The 16th match of IPL 2025 promises to be a thrilling encounter as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) host Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on April 4. This match holds significant importance for both franchises as they aim to gain momentum in this highly competitive tournament.
LSG vs MI Match Overview
Match: Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians
Date: April 4, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM IST (Toss at 7:00 PM IST)
Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
Lucknow Super Giants – Home Advantage and Current Form
LSG will be playing their first home game of the IPL 2025 season. They come into this match with a win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last outing and will look to build on that success. Their performance so far has been mixed, but a win here will help them climb the points table and regain confidence.
Mumbai Indians – Building Momentum Under Hardik Pandya
Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, are also coming into this fixture with a strong win over Kolkata Knight Riders. After suffering defeats in their first two games, MI found their rhythm and will aim to carry that momentum forward. With a blend of youth and experience, MI remains one of the most dangerous sides in the league.
Ekana Cricket Stadium Pitch Report – LSG vs MI
The pitch at Ekana Cricket Stadium has undergone relaying ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup. The changes have transformed it into a more batting-friendly surface. The ball now comes onto the bat nicely, allowing stroke-makers to play through the line. However, there’s also enough help for pacers early on and spinners during the middle overs.
Key Pitch Stats at Ekana Stadium (Since 2024 IPL):
- Matches Played: 8
- Bat First Won: 3
- Bat Second Won: 5
- Average First Innings Score: 181/6
- Highest Total Chased: 197
- 200+ Totals: 1 time in 8 matches
- Sixes Per Match: 14
Bowling Performance:
- Pace: 63% overs, 63 wickets, Average – 28.6, Economy – 9.3
- Spin: 37% overs, 27 wickets, Average – 34.6, Economy – 8.3
What Toss Winning Team Should Do:
Historically, teams chasing have had a slight advantage. Out of 8 recent matches, 5 were won by teams batting second. The dew factor in Lucknow can come into play in the second innings, and captains may prefer to bowl first.
LSG vs MI Head-to-Head Record at Ekana
LSG Record at Ekana: Matches – 15, Wins – 7, Losses – 7, No Result – 1 (Win % – 55%)
MI Record at Ekana: Matches – 2, Wins – 0, Losses – 2 (Win % – 0%)
MI have yet to register a win at this venue, which gives LSG a psychological advantage. However, with the form and firepower MI possess, this stat could change quickly.
Key Player Battles to Watch
1. KL Rahul vs Jasprit Bumrah
A classic battle between an elegant top-order batter and one of the fiercest pacers in T20 cricket. Bumrah’s death bowling skills will be crucial, especially if KL Rahul anchors the innings.
2. Nicholas Pooran vs Piyush Chawla
Pooran’s aggressive left-handed batting might tempt MI to bring in Chawla early. If Pooran gets going, he can be destructive.
3. Rohit Sharma vs Ravi Bishnoi
Rohit has often struggled against quality leg-spin in the IPL. Bishnoi’s variations might trouble the MI opener early in the innings.
Recent Match at Ekana – What We Can Learn
The last game at this stadium saw Punjab Kings comfortably chase 171 against LSG in just 16.2 overs. This indicates that the pitch has flattened out compared to earlier seasons and chasing is indeed becoming easier.
Notable Records at Ekana Stadium
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 15 |
| Highest Individual Innings | 89* – M. Stoinis vs MI (16/05/2023) |
| Best Bowling Figures | 5/14 – M. Wood vs DC (01/04/2023) |
| Highest Team Score | 235/6 – KKR vs LSG (05/05/2024) |
| Lowest Team Score | 108 – LSG vs RCB (01/05/2023) |
| Highest Run Chase | 177/2 – PBKS vs LSG (01/04/2025) |
Players to Watch Out For
Lucknow Super Giants:
- KL Rahul: Consistent with the bat, and key to anchoring the innings.
- Marcus Stoinis: All-rounder with the ability to change games with both bat and ball.
- Ravi Bishnoi: Emerging as a reliable spinner, especially on home turf.
Mumbai Indians:
- Hardik Pandya (c): Leading from the front and in excellent form.
- Suryakumar Yadav: Explosive middle-order batsman who can accelerate at will.
- Jasprit Bumrah: MI’s bowling spearhead and their go-to bowler in crunch situations.
Fantasy Tips for LSG vs MI
Wicketkeepers: KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan
Batters: Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda
All-rounders: Marcus Stoinis, Hardik Pandya
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Ravi Bishnoi, Naveen-ul-Haq
Captain Pick: Hardik Pandya
Vice-Captain Pick: KL Rahul
Conclusion
The LSG vs MI clash at Ekana Stadium promises to be a battle of equals. LSG will want to make their home ground a fortress, while MI aim to break their Ekana jinx. With both teams having found winning momentum, expect a closely contested match that could go down to the wire. Whether it’s the explosive top-order batters, game-changing all-rounders, or master tacticians with the ball, this match has all the ingredients for a classic IPL thriller.