The Batting Blues: Big Names Missing the Mark

The initial promise of explosive starts and consistent middle-order firepower from several high-profile batsmen has largely remained unfulfilled in IPL 2025. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, despite his aggressive intent, has struggled for Kolkata Knight Riders, often leaving his team reeling early on. Similarly, Yashasvi Jaiswal, after a dazzling previous season for Rajasthan Royals, has looked surprisingly subdued, failing to provide the impactful starts expected of him. In the middle order, Rishabh Pant's return for Lucknow Super Giants, while heartwarming, hasn't yet translated into consistent runs, and his captaincy is still finding its footing. The explosive Glenn Maxwell has been a shadow of his destructive self for Punjab Kings, offering sporadic brilliance but lacking the consistent game-changing innings he's known for. Even Venkatesh Iyer, retained at a significant price by KKR, hasn't replicated his past heroics, adding to their batting woes. Liam Livingstone, another power-hitter for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has also struggled to convert his potential into consistent scores.

Also Read:-IPL 2025: Rohit Sharma shares different thoughts than BCCI about Abhishek Nayar's acceptance

Bowling Below Par: Reputations Taking a Hit

The bowling departments of various franchises have also seen some prominent names fail to live up to expectations. Ravindra Jadeja, a mainstay for Chennai Super Kings with his all-round abilities, has looked uncharacteristically off-color with the ball, not providing his usual control and breakthroughs. His CSK teammate, R Ashwin, has also been surprisingly expensive at times, lacking his usual wicket-taking prowess in the crucial middle overs. Shardul Thakur, in his new colours this season, hasn't quite found his rhythm, with both his pace and variations failing to consistently trouble batsmen. Avesh Khan, known for his raw speed, has struggled with consistency and control, often leaking runs at crucial junctures. Even Jasprit Bumrah, while still delivering moments of brilliance, hasn't consistently produced the match-winning spells expected of him, and his economy has occasionally been higher than his usual miserly standards. As an impact substitute, even a seasoned campaigner like Rohit Sharma, despite a few flashes of brilliance, hasn't provided the consistent high-impact innings expected of a top-order batsman of his calibre for Mumbai Indians. This collective underperformance from key players has undoubtedly impacted their respective teams' fortunes in IPL 2025.

This revised structure maintains the focus on the "Flop XI" while organizing the points under "Batting Blues" and "Bowling Below Par" subheadings, aiming for a more cohesive and structured article within the 400-word limit.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will face Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 22, 2025, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. This thrilling contest between two strong teams will be influenced by the weather and pitch conditions, which will play a crucial role in determining the result of the match.

Match Details 

• Date: April 22, 2025
• Time: 07:30 PM IST
• Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
• Win % Batting First: 47%
• Win % Bowling First: 53%

Follow for more: https://www.cricketwinner.com/

Weather Report:

Lucknow’s weather forecast for match day indicates a clear evening with no rain interruptions. The temperatures will hover around 27-30°C, making it comfortable for players and spectators. Humidity levels will be moderate, and there will be light winds throughout the match.

• Temperature: Ranging between 27°C and 30°C.
• Winds: Light breeze with no significant impact on gameplay.
• Precipitation: No rain is forecast, ensuring an uninterrupted match.
• Humidity: Moderate humidity levels (around 70%), but not extreme.

Also read: KAR vs PES PSL 2025 Match Live streaming: Where & How to watch on TV

Pitch Report:

The pitch at Ekana Stadium is known for assisting both batsmen and bowlers. While the surface is generally batting-friendly, pacers may get early movement under lights. The pitch tends to slow down in the second inning, making chasing slightly difficult.

• Balanced Surface: The pitch offers an initial swing for pacers while supporting stroke play for batsmen.
• Spinners’ Role: Spinners might come into play in the latter part of the match as the pitch slows down.
• Boundary Dimensions: The stadium has large boundaries, making six-hitting slightly challenging.

Also read: GT VS KKR IPL Match Live streaming: Where & How to watch on TV

Venue Records:

• Highest Team Total: 235/6 by Kolkata Knight Riders against Lucknow Super Giants.
• Lowest Team Total: 108/10 by Royal Challengers Bangalore against Lucknow Super Giants.
• Average First Innings Score: Around 165-170 runs.

Stay tuned for an exciting clash between LSG and GT in IPL 2025!

The IPL 2025 season continues to deliver thrilling action as teams fiercely compete for top positions. Match 36 of the IPL 2025 season was played at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 19. It turned out to be a closely contested, high-scoring game, with LSG putting up 180/5 in 20 overs and RR making 178/5 in 20 overs, which meant LSG won by 2 runs.

