On April 27, 2025, the Mumbai Indians (MI) faced off against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 45th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. In a thrilling contest, MI secured a 54-run victory, marking their fifth consecutive win and their first league victory against LSG in the last three editions of the tournament.
LSG captain Rishabh Pant won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision influenced by the conditions expected to favor batting later in the day. "We feel the wicket is better to bat. It might stop a bit in the afternoon. The win record (6-0) feels good but we don’t look at it too much," Pant stated after the toss. MI's captain Hardik Pandya, while also expressing a preference to bowl, adapted to the situation, saying, "We don’t mind a bat as well. Need to make sure the energy is in the right place in such conditions. Momentum always helps you but in the IPL every game matters and we just have to do the right thing."
MI made three significant changes to their lineup, bringing back Rohit Sharma, Corbin Bosch, and Karn Sharma, while LSG made two changes, including the return of fast bowler Mayank Yadav after a long injury layoff. Mayank had been out of action since October 2024, following a T20I match against Bangladesh. His comeback was anticipated, and he replaced Shardul Thakur, LSG's leading wicket-taker this season.
As the match unfolded, MI posted a competitive total of 215 runs for 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Suryakumar Yadav and Ryan Rickelton were the stars with the bat, both reaching half-centuries. Suryakumar brought up his fifty in just 28 balls, while Rickelton scored 58 off 32 deliveries. However, MI experienced a middle-order collapse, losing key wickets in quick succession, including Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, and Will Jacks. Despite the setbacks, MI managed to set a formidable target.
In response, LSG struggled to keep up with the required run rate. The innings got off to a rocky start as MI's Jasprit Bumrah wreaked havoc on the LSG batting order, claiming four wickets, including three in a single over. Bumrah's early strike removed Aiden Markram, and the pressure mounted on LSG's batting lineup, leading to a collapse that saw them all out for just 161 runs.
Trent Boult also contributed significantly with the ball, taking three wickets, while Will Jacks added two more to the tally. Mayank Yadav marked his return with the crucial dismissals of MI's opener Rohit Sharma for just 12 runs and captain Hardik Pandya for 5 runs, showcasing his potential as a key player for LSG.
Despite the loss, LSG's captain Pant remained optimistic about the team's performance, stating, "We are in a good space and personally, it is easier to put the team ahead, which makes it easier. Eventually, you want to play good cricket and take every day as your first day." This sentiment reflects the competitive spirit in the IPL, where every match is crucial for the teams vying for playoff positions.
With this victory, MI climbed to second place on the points table with 12 points from 10 matches, while LSG remained in sixth place with 10 points. MI's resurgence in the tournament is notable, especially after a shaky start where they lost four of their first five matches. Their recent form showcases their ability to bounce back and compete fiercely in the league.
As the IPL season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling encounters as teams jostle for position in the standings. The Mumbai Indians' win against the Lucknow Super Giants not only boosts their confidence but also sets the stage for an exciting finish to the tournament.
