It’s been nearly a month since the Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants produced a nail-biting thriller in Vizag—one that saw DC scrape past LSG by just one wicket with three balls to spare, thanks to Ashutosh Sharma’s nerveless finish. Since that memorable game, both teams have charted uneven journeys in IPL 2025, showing flashes of brilliance but falling short of consistency.
As they face off again—this time at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Tuesday, April 22 at 7:30 PM IST—stakes are high. With the tournament at its halfway point, every match is a potential decider, not just for points but for momentum and playoff qualification chances.
Recent Form and Performance Overview
Delhi Capitals (DC):
After the win against LSG in Vizag, DC rode a brief purple patch, stringing together four wins. However, recent matches have seen them falter. Losses to Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans exposed their vulnerabilities, even though they managed to edge Rajasthan Royals in a dramatic Super Over encounter.
A big concern for DC has been their inconsistent batting. In their last two games, not a single batter has crossed the 50-run mark. Their top order has looked promising but failed to convert starts into match-winning innings. Despite a 203-run total against Gujarat Titans, their bowling unit couldn’t defend it. Starc and Kuldeep have stepped up in moments, but they need more support.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG):
LSG have shown slightly more consistency and currently sit among the top five on the points table. Their narrow two-run victory over the Rajasthan Royals showcased their grit, particularly a remarkable comeback led by Avesh Khan with the ball.
That said, LSG’s batting has lacked the spark. Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran have failed to provide early impetus. Rishabh Pant—despite a standout 63 (49) against CSK—has largely struggled this season, especially against spin. With five wins in eight games, LSG need a more collective batting effort if they aim to stay in the top four.
Head-to-Head Stats: DC vs LSG
- Total Matches Played: 6
- Wins for Delhi Capitals: 3
- Wins for Lucknow Super Giants: 3
- At Ekana Stadium, Lucknow: 2 matches (1 win each)
The rivalry between DC and LSG has been well-balanced, with both sides winning three encounters apiece. Their last meeting ended in a cliffhanger and Tuesday’s game promises another intense chapter.
Pitch and Conditions – What to Expect in Lucknow
The Ekana Stadium has been a mixed bag this season. Only once has a total above 200 been posted—and successfully defended. Chasing has proven fruitful in three of the four matches so far, with 181 being the highest successful chase.
Teams winning the toss will likely opt to bowl first. Anything around or above 190 will be a challenging target, but this venue rewards disciplined bowling and calculated chases.
Team News and Strategy
Lucknow Super Giants
- Injury Update: Express pacer Mayank Yadav was named as a substitute in LSG’s last match—a strong indication he’s nearing match fitness. If cleared, he could replace Prince Yadav.
- Tactical Play:
- Shardul Thakur might be deployed strategically against Axar Patel, having dismissed him twice in six innings.
- With KL Rahul and Abishek Porel showing vulnerabilities against leg spin, expect Ravi Bishnoi and Digvesh Singh Rathi to play prominent roles.
- Probable XII: KL Rahul (wk), Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Ayush Badoni, Ravi Bishnoi, Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Prince/Mayank Yadav, Abdul Samad
Delhi Capitals
- Injury Update: Faf du Plessis remains unavailable. Captain Axar Patel hinted that he could miss up to three more matches. DC may turn to Dushmantha Chameera for Lucknow familiarity and his record against Pooran (3 dismissals in 4 innings).
- Tactical Play:
- Axar Patel may be used early against Markram, against whom he has dismissed twice in five innings.
- Kuldeep Yadav holds the key, with strong match-ups against Pant, Pooran, and Marsh.
- Probable XII: Abishek Porel, Karun Nair, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Dushmantha Chameera/Mohit Sharma, Donovan Ferreira
Key Stats & Fun Facts
- Delhi’s Opening Woes: DC have used four different opening combinations this season but still average only 21.28 for the opening stand—lowest among all ten franchises.
- Pant’s Spin Struggles: Since 2024, Rishabh Pant has been dismissed by spinners eight times. This season, he has managed just 32 runs off 45 balls against spin at a strike rate of 71.11.
- Mohit’s Death Overs Decline: Despite being a death overs specialist with 22 wickets across 2023 and 2024 in overs 16–20, Mohit Sharma is yet to claim a single death-over wicket this season.
Where to Watch – Live Streaming & Broadcast Details
- TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network (India)
- Live Streaming: JioCinema (Now subscription-based due to Reliance-Disney merger)
The match will also be available globally via select broadcasters. Viewers in the U.S. can catch the action on Willow TV, while Sky Sports holds rights in the UK.
With both teams eager to settle the score and fix their flaws, DC vs LSG in Lucknow promises high-octane cricket. Will DC’s top order finally click, or will LSG ride on their home advantage and Avesh Khan’s death-over magic again? Tuesday night will reveal all.