Lucknow Super Giants innings

In the LSG innings, Aiden Markram was the main contributor to their innings, finishing with an unbeaten 66 off 45 balls. He provided the stability needed to the innings, while Ayush Badoni was able to quicken the innings, making 50 off 34. The innings was iced with Abdul Samad at the end, making a quick-fire 30* off 10 balls. The bowling performance by RR was good, and Wanindu Hasaranga bowled economically, 2/31, whilst Jofra Archer contributed 1/32. Tushar Deshpande bowled 4 overs for 26 runs while picking up 1 wicket.

Rajasthan Royals innings

Chasing 181, RR got off to a blistering start with Yashasvi Jaiswal putting together a solid 74 off 52, Riyan Parag backing up with 39 off 26, and Vaibhav Suryavanshi chipping in with 34 off 20; however, the middle order didn't fire, and LSG's bowling performance turned the momentum of the game with Avesh Khan (3/37) and Shardul Thakur (1/34) scoring timely wickets each. Aiden Markram bowled well for 1/18, and in the end, RR fell painfully short in the final over from the victory.

Latest IPL 2025 Points Table:

As of April 19, 2025, following the match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), the updated IPL 2025 points table is as follows:

Also read: PBKS vs RCB : Match 37 weather and pitch report IPL 2025

Orange & Purple Cap in IPL 2025

Orange Cap (Most Runs):

• Nicholas Pooran  - 368 Runs
• B Sai Sudharsan -365 Runs
• Jos Buttler - 315 Runs

Purple Cap (Most Wickets):

• Prasidh Krishna - 14 Wickets
• Noor Ahmad  - 12 Wickets
• Kuldeep Yadav - 12 Wickets

The match between the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) is set to take place on April 19, 2025, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. This fixture promises an intense battle between two power-packed teams as IPL 2025 enters a crucial phase.

Match Details:

• Date: April 19, 2025
• Time: 07:30 PM IST
• Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
• Win % Batting First: 46%
• Win % Bowling First: 54%

Also read: GT vs DC : Match 35 Weather and Pitch report IPL 2025

Weather and Pitch Conditions:

Weather:

• The weather in Jaipur is expected to be warm and dry, with clear skies throughout the match duration.
• Humidity: Around 30%, offering comfortable playing conditions for the teams.
• Rain: No rain is forecast, ensuring a full 40-over game without interruptions.

Pitch:

• The Sawai Mansingh Stadium surface is typically known for being slow and low, especially in the second half.
• In the initial overs, pacers may extract some movement, but it becomes more spin-friendly as the game progresses.
• Batters will have to be cautious while accelerating, especially in the middle overs, due to the dry and worn nature of the pitch.
• Stroke-making is possible early in the innings, but bowlers will dominate in the second half.

Average Score Batting First (Last Season): 157
Average Score Batting Second (Last Season): 149
Wins Batting First in Last Five Games: 2
Wins Bowling First in Last Five Games: 3

Also read: IPL 2025: LSG vs RR Player Battles to Watch Out For

 Venue Records: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

• Highest Team Total: 217/4 by Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
• Lowest Team Total: 92 all out by Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals
• Average First Innings Score: Around 155 runs

Lucknow Super Giants Playing XI: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant, Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi Impact Player: Digvesh Rathi

Rajasthan Royals Playing XI: Yashashvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, Nitish Rana, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande Impact Player: Kumar Kartikeya

As a part of a massive crackdown on over-rate offenses, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has penalized various Indian Premier League (IPL) captains in the 2025 season. These include some of the top names like Axar Patel, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, and Sanju Samson, reflecting the board's strict commitment to upholding the integrity and pace of the game. While slow over rates have long been a talking point in the IPL, the 2025 season has seen a renewed emphasis on disciplinary enforcement, with financial penalties replacing match suspensions in a new regulatory shift.

BCCI’s Updated Over-Rate Policy for IPL 2025

According to IPL Playing Conditions Clause 12.6, the teams have to bowl 14.11 overs per hour, thereby finishing their entire 20-over innings in 90 minutes, including two strategic time-outs. In case of failure, they are liable to penalties, regulated as follows:

• First Offence: ₹12 lakh fine on the captain.
• Second Offence: ₹24 lakh fine to the captain, and ₹6 lakh or 25% of match fee (lower of the two) to the rest of the playing XI.
• Additional Offenses: Previously suspended by matches, but the BCCI has abolished suspensions in IPL 2025 and replaced them with fines.

