Gujarat Titans have already sealed their spot in the IPL 2025 playoffs, but with two league matches remaining, their focus now shifts to securing a coveted top-two finish. Their next challenge comes at home against a faltering Lucknow Super Giants, who enter the contest reeling from injuries, inconsistent performances, and the suspension of leg-spinner Digvesh Rathi.
While GT have been dominant throughout the season, questions remain about their untested middle order. In their earlier defeat to LSG, their batting faltered after a strong start by Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan. Jos Buttler also struggled to accelerate, leaving the middle order unable to capitalize. With Buttler set to miss the playoffs, GT’s management will be keen to give players like Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, and Rahul Tewatia meaningful time at the crease before the knockout rounds.
GT are unlikely to make changes to the XI that demolished Mumbai Indians by 10 wickets in their last outing. However, there is a possibility that one of their frontline pacers—Mohammed Siraj or Prasidh Krishna—may be rested in their final league game, especially if a top-two finish is confirmed.
On the other hand, Lucknow’s campaign continues to spiral. With three consecutive losses and a disrupted lineup, they face an uphill battle. The absence of Rathi, suspended for repeated breaches of the IPL Code of Conduct, leaves a significant gap in the spin department. Left-arm spinners Shahbaz Ahmed or M Siddharth are the likely replacements. Additionally, Ravi Bishnoi, who has endured his worst IPL season statistically, will be under pressure to step up.
This match also reignites the question of who should bat at No. 3 for LSG. While captain Rishabh Pant remains an option, Nicholas Pooran has also been in contention, as the team looks for solutions in a faltering batting order.
Statistically, GT boast the strongest top-order average (61.35) in IPL 2025, but their middle order averages just 21.39—the lowest in the league. However, their strike rate remains unmatched at 165.65, showing they can accelerate when needed. Gill and Sudharsan have also become just the fifth pair in IPL history to combine for over 600 runs in a single season.
With playoff implications on the line and team balance in focus, this fixture could serve as a vital testing ground for GT’s middle order, while LSG hope to salvage pride and disrupt the playoff equations.
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