IPL 2025: In-form Marsh misses out as LSG opt to bowl first against GT

IANS April 12, 2025 162 views

The IPL 2025 encounter between Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans promises high-octane cricket at Ekana Stadium. Mitchell Marsh's absence due to family reasons has led to Himmat Singh's inclusion in the LSG lineup. Rishabh Pant's team, currently fifth, will look to continue their recent winning momentum against Shubman Gill's table-toppers. The match features intriguing individual battles, particularly between Nicholas Pooran and Mohammed Siraj.

"The wicket looks good. We have been talking about the process and the team is responding well" - Rishabh Pant
Lucknow, April 12: Lucknow Super Giants have won the toss and elected to bowl first against Gujarat Titans in match 26 of the IPL 2025 season at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Key Points

1

Mitchell Marsh ruled out due to daughter's illness

2

Himmat Singh replaces Marsh in LSG lineup

3

Pooran vs Siraj promises exciting individual battle

4

Gill opts to field first at Ekana Stadium

Shubman Gill's Titans are perched at the top of the points table with four wins on the trot while Rishabh Pant's LSG, currently fifth, are riding a wave of momentum after back-to-back victories.

Lucknow were dealt with a major blow as Mitchell Marsh, the in-form opener who has scored 265 runs in five games, missed out as his daughter was unwell, and was replaced by Himmat Singh.

"The wicket looks good, Happy to win the last two matches. As a team, we talk about the process and the team is responding well now. Bowlers have done a really good job, we have to give credit to them. Instead of Mitchell Marsh, Himmat Singh comes in. His daughter is not well," said Pant at the toss.

This fixture features several fascinating individual battles. None more eye-catching than Nicholas Pooran vs Mohammed Siraj - the tournament's top run-scorer versus the most effective new-ball bowler. Pooran has smashed 288 runs at a strike rate of 225, including 24 sixes, while Siraj has picked up 10 wickets in five matches, often striking early with Test-match precision.

Gill admitted at the toss that he too would have liked to have a bowl first and revealed that Washington Sundar will once again find his place in the starting XI.

"I would have bowled first as well. I don't think the wicket is going to change much. Everyone is contributing, that's been one of the hallmarks for us, Washi comes in for Kulwant," said Gill.

Playing XIs

Lucknow Super Giants: Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (wk/c), Himmat Singh, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi.

Impact Subs: Ayush Badoni, Prince Yadav, Shahbaz Ahmed, Matthew Breetzke, Shamar Joseph.

Gujarat Titans: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Washington Sundar, Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Arshad Khan, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj.

Impact Subs: Prasidh Krishna, Mahipal Lomror, Nishant Sindhu, Anuj Rawat, Jayant Yadav.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Big blow for LSG without Marsh! Hope his daughter gets well soon 🙏 Himmat Singh has big shoes to fill tonight. GT's bowling attack looks scary with Siraj in form!
P
Priya M.
Pooran vs Siraj is going to be 🔥! 24 sixes vs 10 wickets - can't wait for this battle. Also great to see Pant leading so well after his comeback!
A
Ankit S.
Respectfully disagree with LSG's decision to bowl first. Their batting looks weaker without Marsh, and chasing under pressure might backfire. GT's top order is too strong!
S
Sanjana P.
Family first always! Marsh made the right call. Cricket can wait when your child needs you. Wishing his daughter speedy recovery 💕
V
Vikram J.
Washington Sundar's inclusion is smart by GT. His economy rate could be crucial against LSG's power hitters. This match might come down to the spinners!
N
Neha R.
LSG's bowling has been impressive lately but GT's batting lineup is stacked! Gill, Buttler, and Rutherford all in form... gonna be a close one!

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Tags:
IPL 2025 Rishabh Pant Shubman Gill Mitchell Marsh Lucknow Super Giants Gujarat Titans
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