The Indian Premier League 2025 brought another exciting clash as the Delhi Capitals took on the Lucknow Super Giants in Visakhapatnam. In a crucial decision at the toss, Delhi Capitals’ stand-in captain Axar Patel opted to bowl first after winning the toss. With evening dew expected to play a role and the pitch offering some early assistance to bowlers, the choice to chase was a tactical move designed to capitalize on these conditions.
This decision marked a notable moment for Delhi, with Axar Patel stepping in as captain. With regular skipper Rishabh Pant now leading the Lucknow Super Giants, fans were treated to a unique battle between two familiar faces in unfamiliar roles. Both captains have shared a strong camaraderie, but competition brought out a fiercely strategic side as they prepared their respective lineups for a high-octane encounter.
Delhi Capitals fielded a well-balanced team that included a mix of international firepower and promising young talent. Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk were entrusted with the top-order duties, while the middle order featured players like Tristan Stubbs and Abishek Porel. Their bowling unit was led by Mitchell Starc and Kuldeep Yadav, who were expected to exploit the early conditions and put pressure on LSG’s strong batting lineup.
Lucknow, on the other hand, had a dynamic squad of their own. With Rishabh Pant not just captaining but also keeping wickets, and experienced players like David Miller and Nicholas Pooran in the middle order, LSG looked ready to post a big score. Their strategy was clear—build a strong foundation and let their finishers explode in the final overs.
Batting first, Lucknow Super Giants posted a competitive total of 209 for 8 in their 20 overs. Nicholas Pooran played a key role, displaying his trademark flair and power-hitting as he anchored the innings. Support came from Mitchell Marsh, who looked in good touch throughout his knock. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, LSG managed to maintain a healthy run rate, setting Delhi a tough target.