Lucknow Super Giants, positioned sixth in the points table, will face the formidable Mumbai Indians on Friday, April 4, at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
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Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians: Preview
A new squad under a new captain. Over 40,000 fans in attendance. The first home game of the season. Yet, the manner in which Lucknow Super Giants collapsed against Punjab Kings would have stung. That frustration was evident in their newly-appointed mentor Zaheer Khan’s fiery yet brief press conference, where he not only lamented the defeat but also criticized the playing surface, even suggesting it felt like it was curated by a “Punjab curator.” Oops.
Since their inception in 2022, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have held the joint-best head-to-head record against Mumbai Indians (MI). With a dominant 5-1 record against the five-time champions, LSG will face them in Lucknow, albeit with several concerns to address.
In the batting department, Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh have delivered impactful performances, but others, including Rishabh Pant, have yet to find form. Pant has managed only 17 runs in three innings, while Ayush Badoni, whom LSG retained, has scored 51. Aiden Markram has also had a sluggish start to the season, further compounding LSG’s struggles, especially after injuries sidelined fast bowlers Avesh Khan, Akash Deep, Mayank Yadav, and Mohsin Khan. However, Akash is now fit and set to play his first match of the season.
Lucknow’s slow pitches and expansive boundaries have long been known to discourage high-scoring encounters, with only one total exceeding 200 in IPL history at the venue. However, the frustration seemed to stem less from the pitch itself and more from how it was misjudged in the build-up to the match. Expecting the red-soil surface to behave differently, LSG fielded just two pacers and four spinners, whereas PBKS bowled 13 overs of pace—an approach that proved far more effective.
Having learned the hard way, LSG are likely to tweak their lineup against Mumbai Indians, especially on a black-soil pitch that offered little assistance to spinners last season. The return of a fully fit Akash Deep is a significant boost, and the pacer, who addressed the media on match eve, sounded confident about his readiness to step up. Since 2022, six IPL matches have seen teams successfully defend totals below 150, and LSG has been on the receiving end in three of them.
Meanwhile, Avesh Khan has struggled at this venue, managing just three wickets in five matches with an average of 48.66, a strike rate of 34, and an economy rate of 8.58.
Mumbai Indians started their campaign with consecutive defeats but found their rhythm with a commanding victory over Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite missing Jasprit Bumrah, MI have been one of the most effective bowling units this season, ranking second in wickets taken, bowling average, and economy rate.
On the batting front, Suryakumar Yadav appears to have regained his touch, while Ryan Rickelton impressed with a quickfire half-century against KKR. However, Rohit Sharma’s struggles—managing just 21 runs across three innings—remain a concern. With both teams facing questions over their batting consistency, this clash could ultimately come down to who handles the challenge better.
Having finally registered their first win of the season, Mumbai Indians would have arrived in Lucknow with a sense of relief. However, tougher challenges await them in Uttar Pradesh’s capital. Adjusting to the conditions will be key, as the pitch here won’t offer the natural pace and bounce of Wankhede.
Playing away from home has also been a persistent struggle for MI, with 13 losses in 18 away games since the start of IPL 2023. Overcoming this record will be crucial if they are to build momentum in the tournament.
Mumbai Indians have a rich history of nurturing young Indian talent, with stars like Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav refining their T20 craft at the franchise. This season, MI have introduced two promising left-arm bowlers—wrist-spinner Vignesh Puthur and pacer Ashwani Kumar—both of whom have made an immediate impact. Puthur has picked up four wickets in two matches, while Ashwani claimed four in his debut game.
Rohit Sharma’s strike rate in the IPL has been a talking point. Among the 15 batters who have scored at least 2500 runs since 2017, he has the lowest strike rate (130.09), whereas his teammate Suryakumar Yadav ranks third-best at 147.98.
Meanwhile, Nicholas Pooran has been in a league of his own when it comes to power-hitting. Since the start of 2024, he has smashed 202 sixes in T20 cricket, well ahead of Heinrich Klaasen, who sits second with 121.
From a bowling perspective, Lucknow has proven to be a favorable venue for spinners. Since 2022, it has been the second-most spin-friendly home ground in the IPL, trailing only Mullanpur, with an economy rate of 7.44 and an average of 26.07.
Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians: Head-to-head
LSG leads the head-to-head 5-1 against MI. In their last encounter in Lucknow, LSG successfully chased down MI’s 144/7 in the final over.
- Matches Played: 6
- Won by Lucknow Super Giants: 5
- Won by Mumbai Indians: 1
- Tied: 0
- No Result: 0
- First-ever Fixture: April 16, 2022
- Most-recent Fixture: May 17, 2024
Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians: Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
A black-soil pitch awaits, with one side even shorter than in the previous game. Five of the last six IPL matches here have been won by teams chasing, though no dew is expected on match day.
Home advantage has been a major talking point this season. LSG’s mentor, Zaheer Khan, was unimpressed with the red-soil pitch used against Punjab Kings, even suggesting it favored the opposition. For their clash against MI, LSG will shift to a black-soil surface, which is expected to assist spinners. However, this could be a double-edged sword, as MI also boast quality spin options.
Temperatures in Lucknow could reach 38°C during the day but are expected to drop significantly by the 7:30 PM start time. Rain is not in the forecast.
