LSG vs MI: Can Hardik’s MI Break the League-Stage Jinx Against LSG in Lucknow?

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The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in Lucknow is set to host a high-voltage clash as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) take on Mumbai Indians (MI) in Match 16 of IPL 2025. While MI may boast five titles, LSG has been a thorn in their side in league encounters — having never lost to MI in the group stage.

The last time MI tasted victory against LSG was in the high-stakes IPL 2023 Eliminator, under Rohit Sharma’s leadership. Back then, a young and relatively inexperienced bowling unit found its rhythm when it mattered most. Fast forward to 2025, with Hardik Pandya now at the helm, MI is eyeing a change in narrative.

Can the new-look MI, with a fresh leadership core, finally crack the LSG code in the league stage? Or will Rishabh Pant & Co. continue their dominance over the men in blue and gold?

Match Overview

1. Event: Indian Premier League 2025 (Match 16).

2. Teams: Lucknow Super Giants vs. Mumbai Indians.

3. Date & Time: April 4, 2025, at 7:00 PM Local Time.

4. Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Uttar Pradesh.

Head-to-Head in IPL

Matches Played	LSG Wins	MI Wins
6	5	1

Head-to-Head in Last 5 Matches

Matches Played	LSG Wins	MI Wins
5	4	1

Key Players to Watch

1. Nicholas Pooran (LSG) – The Powerhouse in Peak Form

If there's one batter MI will be wary of, it's Nicholas Pooran. The West Indian southpaw has been in scintillating form this season, scoring 189 runs in just 3 innings at a staggering strike rate of 219.77. With a highest score of 75* and an average of 63.00, Pooran has been the ultimate finisher and game-changer for LSG. His fearless strokeplay, especially in the death overs, can tilt the match in LSG’s favor within a matter of deliveries. MI’s bowlers will need a solid plan to contain him — otherwise, it could be a long night in Lucknow. 

2. Digvesh Singh (LSG) – The Spin Sensation Making Early Waves

LSG might have found a gem in Digvesh Singh, the young spinner who has quickly turned heads this season. In just 3 matches, he’s already picked up 5 wickets at an impressive average of 20.20, with best figures of 2/30. His economy of 8.42 and strike rate of 14.40 show his ability to break partnerships and control the middle overs. On the slow Lucknow track, Digvesh could be a real handful for MI’s power-hitters. If he gets going, it might just be another breakout performance under the lights. 

3. Suryakumar Yadav (MI) – The Backbone of MI’s Middle Order

When it comes to T20 consistency and flair, Suryakumar Yadav stands in a league of his own. In IPL 2025 so far, he’s scored 104 runs in 3 matches at a rock-solid average of 52.00 and an impressive strike rate of 165.08. With a highest score of 48, SKY has been holding MI’s middle order together, often rescuing them from tricky situations. His 360-degree strokeplay and calm under pressure make him MI’s biggest hope against LSG’s varied bowling attack. If he gets in, expect fireworks. 

4. Ryan Rickelton (MI) – The South African Spark at the Top

After a quiet start to the season, Ryan Rickelton announced his arrival in style with a match-winning 62 against KKR*, anchoring MI’s chase with maturity and flair. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter has scored 81 runs in 3 matches with an average of 40.50 and a strike rate of 142.11. His calm presence at the top, coupled with aggressive strokeplay, provides MI with a much-needed balance. If Rickelton can give MI another solid start, it could ease the pressure off the middle order and allow others like SKY to play more freely. 

Pitch Conditions

Pitch Condition	Batting Condition	Bowling Condition
The Lucknow pitch is expected to be on the slower side with grip for spinners.	Batting gets tougher as the innings progresses, making powerplay crucial for setting the tone.	Spinners and slower bowlers will be key, especially in the middle overs under lights.

Past Performance at the Venue

The last time Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Mumbai Indians (MI) clashed at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium was on April 30, 2024, during Match 48 of IPL 2024. It was yet another frustrating outing for MI in Lucknow as LSG secured a 4-wicket victory, successfully chasing down MI’s modest total of 144/7, finishing at 145/6. The match saw Marcus Stoinis delivering a match-winning performance, earning him the Player of the Match award. This win further extended LSG’s unbeaten streak against MI in the IPL league stage. As MI, now under Hardik Pandya’s leadership, gears up for another battle at the same venue in IPL 2025, the big question remains—can they finally break their league-stage jinx against LSG?

Squads

LSG: Rishabh Pant (c/wk), David Miller, Aiden Markram, Aryan Juyal, Himmat Singh, Matthew Breetzke, Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahamad, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Arshin Kulkarni, Ayush Badoni, Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan, Akash Deep, M. Siddharth, Digvesh Singh, Akash Singh, Shamar Joseph, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi.

MI: Hardik Pandya (c), Rohit Sharma, Surya Kumar Yadav, Robin Minz, Ryan Rickelton, Shrijith Krishnan, Bevon Jacobs, N. Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Will Jacks, Mitchell Santner, Raj Angad Bawa, Vignesh Puthur, Corbin Bosch, Trent Boult, Karn Sharma, Deepak Chahar, Ashwani Kumar, Reece Topley, V. Satyanarayana Penmetsa, Arjun Tendulkar, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Jasprit Bumrah.

Injury Concerns

No injury concerns from both sides ahead of this match.

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Disclaimer: This Match Preview is based on the user's knowledge and insight, but conditions may change due to weather and other factors. For the most accurate information, refer to official sources. AI was used for this content.