LSG vs MI | Preview, Playing XI, Dream11 Fantasy Tips, Pitch Report, Weather Forecast, Winning Prediction

IPL 2025 Match Preview: Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians – A Tactical Showdown in Lucknow

The IPL 2025 has thrown up its fair share of drama already, and as we move into Match 16 between Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Set in the vibrant city of Lucknow at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, this Friday night clash is more than just a routine league fixture it’s a crucial contest for two sides still working out their best combinations.

With Mumbai Indians shaking off early losses and Lucknow Super Giants still smarting from their home defeat to Punjab Kings, both teams enter this match with points to prove and performances to correct.

LSG Recalibrate After a Misstep

The LSG camp, under new leadership and with a revamped squad, looked unsettled in their last outing. A misjudged pitch reading saw them stack spin on a red-soil surface, only to be undone by Punjab’s pace-heavy approach. Mentor Zaheer Khan's blunt press conference, hinting at home conditions not being optimized for LSG, highlighted the internal frustration.

Now, switching to a black-soil pitch known for its lesser turn and lower bounce LSG is expected to modify their playing XI. With Akash Deep declared fit, he could replace the underwhelming Avesh Khan, offering sharper pace and control with the new ball. The big challenge remains their misfiring batting unit. Apart from Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh, key players like Rishabh Pant and Aiden Markram haven’t found rhythm yet, which makes powerplay execution a top priority.

MI Search for Consistency in Spin-Friendly Lucknow

Mumbai Indians have finally got themselves going after a clinical win against KKR, but their troubles on the road persist. Since 2023, they’ve lost 13 of their last 18 away games. The conditions in Lucknow especially the slower pitch and larger boundaries will test their adaptability.

The focus will be on MI’s spinners, with the likes of Mitchell Santner, Vignesh Puthur, and potentially Mujeeb Ur Rahman expected to feature. Their spin unit has been one of the most efficient this season, with strong economy rates and wicket-taking ability through the middle overs. If the pitch grips, LSG’s batting frailties against spin could come under the spotlight.

Meanwhile, MI’s batting has shown sparks. Suryakumar Yadav's return to form and Ryan Rickelton’s fluent half-century have been promising signs. But Rohit Sharma’s returns (just 21 runs in 3 innings) remain a worry. On a pitch where starting slow can be unforgiving, MI will need Rohit to rediscover his rhythm quickly.

Fantasy Dream11 Prediction: Who Could Score Big

When it comes to Dream11 combinations for this LSG vs MI contest, Nicholas Pooran tops the probability charts with his form, finishing ability, and excellent six-hitting record. Suryakumar Yadav also stands out as a must-pick given his recent form and matchup-friendly stats against LSG. For bowlers, Variety in spin is key, and both Ravi Bishnoi and Puthur are good options depending on who bowls second under pressure.

High-probability performers:

• Nicholas Pooran (LSG) – Form, power, match-up edge

• Suryakumar Yadav (MI) – In touch, plays spin well

• Mitchell Marsh (LSG) – Capable of early impact

• Vignesh Puthur (MI) – Dark horse with four wickets in two matches

• Ravi Bishnoi (LSG) – Due for a strong outing on home turf

Weather and Pitch Conditions

Lucknow’s weather is set to be dry, with temperatures touching 38°C during the day, cooling by match time. No dew is expected, which could influence the toss call. The black-soil pitch, a shift from the red-soil one used last match, is expected to be less spinner-friendly than usual but still slow enough to favor those who vary pace. Chasing has been slightly advantageous, with five of the last six matches at the venue won by the team batting second.

However, the lack of dew and the chance for early movement under lights may tempt captains to bat first. With large boundaries in play, smart running and middle-over control will be pivotal.

Match Prediction and Probable XIs

Despite MI’s superior spin attack and improved recent form, Lucknow’s head-to-head advantage (5-1) over Mumbai and home familiarity could make a difference if they get their combination right.

Winning Prediction: LSG have a narrow edge due to local knowledge and stronger middle-order depth. But if MI’s spinners click early, they could turn the tables.

Probable LSG XI: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, Digvesh Rathi, Ravi Bishnoi

Probable MI XI: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Ashwani Kumar, Vignesh Puthur/Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Interesting Stats to Watch

• LSG have defended sub-150 totals three times since 2022—the most by any team in that span.

• Rohit Sharma has the lowest strike rate (130.09) among batters with 2500+ IPL runs since 2017.

• Nicholas Pooran has hit 202 sixes in T20s since January 2024—most in the world.

• Ravi Bishnoi’s middle-over economy (12.25) is the highest among bowlers with at least 8 overs in that phase this season.

• MI’s spin unit ranks second-best in economy (8.12) and third in average (27.28) this season.

Final Thoughts

This match between Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians is a battle of tactical nous and execution. While LSG are seeking redemption after an embarrassing home loss, MI are aiming for stability after finding momentum. Whether it’s the power-hitters like Pooran and SKY, or the spinners like Bishnoi and Puthur, expect a gripping contest in Lucknow under the lights.