IPL 2025: DC vs LSG – Rishabh Pant vs KL Rahul in a High-Stakes Clash at Visakhapatnam

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 continues to deliver thrilling matchups, and today's encounter between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) promises to be an exciting one. The match, scheduled to take place at the Dr. YSR Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, is filled with dramatic storylines as former captains face their old teams.

Pant and Rahul Face Their Former Teams

One of the biggest talking points of this match is the reunion of Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul with their former franchises. Pant, the former Delhi Capitals captain, was released ahead of the IPL 2025 auction and was picked up by LSG for a record-breaking ₹27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. Now, leading LSG, he aims to prove his worth against his old team.

On the other hand, KL Rahul, who had a public fallout with LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka last season, has switched sides to Delhi Capitals. His move came after a viral video showed Goenka reprimanding him after a humiliating loss in IPL 2024. Rahul later explained that he sought a fresh start and a team environment where he could play with "freedom." However, there are doubts about his availability for today's match, as DC captain Axar Patel remained uncertain about his participation due to "personal reasons."

LSG’s Injury Woes

LSG enters this game with major injury concerns, particularly in their fast-bowling department. The team has lost key pacers Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, Akash Deep, and Avesh Khan, forcing them to rope in Shardul Thakur as a last-minute replacement. Despite these setbacks, they still boast a formidable lineup featuring Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, and David Miller.

Delhi Capitals’ Strong Bowling Attack

Delhi Capitals, under new captain Axar Patel, appear well-equipped in their bowling department. The franchise has strengthened its attack with the inclusion of Mitchell Starc, T Natarajan, and Mohit Sharma, adding to their existing talents Kuldeep Yadav and Mukesh Kumar. If KL Rahul plays, their batting lineup will also have depth, alongside Faf du Plessis and young Jake Fraser-McGurk.

Head-to-Head Record

In their previous five encounters, Lucknow Super Giants hold a slight edge over Delhi Capitals with a 3-2 record. However, with both teams undergoing major transformations, today's result is unpredictable.

Pitch and Conditions at Visakhapatnam

The Visakhapatnam pitch has proven to be a batting paradise. The last IPL match at this venue saw Kolkata Knight Riders score 272 runs, indicating that another high-scoring contest could be on the cards. Additionally, both IPL games played here were won by teams batting first, which might influence the toss decision.

Predicted Playing XIs

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Mitchell Marsh

Aryan Juyal

Rishabh Pant (C & WK)

Nicholas Pooran

Ayush Badoni

David Miller

Shahbaz Ahmed

Shardul Thakur

Ravi Bishnoi

Akash Singh

Shamar Joseph

Delhi Capitals (DC)

Jake Fraser-McGurk

Faf du Plessis

Abhishek Porel

KL Rahul (if available)

Axar Patel (C)

Tristan Stubbs

Ashutosh Sharma

Mitchell Starc

Kuldeep Yadav

Mukesh Kumar

T Natarajan

Where to Watch DC vs LSG Live?

Fans can catch the Delhi Capitals vs Lucknow Super Giants IPL 2025 match live on television and digital streaming platforms. The official broadcasters and streaming services have exclusive rights to the IPL, ensuring fans don't miss out on the action.

With Pant and Rahul looking to make a statement, injury concerns for LSG, and a batting-friendly pitch, this match is set to be one of the most thrilling contests of IPL 2025. Will DC hand LSG a defeat, or will Pant lead his new team to victory against his former side? Stay tuned to find out!