to see off Siraj early. |
| Shubman Gill | Modest record at this venue, but safe fantasy pick. |
| Sai Sudharsan (C/VC) | Comfortable against spin, and has fared well at Ekana before. Is as consistent as anyone |
Allrounders
| Player | Notes |
|---|---|
| Mitchell Marsh (C/VC) | Feast-or-famine so far this season; 4 50+ scores in 5 games. |
| Sai Kishore | Quietly consistent — 2 wickets per game this season. |
Bowlers
| Player | Notes |
|---|---|
| Avesh Khan | Excellent matchup record vs Gill, Shahrukh, and Buttler. |
| Mohammed Siraj | 10 wickets in last 4 matches; thrives on early movement. |
| Prasidh Krishna | Hard-length specialist — day game conditions should assist him. |
| Digvesh Rathi | Has been picking wickets regularly with his mystery spin. |
Key Matchups to Watch LSG vs GT
| Batter | Bowler | Runs | Balls | Wkts | Avg | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shahrukh Khan | Avesh Khan | 4 | 7 | 2 | 2.00 | 57.14 |
| Shubman Gill | Avesh Khan | 64 | 51 | 2 | 32.0 | 125.5 |
| Rishabh Pant | Mohammed Siraj | 82 | 43 | 4 | 20.5 | 190.7 |
Top Captain/Vice-Captain Picks LSG vs GT
- Nicholas Pooran – In red-hot touch, and a relatively safe matchup profile against GT’s bowlers.
- Mitchell Marsh – Form player with 4 half-centuries; gets overs with the ball too.
- Sai Kishore – Key spin option in what’s expected to be a spin-friendly pitch.
