Key Highlights:
LSG vs DC Toss Update: Delhi Capitals Choose to Bowl First in IPL 2025 Match 40
Lucknow, April 22 (Hindustan Herald):
In a pivotal IPL 2025 contest between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC), DC skipper Axar Patel won the toss and chose to field first at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
This decision aligns with the pitch’s evolving nature and recent chasing trends at the venue.
Why DC Chose to Bowl First
The Ekana surface, although slow and favorable for spin, has seen 7 out of the last 11 matches won by chasing sides. With dew expected later in the evening and the wicket likely to remain consistent, DC opted to field, aiming to restrict LSG to a sub-par total and chase with confidence.
Playing XI for Both Teams
Delhi Capitals (DC) Playing XI:
- Abishek Porel (wk)
- Karun Nair
- KL Rahul
- Axar Patel (c)
- Tristan Stubbs
- Ashutosh Sharma
- Vipraj Nigam
- Mitchell Starc
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mukesh Kumar
Notably, DC have kept their options open for the second innings with Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sameer Rizvi, or Donovan Ferreira likely to be used as Impact Players during the chase.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Playing XI:
- Aiden Markram
- Mitchell Marsh
- Nicholas Pooran (wk)
- Rishabh Pant (c)
- David Miller
- Abdul Samad
- Shardul Thakur
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Digvesh Rathi
- Avesh Khan
- Prince Yadav
LSG remain unchanged and confident in their combination, trusting the spin duo of Ravi Bishnoi and Digvesh Rathi on a pitch that rewards turn.
What This Means for Both Teams
- Delhi Capitals:
Will rely on Mitchell Starc’s powerplay threat, Kuldeep Yadav’s middle-overs control, and late-over cutters from Chameera and Mukesh Kumar. A target below 170 will be manageable. - Lucknow Super Giants:
Batting first, LSG need a measured approach, especially early on. Nicholas Pooran and David Miller will be key in accelerating after 10 overs. Expect spinners to dominate with Bishnoi and Rathi in the second innings.
Tactical Watch: Impact Players
Delhi Capitals have kept their Impact Player slot open, allowing flexibility during the chase. Depending on the total, they may bring in:
- Jake Fraser-McGurk: If a fast start is needed
- Sameer Rizvi: If there’s a collapse and stability is required
- Donovan Ferreira: For late-over power-hitting
Match Stakes: A Battle for Playoff Supremacy
Both DC and LSG are tied at 10 points each. This clash isn’t just another league game—it could determine top-four standing as the tournament nears its final leg.
With Delhi opting to chase and LSG sticking to their core strengths, fans can expect a high-tension, strategy-driven game at the spin-friendly Ekana fortress.
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