Since the square was relaid before the 2023 World Cup, scoring rates at this venue have risen, but totals remain lower than at most IPL grounds post-Impact Player rule. The large boundaries make it difficult to recover from early setbacks, emphasizing the importance of a solid powerplay—something LSG struggled with in their previous outing.
Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians: Team News and Predicted XI
Lucknow Super Giants – Team News
Akash Deep is set to return for LSG after recovering from the back injury he sustained last December. He could replace Avesh Khan, who has struggled this season, conceding 75 runs in seven overs while picking up just one wicket.
Meanwhile, Mayank Yadav remains at the BCCI’s newly-built Centre of Excellence (COE) as he continues his recovery. Akash expressed confidence that Mayank will rejoin the squad soon.
Avesh has had success against Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya in the past, but if he fails to make an impact with the new ball, LSG can turn to Ravi Bishnoi. The leg-spinner has strong numbers against key MI batters, having dismissed Rohit Sharma three times in six innings and Suryakumar Yadav three times in seven innings.
| Batter | Bowler | Inns | Runs | Balls Faced | Wkts | Avg | SR | Dot% | Bnd% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardik Pandya | Avesh Khan | 7 | 17 | 29 | 3 | 5.66 | 58.62 | 65.5 | 6.89 |
| Rohit Sharma | Avesh Khan | 3 | 11 | 13 | 2 | 5.5 | 84.61 | 60 | 15.38 |
Lucknow Super Giants – Predicted XI
- Aiden Markram
- Mitchell Marsh
- Nicholas Pooran
- Rishabh Pant (capt & wk)
- Ayush Badoni
- David Miller
- Abdul Samad
- Shardul Thakur
- Digvesh Rathi
- Akash Deep
- Ravi Bishnoi
- M Siddharth
Mumbai Indians – Team News
There are no injury concerns in the MI camp. A key decision for them will be whether to bring in an extra spinner, like Mujeeb Ur Rahman, if the pitch in Lucknow favors spin. His only appearance this season was on a black-soil surface in Ahmedabad, where he conceded 28 runs in two overs. If MI opts for Mujeeb, it could mean Will Jacks misses out.
Bowling spin to Rishabh Pant early could be a smart strategy. The LSG skipper has struggled this season, scoring just 17 runs at a strike rate of 65.38 in three innings. His record against spin has been particularly poor—just 6 runs off 13 balls with two dismissals.
Mumbai Indians – Predicted XI
- Rohit Sharma
- Ryan Rickelton (wk)
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya (capt)
- Naman Dhir
- Mitchell Santner
- Deepak Chahar
- Trent Boult
- Ashwani Kumar
- Vignesh Puthur
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians: Players To Watch Out For
Ravi Bishnoi (Lucknow Super Giants)
Ravi Bishnoi has been LSG’s leading wicket-taker since 2022 and was retained for INR 11 crore. However, he has struggled with his economy this season, conceding runs at 12.54 per over while picking up just three wickets in 11 overs.
His performances in the middle overs have been particularly costly, with an economy rate of 12.25—significantly higher than the next most expensive bowler in that phase, Ravindra Jadeja, who has gone at 8.32. LSG will be hoping their premier spinner finds his form soon.
Mumbai Indians Spinners
Mitchell Santner (left-arm orthodox), Puthur (left-arm wristspin), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Will Jacks (both offspinners) give MI a diverse spin attack. This season, MI’s spinners have been among the most effective, boasting the second-best economy rate (8.12) and the third-best average (27.28) among all teams.
In Lucknow, where the pitch could offer turn, MI might opt for three of their four spinners, potentially making things difficult for LSG’s batting lineup.
Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians: Prediction
Scenario 1
- Toss: Lucknow Super Giants win the toss and bowl
- Powerplay Score: 40-50
- Mumbai Indians Total: 180-200
- Match Result: Lucknow Super Giants win the match
Scenario 2
- Toss: Mumbai Indians win the toss and bowl
- Powerplay Score: 50-60
- Lucknow Super Giants Total: 200-220
- Match Result: Mumbai Indians win the match
When and Where To Watch Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The Indian Premier League 2025 clash between Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians is set to begin at 7:30 PM IST on Friday, April 4, at theEkana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network and will also be available for live streaming on JioHotstar for FREE.
Read More: BCCI Announces Fixtures for Team India International Home Season 2025
FAQs
What is Lucknow Super Giants’ head-to-head record against Mumbai Indians?
LSG holds a dominant 5-1 record against MI, making them one of the toughest opponents for the five-time champions.
How have Mumbai Indians performed in away games since IPL 2023?
MI has struggled on the road, losing 13 of their 18 away matches since the start of IPL 2023.
What kind of pitch can be expected in Lucknow for LSG vs MI?
A black-soil surface is likely, which tends to favor spinners, though past IPL matches here have seen chasing teams succeed.
How has Ravi Bishnoi performed for LSG this season?
Despite being LSG’s highest wicket-taker since 2022, Bishnoi has been expensive this season, conceding runs at an economy rate of 12.54.
Will Mumbai Indians play an extra spinner in Lucknow?
With spin expected to play a role, MI might consider bringing in Mujeeb Ur Rahman, though his only game this season was expensive.
