As IPL 2025 barrels toward its conclusion, the clash between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 19 emerges as a last lifeline for LSG. With playoff hopes dangling by a thread, LSG must win — or their campaign ends right here. SRH, already out of the race, will aim to salvage pride and experiment for the future.
LSG’s Do-or-Die Dilemma
It’s been a season of inconsistency for Lucknow Super Giants, and the table doesn’t lie. Even if they win all three of their remaining matches, LSG can only reach 11 points — and with a poor net run rate of -0.469, their fate still depends on other results. A loss against SRH, and it’s curtains for their 2025 campaign.
What’s added to their woes is the underwhelming performance of key players. Ravi Bishnoi, once their spin spearhead, was dropped after taking just 9 wickets in 10 games at an average of 41.67. His economy of 10.42 has left LSG vulnerable in the middle overs. Meanwhile, Mayank Yadav, who started the season with fire, has been ruled out due to a recurring back injury.
A Glimmer of Confidence from the Past
However, LSG can still draw some belief from their earlier win over SRH this season — a tactical masterclass where they outplayed Hyderabad’s hard-hitting lineup without Bishnoi and Mayank. In a match many expected them to lose, they showcased composure and control, particularly in conditions favoring SRH.
SRH: A Season of Missed Promises
For Pat Cummins’ Sunrisers Hyderabad, IPL 2025 ended prematurely after their rained-off clash last week officially ruled them out. Ironically, that result followed their best bowling performance of the season, showing what could’ve been.
Despite the disappointment, Cummins has kept the spirits high, reminding fans and players that this is just the beginning of a three-year rebuilding phase. His return to action after an IPL break and impending national duty in the World Test Championship Final adds leadership strength in the dugout.
Areas of Concern
Both LSG and SRH have struggled in the PowerPlay. LSG have conceded at 10.5 runs per over, while SRH aren’t far behind at 10.1 — the two worst units in the league.
SRH’s spin department has been especially ineffective — their spinners have taken just 10 wickets all season, the lowest in the league. On a Lucknow pitch that could offer grip, this will be a concern.
Key Players to Watch
- Nicholas Pooran (LSG): The in-form finisher remains LSG’s biggest hope, especially in high-pressure run chases.
- Heinrich Klaasen (SRH): Explosive against pace and spin alike, Klaasen will be crucial if SRH are to challenge LSG’s bowling.
- Shardul Thakur (LSG): Could be vital in curbing runs in the PowerPlay where LSG have leaked the most.
- Pat Cummins (SRH): With experience and leadership, Cummins’ presence offers tactical depth.
What’s at Stake
- LSG: A loss equals elimination. A win keeps slim hopes alive but makes NRR a major factor.
- SRH: With nothing to lose, they’ll look to unleash their bench and experiment for 2026.
Match Details LSG VS SRH IPL 2025
- Match: IPL 2025, Match 61
- Date & Time: May 19, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
Squads
Lucknow Super Giants:
Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (w/c), Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Avesh Khan, Prince Yadav, Akash Maharaj Singh, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Ravi Bishnoi, Shahbaz Ahmed, Himmat Singh, Matthew Breetzke, Shardul Thakur, Manimaran Siddharth, Aryan Juyal, RS Hangargekar, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Arshin Kulkarni, William ORourke, Akash Deep
Sunrisers Hyderabad:
Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (w), Sachin Baby, Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma, Abhinav Manohar, Pat Cummins (c), Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Zeeshan Ansari, Eshan Malinga, Travis Head, Mohammed Shami, Harsh Dubey, Rahul Chahar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kamindu Mendis, Atharva Taide, Simarjeet Singh, Smaran Ravichandran
Follow BiggSports News for all updates from the IPL 2025 as LSG fight to stay alive and SRH seek redemption in Lucknow.
