IPL 2025 4th Match DC vs LSG: Preview, Predictions, and Key Players
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is in full swing, and today, Monday, March 24, brings us the 4th match of the season at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Delhi Capitals (DC) take on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a night game starting at 7:30 PM IST under the floodlights. With both teams eager to make an early mark in the tournament, this clash promises high-octane action. Here’s an in-depth IPL 2025 pre-match analysis with all the juicy details—venue insights, squad updates, player form, predictions, and more.
Match Details
- Event: IPL 2025 4th Match DC vs LSG
- Date: Monday, March 24, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST (2:00 PM GMT)
- Venue: Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
- Teams: Delhi Capitals (DC) vs Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Venue Insights: ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam
The ACA-VDCA Stadium is known for its batsman-friendly pitches, with an average first-innings score hovering around 170 in T20s. The surface typically offers good pace and bounce early on, benefiting fast bowlers, but as the game progresses—especially under lights with dew setting in—it becomes a paradise for batsmen. Historically, teams batting second have had a slight edge here due to the dew factor, which makes gripping the ball challenging for bowlers in the second innings. Expect a high-scoring encounter tonight, with the team chasing likely to hold an advantage.
Squad Information
Based on early IPL 2025 updates and probable line-ups (sourced from platforms like ESPNcricinfo), here’s a look at the expected squads:
Delhi Capitals (DC):
- Probable XI: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel, KL Rahul (wk), Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (c), Ashutosh Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell Starc, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar
- Key Reserves: Sameer Rizvi, Mohit Sharma
- Form Guide: DC enters IPL 2025 with a revamped squad. KL Rahul, acquired from LSG, brings consistency, while Mitchell Starc adds firepower to the bowling attack. New captain Axar Patel will lean on his all-round skills and leadership experience.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG):
- Probable XI: Yuvraj Chaudhary, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant (c, wk), Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Ravi Bishnoi, Shamar Joseph, Prince Yadav
- Key Reserves: Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Shardul Thakur (injury replacement for Mohsin Khan)
- Form Guide: LSG boasts a dynamic batting line-up with Rishabh Pant leading the charge after his record-breaking auction move. However, injuries to key pacers like Mayank Yadav and Avesh Khan could test their bowling depth.
Player Performance and Form
Here’s a spotlight on key players based on their ongoing form and IPL 2024 performances:
- KL Rahul (DC): Rahul’s move to DC has been a talking point. In IPL 2024, he scored 520 runs at a strike rate of 136.88 for LSG. Expect a composed yet aggressive knock from him tonight. KL Rahul performance will be pivotal for DC’s batting stability.
- Rishabh Pant (LSG): Pant, now LSG’s captain, smashed 446 runs in IPL 2024 at a strike rate of 155.40 post his comeback from injury. His explosive batting could turn the game on its head. Rishabh Pant performance is one to watch.
- Mitchell Starc (DC): The Aussie pacer, a marquee signing, brings lethal pace and swing. His ability to strike early could dismantle LSG’s top order.
- Nicholas Pooran (LSG): Pooran’s 499 runs in IPL 2024 at a strike rate of 178.21 make him a middle-order dynamo. He thrives under pressure and loves the big stage.
- Kuldeep Yadav (DC): The wrist-spinner’s guile (16 wickets in IPL 2024) could exploit Vizag’s spin-friendly conditions in the middle overs.
- Ravi Bishnoi (LSG): Bishnoi’s 10 wickets in IPL 2024 showed his knack for breakthroughs. He’ll be LSG’s go-to bowler against DC’s big hitters.
Predictions: Who Will Win?
Given the venue’s history and team compositions, DC holds a slight edge. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Mitchell Starc and Kuldeep Yadav, looks more balanced compared to LSG’s depleted pace unit. KL Rahul’s familiarity with LSG’s strategies could also tilt the scales. However, LSG’s batting firepower—Pant, Pooran, and Miller—means they’re never out of the game. The dew factor favors the chasing team, so the toss could be decisive. Prediction: Delhi Capitals to win by a narrow margin if they bowl first; LSG could chase down a big total if dew plays a role.
Player of the Match Contender
- Top Pick: Mitchell Starc. His ability to swing the ball under lights and take early wickets could swing the game DC’s way. A 3-wicket haul isn’t out of the question.
- Dark Horse: Rishabh Pant. If LSG pulls off an upset, Pant’s aggressive captaincy and batting could earn him the honors.
Most Dismissable Bowler
- Likely Candidate: Shamar Joseph (LSG). The young West Indian pacer is raw and could struggle against DC’s seasoned batsmen like Rahul and du Plessis, especially if dew hampers his control. Expect him to leak runs or be targeted for boundaries.
Toss and Tactical Advantage
The team winning the toss will likely opt to bowl first. The first batting side might benefit from early swing and bounce, but the second batting team will enjoy the dew advantage, making it easier to chase under lights. DC’s bowling depth could exploit early conditions, while LSG’s batting might thrive in a chase.
Ground and Conditions
- Pitch: Flat with true bounce; expect scores above 180.
- Weather: Clear skies, 28-30°C, high humidity—dew will be a factor post 9 PM IST.
- Boundary Dimensions: Relatively short (60-65m), favoring big hitters.
IPL 2025 Pre-Match Analysis: Key Battles
- Starc vs Pant: Starc’s pace against Pant’s audacity—early wickets could set the tone.
- Kuldeep vs Pooran: Spin vs power-hitting—a middle-over showdown.
- Rahul vs Bishnoi: Former teammates turned rivals—can Bishnoi outfox Rahul?