The move shows BCCI's shift to providing smoothness of games without interfering with team line-ups.

ALSO SEE: [WATCH] IPL 2025: KKR players swap cricket bats for kitchen tools in fun cooking challenge

List of Captains Fined in IPL 2025 So Far

1. Hardik Pandya – Mumbai Indians (Match 9)

Mumbai Indians' new skipper Hardik Pandya was fined ₹12 lakh when his side fell behind the over-rate in their match at Ahmedabad against the Gujarat Titans. The match also ended in a 36-run defeat for Mumbai, rubbing salt into the wound.

2. Riyan Parag – Rajasthan Royals (Match 11)

With Sanju Samson being sidelined by a finger injury, Riyan Parag was made stand-in captain of Rajasthan Royals. In Royals' contest against Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati, the Royals were unable to maintain the needed over-rate, and it cost the young skipper a ₹12 lakh fine.

3. Rishabh Pant – Lucknow Super Giants (Match 16)

Wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant, the current captain of Lucknow Super Giants, was penalized ₹12 lakh for a slow over-rate during their April 4 match against Mumbai Indians. While Pant himself scored only 2 runs, LSG had won the match by 12 runs, but the over-rate violation invoked disciplinary action.

4. Rajat Patidar – Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Match 21)

Rajat Patidar, leading RCB in the absence of regular skipper Faf du Plessis, was fined ₹12 lakh for a slow over-rate while leading RCB to a 12-run win over Mumbai Indians on April 7. The slow over-rate notwithstanding his vital 64-run contribution. That couldn't prevent him from being penalized.

5. Sanju Samson – Rajasthan Royals (Match 23)

Back to captaincy duties, Sanju Samson was fined a hefty ₹24 lakh for the Rajasthan Royals' second over-rate offense of the season in a 58-run loss to the Gujarat Titans. Other players in the XI were fined ₹6 lakh or 25% of their match fees, according to the rules.

6. Axar Patel – Delhi Capitals (Match 29)

On April 13, Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel was penalized ₹12 lakh for a slow over-rate in their match against Mumbai Indians at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Delhi lost the match by 12 runs, and the fine was an added aggravation.

The Growing Significance of the Over-Rate Penalty

The BCCI’s aggressive stance on this front is not without reason. In an era of high broadcast demands, tight match windows, and growing commercial interests, time management has become essential. Lengthy innings not only delay post-match shows and logistical operations but also affect viewership retention, especially during late-night finishes. Promoting the emphasis on over rates also reinforces fair play. A team intentionally slowing down the game at crucial moments, such as the death overs, can prejudice the batting team's momentum. Strict enforcement ensures that the level of competition is upheld.

ALSO SEE: From KKR fan to RCB star: Bhuvneshwar Kumar opens up about admiring Shah Rukh Khan

Differing from the previous seasons, where repeat offenses led to captain match suspensions, the BCCI has incorporated a major overhaul in IPL 2025. By eliminating suspension and introducing harder fines, the board is working towards ensuring there is continuity at the team lead level while ensuring discipline is intact. This switch does appear to be a thoughtful attempt to reduce turnarounds, particularly given the size of disruption that captaincy changes can provide in the extremely pressure-laden environment of the IPL.

With only one-third of the IPL 2025 league stage completed, already, six captains have been fined, and there is cause for concern about emerging trends. The teams now have to be more vigilant not only about strategies and outcomes but the clock as well. Franchise support staff like bowling coaches and analysts may play a greater role in managing innings pace and making sure in-match strategies do not breach necessary timing standards.

As the tournament intensified, the message of the BCCI was perfectly clear discipline and efficiency need to go hand-in-hand with cricketing brilliance. The limelight is no more solely on the strike rates and bowling economy; it's equally on how rapid a team executes its overs. Pant, Axar, Hardik, and Samson are examples of captains who have already faced punishment. Warning to others: keep your minds sharp, stay nimble, or else.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is returning with exciting cricket action, which is all set to begin on March 22, 2025. This season holds the promise of exciting matches, fierce rivalries, and memorable performances by the best cricketers in the world. Fans globally are eagerly waiting to watch and support their favorite teams. From watching television to streaming online, here is a complete guide to IPL 2025 

 LSG  vs CSK : Match Details

• Teams: LSG vs CSK
• Date: 15th April, 2025
• Time: 7:30 pm.
• Venue: Delhi

LSG VS CSK Live Streaming  TV Broadcast by Country

Also read: PES vs ISL PSL X, Match Live streaming: Where & How to watch on TV

Playing XI

Lucknow Super Giants Playing XI:

Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant, Abdul Samad, Ayush

Badoni, David Miller, Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi  

Chennai Super Kings Playing XI:

Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, Shivam Dube,

Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmed, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Choudary 

The powerplay plays a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of an IPL match. It offers batters a golden window to accelerate the scoring rate, often setting the tone with quick boundaries and aggressive intent. On the flip side, bowlers use this phase to apply pressure, aiming to dismiss key batters early and disrupt momentum. The unpredictability of the powerplay means anything can happen—flurries of fours and sixes or dramatic top-order collapses. IPL 2025 has already delivered several explosive powerplays, showcasing both blistering batting and standout bowling efforts. However, one big question remains: Which team has been the most effective with the ball during these critical first six overs? Let’s dive into the numbers and find out.

Read More: Spin vs Pace: What’s dominating in IPL 2025?

5 low-scoring powerplays in IPL 2025

1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Chennai 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru enjoyed a memorable outing in Chennai, securing a vital win against the Chennai Super Kings at their fortress, Chepauk. The match turned in RCB’s favor right from the powerplay, where their bowlers delivered a masterclass in discipline and aggression. CSK, known for their dominance at home, were restricted to just 30 runs in the first six overs while also losing three key wickets during this crucial phase. This early breakthrough gave RCB the upper hand, and they maintained control throughout the game. The powerplay performance proved to be a game-changer, laying the foundation for RCB’s eventual victory and highlighting the impact of a strong bowling strategy in the opening overs of an IPL match.

2. CSK vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Chennai

In another low-scoring powerplay at Chennai, Chennai Super Kings struggled once again, managing just 31 runs for the loss of two wickets in the first six overs. The slow start put them on the back foot early in the match. Kolkata Knight Riders capitalized on this early advantage, maintaining pressure throughout the game. Despite a valiant effort from CSK, the poor powerplay performance cost them dearly, and KKR emerged victorious. The lack of momentum in the early overs was a key factor in CSK’s defeat, as they couldn't recover from the early setbacks in their innings.

3. KKR vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Kolkata 

Eden Gardens, known for its high-scoring powerplays in the past, witnessed a different story in this match. Kolkata Knight Riders dominated the powerplay, leaving Sunrisers Hyderabad struggling. SRH managed only 33 runs in the first six overs while losing three key wickets. The early setbacks put SRH on the back foot, and they couldn't recover from the pressure. KKR's disciplined bowling and tight fielding made the difference, setting the tone for the rest of the match. Despite efforts to recover, SRH couldn't overcome the early loss of wickets, and KKR secured a comfortable win.

4. RCB vs Gujarat Titans (GT), Bengaluru 

Gujarat Titans' bowlers delivered a brilliant performance against Royal Challengers Bangalore, dominating the powerplay. RCB's batters struggled, managing just 38 runs while losing 3 crucial wickets. The Titans' bowlers maintained tight lines and lengths, ensuring that RCB could not capitalize on the early overs. This solid powerplay performance gave Gujarat an early advantage, and they continued to apply pressure throughout the match. Despite RCB's efforts to recover, GT's well-executed strategy and dominant bowling helped them secure a convincing win. It was a complete display of bowling discipline that turned the game in Gujarat's favor.

5. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) vs Punjab Kings (PBKS), Lucknow 

Punjab Kings' bowlers delivered a dominant performance, restricting Lucknow Super Giants to just 39/3 in the powerplay, leaving little room for the LSG batters to get going. PBKS maintained tight pressure, and the early breakthroughs set the tone for the rest of the match, leading to a well-earned victory. These performances, particularly from teams like Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore, have been the standout bowling figures in IPL 2025 so far. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings have faced continuous struggles, often finding themselves in uncomfortable situations early on, making them one of the unluckiest teams in the competition.

Pant and Pooran Light Up Social Media with Musical Chemistry

A heartwarming moment of interaction between the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) squad has taken social media by storm. Shared on X (formerly Twitter) by the official handle of LSG, the clip shows West Indian aggressive batsman Nicholas Pooran singing hit Bollywood number "Tere Sang Yaara" from movie "Rustom." Resistant to solemn moments with the clip is Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, who can be heard enjoying Pooran's rendition, smiling and apparently adding at some point.

The clip went viral in seconds, and thousands of comments, retweets, and likes poured in from the waiting audience to witness this moment of cross-cultural harmony within the IPL squad. Pooran, who was a fire-cracker fielder, also showcased his off-field amiable personality and his apparent fondness for Hindi music. Pant, who was recovering from his recent illness and preparing for the IPL season, was spotted looking calm and smiling, which endeared him to the fans even further.

