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IPL 2025 Match Preview: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) vs Delhi Capitals (DC)

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Venue: Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
 
The fourth match of IPL 2025 pits Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) against Delhi Capitals (DC) in what promises to be an electrifying encounter at Visakhapatnam. Both teams are eager to kick off their campaigns with a win after missing the playoffs last season. The narrative is spiced up by the switch of captains: Rishabh Pant, now leading LSG, faces his former team DC, while KL Rahul, ex-LSG skipper, dons the DC jersey under Axar Patel’s leadership.

Pitch and Conditions

The Visakhapatnam pitch is known to favor batsmen, with an average first-innings score hovering around 180-190 in recent IPL games. The surface has historically supported high-scoring encounters, with runs flowing at 9.2 per over in T20s, one of the highest rates among Indian venues. Pacers might find some early movement, but spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi could play a decisive role as the game progresses. The weather is expected to be clear, with temperatures below 30°C, setting the stage for an uninterrupted thriller.

Team Insights

Delhi Capitals (DC):
 
Led by Axar Patel, DC boasts a revamped squad with KL Rahul anchoring the batting alongside Faf du Plessis and the explosive Jake Fraser-McGurk. Their bowling attack is formidable, featuring Mitchell Starc’s pace and Kuldeep Yadav’s spin wizardry. DC’s balanced lineup gives them an edge, but they’ll need to counter LSG’s firepower.
 
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG):
 
Rishabh Pant takes the helm for LSG, bringing aggression to the middle order alongside Nicholas Pooran and David Miller. However, their bowling unit is depleted with injuries to key pacers like Mayank Yadav and Avesh Khan. Shardul Thakur steps in as a replacement, but LSG will lean heavily on Ravi Bishnoi’s spin and Mitchell Marsh’s all-round skills.
 

Key Battles

  • KL Rahul vs Ravi Bishnoi: Rahul’s composure will be tested against Bishnoi’s guile, especially given their past association.
  • Rishabh Pant vs Mitchell Starc: Pant’s unorthodox strokeplay against Starc’s lethal pace could define LSG’s innings.
  • Axar Patel vs Nicholas Pooran: Axar’s left-arm spin might challenge Pooran’s dominance against spin on this track.
DC enters as slight favorites due to their stronger bowling depth and fewer injury concerns. However, LSG’s batting firepower, led by Pant and Pooran, could turn the tide if they capitalize on the batting-friendly conditions. Expect a high-scoring affair, with the team batting first likely aiming for 190+.

Fantasy Team for LSG vs DC (IPL 2025, Match 4)

Here’s a well-balanced Dream11 fantasy team based on current form, pitch conditions, and player potential:
  • Wicketkeepers:
    • Rishabh Pant (LSG) (Captain) – Pant’s aggressive batting and captaincy role make him a prime pick. Expect him to fire against his former team.
    • Nicholas Pooran (LSG) – Pooran’s explosive form (499 runs in IPL 2024) and ability to dominate spinners make him a must-have.
  • Batsmen:
    • KL Rahul (DC) (Vice-Captain) – Rahul’s consistency (520 runs in IPL 2024) and familiarity with LSG’s bowling make him a safe VC choice.
    • Faf du Plessis (DC) – Faf’s experience and recent T20 form (286 runs in SA20 2025) add stability and firepower.
    • Jake Fraser-McGurk (DC) – A high-risk, high-reward option with his ability to clear boundaries effortlessly.
  • All-Rounders:
    • Axar Patel (DC) – Axar’s dual skills (11 wickets in IPL 2024) and captaincy role boost his fantasy value.
    • Mitchell Marsh (LSG) – Marsh’s all-round contribution with bat and ball makes him a key differential.
  • Bowlers:
    • Mitchell Starc (DC) – Starc’s pace could exploit early conditions, making him a wicket-taking threat.
    • Kuldeep Yadav (DC) – Kuldeep’s spin (15 wickets in IPL 2024) suits the middle overs on this pitch.
    • Ravi Bishnoi (LSG) – Bishnoi’s knack for breakthroughs could trouble DC’s left-handers.
    • T Natarajan (DC) – Natarajan’s death-over precision adds variety to the bowling attack.
Team Composition:
  • Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran
  • Batsmen: KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk
  • All-Rounders: Axar Patel, Mitchell Marsh
  • Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, T Natarajan
Why This Team?
  • Captain (Pant): His potential for a match-defining knock against DC is high, especially on a batting-friendly pitch.
  • Vice-Captain (Rahul): A consistent scorer who could anchor DC’s innings.
  • Balance: The team blends top-order stability (Rahul, Faf), middle-order aggression (Pant, Pooran, Fraser-McGurk), and all-round utility (Axar, Marsh) with a potent bowling mix.
Enjoy the match and good luck with your fantasy picks!
Click here for complete schedule for IPL 2025

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