Rishabh Pant will be in the limelight as his resurgent Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) take on the formidable Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 26 of IPL 2025 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Saturday, 12 April. Pant, who is slowly rediscovering his explosive best, will look to guide his team to a third consecutive win after thrilling victories over Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders.
LSG’s batting has been in red-hot form, breaching the 200-run mark in back-to-back games. With Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, and KL Rahul firing at different stages, their top and middle orders have clicked in unison, giving them the momentum to climb into the top four.
However, their biggest challenge yet comes in the form of table-toppers Gujarat Titans. Under Shubman Gill’s calm leadership, GT have registered four straight wins and looks like a well-oiled unit. Sai Sudharsan has quietly anchored the batting lineup, while Gill continues to lead from the front. The bowling attack, led by Mohammed Siraj and supported by Prasidh Krishna and R Sai Kishore, has maintained discipline and consistency.
ALSO READ: Match 26 (LSG vs GT) – Probable XII and Fantasy XI Predictions
Though Rashid Khan has had a quiet start, his battle with LSG’s six-hitting machine Nicholas Pooran could be one to watch. GT’s balanced setup will test LSG’s form and firepower.
#1 Jos Buttler vs Avesh Khan
Jos Buttler has been in stellar form for Gujarat Titans, racking up 202 runs in five games at a blazing strike rate of over 150. His dominance in the powerplay has been unmatched, putting pressure on opposition attacks early. However, LSG pacer Avesh Khan, who was sharp and consistent in his last outing against KKR, has had moderate success against Buttler—dismissing him twice in previous IPL clashes. Despite this, Buttler boasts a jaw-dropping strike rate of over 200 against Avesh, setting the stage for an explosive showdown.
#2 Shubman Gill vs Shardul Thakur
GT captain Shubman Gill has played a few solid knocks but is still searching for that one commanding innings. His duel with LSG’s Shardul Thakur could be pivotal. Thakur has removed Gill twice in six IPL meetings, keeping him at a modest strike rate of 115.78. With Gill’s form vital for GT’s momentum, Shardul’s ability to strike early will be crucial.
#3 Nicholas Pooran vs Rashid Khan
Nicholas Pooran, the six-hitting engine of LSG, faces his toughest test yet against Rashid Khan. Though Rashid hasn’t hit his stride this season, he’s managed to keep Pooran quiet, dismissing him twice in five meetings while limiting his strike rate to 116.66. If Pooran can counter Rashid, LSG might just gain the upper hand.
