The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are set to face off against the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 40th match of the IPL 2025 on April 22. The venue for this exciting clash is the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Their last encounter this season was nothing short of thrilling, with Ashutosh Sharma leading DC to victory in the nail-biting final overs against LSG. As the season continues, both teams find themselves sitting comfortably in the top five of the points table, making this match even more crucial for their playoff hopes.
Let’s take a closer look at some intriguing player matchups that fans should be on the lookout for during this game.
Nicholas Pooran vs Kuldeep Yadav

First up, we have Nicholas Pooran going head-to-head with Kuldeep Yadav. Pooran has been on fire lately, playing a key role in LSG’s strategy during the middle overs. However, he is up against Kuldeep, who has had his number in past T20 matches, having dismissed him five times in 11 innings. This season, Pooran is leading the race for the Orange Cap with an impressive 368 runs, boasting a strike rate of 205.88. In contrast, Kuldeep has taken 12 wickets with an economy rate of 6.25, making this matchup not just vital for Pooran’s run tally but also for Kuldeep’s comeback.
Mitchell Marsh vs Mitchell Starc

Then we have an exciting duel between Mitchell Marsh and Mitchell Starc. Earlier in the season, Marsh really put Starc to the test, smacking 20 runs off just five balls in their last meeting. Starc has been in good form and is looking to bounce back from that encounter. So far this season, he has taken four wickets in the powerplay but has been a bit pricey, with an economy of 11.53. Fans will be eager to see how these two Australians approach this tussle.
Digvesh Singh Rathi vs Kl Rahul

Another interesting matchup is between young gun Digvesh Rathi and seasoned player KL Rahul. Since entering the IPL scene, Rathi has really been showing off his skills with the bat, confusing opponents with his variations and maintaining his economy in the process. On the other side, KL Rahul plays a critical role for the Capitals in the middle order. He’s been aggressive at the crease, and you can expect him to look to dominate during this match. Their battle is expected to be one of the highlights of the game, showcasing both youthful exuberance and experienced strategy.
Faf du plessis/ Jake Freser-Mcgurk vs Mayank Yadav

And don’t forget about Faf du Plessis or Jake Fraser-McGurk against Mayank Yadav in a clash of raw pace and power hitting. Mayank’s speed could put Faf’s experience to the test or give Jake an avenue to prove just how aggressive he can be from the start.
David Miller vs Axar Patel

Finally, let’s look at Axar Patel going up against David Miller. Both are left-handed batsmen and veterans of the game, each playing pivotal roles in their teams. Axar, as an all-rounder, brings depth to the game while Miller excels as a finisher. They’ll be looking to shine in critical moments, so fans should really keep an eye on how each performs under pressure.
With all these exciting matchups in play, this match promises to be a nail-biter that could sway in any direction.