IPL 2025: LSG vs MI - Which Team Performs Better at Ekana?
By Chirag - Apr 04, 2025 02:09 PMLast updated on Apr 04, 2025 02:10 PM
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Mumbai Indians (MI) are set for a high-stakes clash in IPL 2025 at Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. Both teams need a win to strengthen their playoff chances, but who holds the advantage at this venue? Let's break it down with the latest probable playing XIs.
1. Pitch & Conditions at Ekana Stadium
- Slow & Low Bounce: Favors spinners and slower bowlers
- First Innings Avg. Score: ~150-160
- Teams Batting First Win More: Pitch slows down progressively
- Key Factor: Spinners and cutters dominate, power-hitters struggle
2. Probable Playing XIs
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG):
- Aiden Markram
- Mitchell Marsh
- Nicholas Pooran
- Rishabh Pant (C & WK)
- Ayush Badoni
- David Miller
- Abdul Samad
- Shardul Thakur
- Avesh Khan
- Digvesh Rathi
- Ravi Bishnoi
Mumbai Indians (MI):
- Rohit Sharma
- Ryan Rickelton (WK)
- Will Jacks
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya (C)
- Naman Dheer
- Mitchell Santner
- Deepak Chahar
- Trent Boult
- Ashwani Kumar
3. Team Analysis With New XIs
LSG's Strengths:
- Power-packed Middle Order: Pant, Pooran and Miller form explosive 3-4-6
- Spin Dominance: Bishnoi + Markram's off-spin ideal for Ekana
- Finishing Power: Miller and Samad provide death-over hitting
LSG's Weaknesses:
- Thin Pace Attack: Only Thakur and Avesh as experienced pacers
- Openers' Consistency: Markram-Marsh yet to fire together
MI's Strengths:
- Versatile Batting: Deep till No.8 with Santner
- Match-up Advantage: Left-handers (Ricky, Tilak) vs LSG's spin
- New Ball Threat: Boult-Chahar combo in powerplay
MI's Weaknesses:
- Middle-order Collapses: Over-reliance on SKY
- Death Bowling: Ashwani Kumar untested at crunch moments
4. Key Matchups to Watch
Rishabh Pant vs Mitchell Santner
Pant's strike rate: 128 vs left-arm spin. Will the LSG captain attack or play cautiously?
Suryakumar Yadav vs Ravi Bishnoi
3 dismissals in 32 balls. The wrist-spinner has dominated this battle historically.
Marsh/Badoni vs Boult's Slower Balls
Ekana's low bounce makes Boult's variations particularly dangerous.
Hardik Pandya vs Shardul Thakur
Pandya's SR 182 in last 5 meetings. Can Thakur contain the MI captain?
5. Tactical Insights
LSG Should:
- Use Markram's off-spin against MI's left-handers (Rickelton/Tilak)
- Target Ashwani Kumar in death overs (economy 10.8 in last 5 matches)
MI Should:
- Open with Santner against right-handers (Markram/Marsh)
- Use Boult in 2-over spells (1 in PP, 1 at death)
6. Final Verdict
With the revised XIs, this becomes a 50-50 contest but MI's slightly better bowling variety gives them an edge:
- If LSG bats first: 160+ could be challenging (MI 55%-45%)
- If MI bats first: Their deep batting favors them (MI 60%-40%)
Our Prediction: MI to win a close game, but Pant's X-factor could swing it for LSG
Also Read: IPL 2025: Who takes most Wicket in IPL 2025 after KKR vs SRH
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