Someone get him a Bollywood contract please 😂🎙️ pic.twitter.com/1p8Sv6A7zq

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) April 13, 2025

This is a humorous twist presenting the good camaraderie and esprit de corps which cannot be avoided with IPL teams because players with disparate backgrounds assemble to play together. The video relief from competition on the pitch reveals the familiarity and fraternity with which the players associate off the field.

Also Read:-Top 5 unused players in IPL 2025 who deserve spot in playing XI

Some of the fans witnessed Pooran's wonderful Hindi rendition and savored the warm and comforting atmosphere at LSG camp. The friendship between Pant and Pooran, being both the star players of the team, increased the enthusiasm further among the LSG fans for the next IPL season. This viral clip is the living proof of the bonding potential of music between the ordinary man and the strong bonding that is formed between the cricket fraternity all over the world. It has indeed left the viewers holding their breath waiting for such a peek into the social life and interactions of their cricketers.

The IPL 2025 season continues to deliver thrilling action as teams fiercely compete for top positions. The points table witnessed notable changes following the recent clash between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI). With this impressive victory, MI has climbed up from the bottom and now holds the 7th position. Meanwhile, DC has slipped down to the 2nd spot, adding more intensity to the IPL.

The Mumbai Indians pulled off a thrilling 12-run win over the Delhi Capitals, handing DC their first loss of the season. Chasing 206, DC were cruising at 113/1 before Karun Nair’s dismissal for 89, which sparked a collapse. MI capitalized with tight bowling and sharp fielding, ending the match with three dramatic run-outs. Earlier, MI posted 205/5, with key knocks from Tilak Varma (59) and Naman Dhir (38*). Despite Axar and Nair’s efforts, DC folded for 193 in 19 overs.

Latest IPL 2025 Points Table:

As of April 13, 2025, following the match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI), the updated IPL 2025 points table is as follows:

Orange & Purple Cap in IPL 2025

Orange Cap (Most Runs):

• Nicholas Pooran  - 349 Runs
• B Sai Sudharsan -329 Runs
• Mitchell Marsh - 265 Runs

Purple Cap (Most Wickets):

• Noor Ahmad  - 12 Wickets
• Shardul Thakur - 11 Wickets
• Kuldeep Yadav - 10 Wickets

In a high-voltage IPL 2025 double-header on Saturday, Nicholas Pooran's extremely fast 61 off 34 balls took the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to a six-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans at the Ekana Stadium. In the course of the high-voltage game, one of Pooran's sixes unwittingly hit a spectator on the head, leading to a bleeding injury. The spectator was immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment. But a viral video captured the wounded fan returning later to the stands with a bandaged head to celebrate LSG's victory an endearing sight that went viral on social media.

Pooran's scorching knock consisted of seven towering sixes and a single boundary, assisting LSG in chasing a target of 181 with three balls remaining. His association with Aiden Markram, who also made a rapid 58, was pivotal in ending Gujarat's four-match winning streak.

One of Nicholas Pooran's sixes hit a spectator in the head.

- The guy wanted to watch the match again after getting the treatment. pic.twitter.com/LFHTCshg9j

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 13, 2025

ALSO SEE: Delhi Metro to Increase their Last Train Schedules for IPL 2025 at Arun Jaitley Stadium

Pooran's Stunning Form Continues in IPL 2025

Pooran's scorching form has him as the Orange Cap leader with 349 runs in a mere six innings at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 215.43. He has hit 31 sixes till now almost equal to the whole of Chennai Super Kings team and is 20 runs ahead of Gujarat's Sai Sudharsan in Orange Cap race. Pooran came in at 65/1 upon the fall of Rishabh Pant in Saturday's game. He launched an aggressive onslaught at the Gujarat bowlers, particularly spinner Sai Kishore, against whom he scored 24 runs in an over.

His fifty was achieved in only 23 balls, his fourth half-century of the season. After the match, Pooran stated that he prioritizes knowing matchups and playing intelligent cricket over simply striking sixes. "Sometimes it's about putting the ego aside and being brave," he stated.

ALSO SEE: IPL 2025, SRH vs PBKS: Travis Head spills funny truth behind Abhishek Sharma’s ‘Note’ celebration

By virtue of this victory, Lucknow Super Giants went to third in the points table with four wins from six. Gujarat Titans, though defeated, are still placed in the top half of the table with an equal win-loss ratio.