IPL 2025: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) started their campaign with a defeat in IPL 2025. In this exciting match played against Delhi Capitals, Lucknow had to face defeat by one wicket. Lucknow had scored a strong score of 209 runs while batting first, but due to their poor bowling, Delhi achieved this target in just 19.3 overs.

Lack of experience in bowling became the reason for the defeat

Lucknow's team had a chance to make a great start in this match, when they took the first three wickets of Delhi for just seven runs. But after this the inexperience of their bowlers was exposed. Delhi batsmen, especially Ashutosh Sharma and Vipraaj Nigam, thrashed the Lucknow bowlers. Lucknow's bowling lineup seemed to be struggling with lack of experience, which Delhi took direct advantage of.

Trouble due to injured bowlers

Lucknow Super Giants suffered a major setback even before the start of IPL 2025. Their four main fast bowlers - Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan and Akashdeep got injured. All of them are currently in the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and are waiting for fitness certificates.

For this reason, Lucknow had to take the field with a new bowling unit against Delhi Capitals. Less experienced bowlers like Shardul Thakur, Prince Yadav, Digvesh and M Siddharth were given a chance. Shardul gave the team a great start by taking two wickets in the very first over, but his strategy failed in the death overs. At the same time, there was speed in Prince Yadav's fast bowling, but the lack of line and length was clearly visible.

Dew also increased the difficulties of the bowlers

The effect of dew was also seen during the match, due to which the bowlers had trouble gripping. Due to this, it became difficult to bowl yorkers and the batsmen got a chance to play shots freely. Delhi batsmen took advantage of this situation and hit big shots.

LSG learnt a lesson, batsmen will have to play a big role

Lucknow bowling coach Lance Klusener said after the match, "We don't have many options in bowling right now. Until our players recover from injury, we have to rely on our alternate bowlers. However, this is also giving some young players a chance to prove themselves."

He further said, "We will focus more on our batting in the next match, so that we can put up a huge score and the pressure on the bowlers is reduced. We hope that our young bowlers will adapt to the conditions soon."

Match Brief

Lucknow Super Giants lost the toss and batted first and scored 209 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs. Mitchell Marsh (36 balls, 72 runs) and Nicholas Pooran (30 balls, 75 runs) played excellent innings. In reply for Delhi, Ashutosh Sharma (31 balls, 66 runs not out) and Vipraaj Nigam (15 balls, 39 runs) batted explosively and led their team to victory.

Delhi scored 211 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 19.3 overs and won the match by one wicket. Tristan Stubbs (34 runs) and captain Axar Patel (22 runs) also made important contributions.

Further strategy

Lucknow Super Giants will now have to work on their bowling weaknesses. All eyes are also on when their injured bowlers will return. The next match will be against Sunrisers Hyderabad, in which the team will have to perform better. The batsmen will have to take more responsibility, so that the pressure on the bowlers is reduced.

If Lucknow has to move forward this season, then they will have to bring balance in their bowling department and adopt a strategy of giving experience to the young players.