With the start of the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 just around the corner, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have received both good and bad news. On one hand, several foreign players have been ruled out due to injuries, while on the other hand, Australian T20 captain and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been declared fully fit to play this season.
Marsh had missed the recently concluded Champions Trophy 2025 due to lower back pain, and he was also ruled out of the Sri Lanka tour earlier due to the same injury. However, now he has been cleared to play in the IPL, which is a significant boost for LSG. But the setback for the team is that Marsh will only play as a batsman and will not be able to bowl this season.
Mitchell Marsh to Play as a Pure Batsman in IPL 2025
Mitchell Marsh’s participation in IPL 2025 is confirmed, which is great news for LSG’s new captain Rishabh Pant. However, the team will have to make adjustments as Marsh will not be available as a bowling option. He is expected to join the LSG squad next week.
Marsh last played a professional match on January 7 in the Big Bash League (BBL), where he represented the Perth Scorchers. Over the last three IPL seasons, Marsh was a part of the Delhi Capitals squad, but he struggled with injuries throughout his stint.
Last season, Marsh could play only four matches before suffering a hamstring injury, which forced him to return to Australia. Prior to his time with Delhi Capitals, Marsh had played for multiple IPL franchises, including Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rising Pune Supergiants, Pune Warriors, and Deccan Chargers.
LSG to Begin IPL 2025 Campaign Against Delhi Capitals
In IPL 2025, Lucknow Super Giants will take the field under the leadership of their new captain, Rishabh Pant. The team has made several changes to its squad this season, with new players coming in.
LSG will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign on March 24 against Delhi Capitals. This match will be played at Visakhapatnam. The team will then play its first home game on April 1 against Punjab Kings at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
How Will LSG Manage Without Marsh as a Bowler?
While Mitchell Marsh’s return is a big boost for LSG, the fact that he won’t be bowling could pose a challenge for the team. LSG had likely planned for Marsh as an all-rounder, and now they will have to rely on other bowling options.
The absence of Marsh as a bowler means that the team will have to consider alternative all-rounders who can contribute both with the bat and ball. Players like Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, and Deepak Hooda will need to step up in Marsh’s absence as a bowler.
LSG’s Strategy for IPL 2025
Lucknow Super Giants have been a competitive team in the last few seasons, and under new captain Rishabh Pant, they will look to make a strong impact this year as well. With a balanced squad featuring experienced international players and promising Indian talents, LSG will aim for a successful campaign in IPL 2025.
The key to LSG’s success will be their batting lineup, which now includes a fit Mitchell Marsh, alongside the likes of KL Rahul, Quinton de Kock, and Nicholas Pooran. Additionally, their bowling attack, led by Mark Wood, Ravi Bishnoi, and Avesh Khan, will play a crucial role in determining their fate this season.
With IPL 2025 just a few days away, Lucknow Super Giants are preparing to make a strong start to the season. The return of Mitchell Marsh is a major positive for the team, even though he will not be able to bowl. Under the leadership of Rishabh Pant, LSG will be looking to perform better than their previous campaigns and challenge for the IPL trophy.
Fans of Lucknow Super Giants will be eagerly waiting to see how the team performs in their opening matches and whether they can overcome the challenge of Marsh’s restricted role in the team.
