IPL 2025: Avesh Khan Returns as LSG Gamble Bowling First Against Big-Hitting SRH
In the high-octane world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are once again under the spotlight as they prepare to take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a crucial match during the 2025 season. For LSG, this match marks not only an important fixture in their campaign but also the return of their star pacer, Avesh Khan, who has been cleared to join the team for this high-stakes contest. With his inclusion, LSG looks to bolster their pace attack in what promises to be an intense clash against a big-hitting SRH lineup.
In this article, we explore why LSG chose to bowl first after winning the toss, the role Avesh Khan will play in this crucial match, how LSG’s strategy could affect their chances of success, and how SRH’s destructive batting lineup is a potential threat for the Super Giants. We’ll also break down the factors that could determine the outcome of this exciting encounter.
Avesh Khan’s Return: A Key Addition for LSG
After missing a few matches, Avesh Khan makes his long-awaited return to the LSG squad for this important fixture. Known for his raw pace and ability to generate bounce, Avesh’s addition to the team is a game-changer for LSG. Over the years, he has proven himself to be a reliable bowler who can perform under pressure, especially in tight situations. Avesh’s ability to bowl in all phases of the game — the powerplay, middle overs, and death — makes him a versatile asset for the team.
The presence of Avesh Khan will help LSG manage the high-intensity nature of IPL matches, especially against teams with explosive batters like SRH. His experience in the IPL, combined with his knack for striking early in innings, will give LSG the edge in the bowling department. Against a side like SRH, which is known for its hard-hitting, Avesh’s role in containing the opposition’s batting prowess will be crucial.
Avesh’s return also provides depth to LSG’s pace attack, allowing them to rotate bowlers effectively and keep pressure on the SRH batters throughout the innings. His pace and ability to execute yorkers in the death overs will make him an ideal choice to combat the big-hitting abilities of SRH’s middle and lower order.
LSG’s Decision to Bowl First: The Strategic Gamble
One of the most intriguing aspects of this match is LSG’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss. The decision to bowl first can be a risky one, particularly when facing a team like SRH, known for its aggressive batting line-up. The likes of Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Rahul Tripathi, and others in the SRH batting order have the ability to tear apart any bowling attack, and setting a total for them to chase is never an easy task.
However, LSG’s decision to bowl first shows their confidence in their bowling attack and the belief that the pitch will offer enough assistance for the bowlers, particularly in the initial stages of the match. By bowling first, LSG aims to restrict SRH to a manageable total, relying on their own batting prowess to chase down the score.
Bowling first also gives LSG the flexibility to set a target based on the conditions they encounter in the first innings. If the pitch turns out to be challenging for batting, LSG can adjust their strategy accordingly, with Avesh Khan playing a crucial role in the initial stages. The decision to bowl first reflects the team’s confidence in their bowlers’ ability to adapt to various conditions and their desire to put the onus on SRH to set a competitive target.
The Threat of SRH’s Big-Hitting Lineup
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has been one of the most formidable teams in the IPL when it comes to power-hitting. With a lineup that can take on any bowler in world cricket, SRH poses a massive challenge for LSG. Key players like Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Rahul Tripathi are known for their ability to launch massive sixes and score quickly, especially in the middle overs. This makes the decision to bowl first an even greater gamble for LSG.
The explosive nature of SRH’s batting attack means that they are capable of posting massive totals, even from difficult positions. Their ability to accelerate in the latter half of the innings — especially with finishers like Glenn Phillips and Marco Jansen in the middle and lower order — makes them a dangerous side to defend against.
In order to contain SRH, LSG will need to rely on discipline, accuracy, and pace variations. Avesh Khan will play a crucial role in executing these tactics. Known for his ability to bowl yorkers in the death overs, Avesh can be the key to cutting off the boundary options that SRH’s batters love to exploit. His ability to bowl with pace, combined with his experience in containing big-hitters, will make him a vital weapon for LSG.
LSG’s Bowlers: The Key to Success
Apart from Avesh Khan, LSG has a strong bowling unit that will look to keep SRH’s explosive batters in check. The fast bowlers will need to find a way to consistently get the ball in the right areas, especially in the first six overs, during which SRH’s openers tend to get off to a fast start. The likes of Mark Wood and Mohsin Khan will need to back Avesh up by keeping things tight and looking for early breakthroughs.
Ravi Bishnoi and Krunal Pandya will also play important roles, as the middle overs can be crucial in containing SRH’s aggressive batsmen. Their ability to turn the ball and bowl in the right areas could frustrate SRH’s batters, particularly when the spinners can mix their pace and vary their length.
The fielding performance will also be key. LSG will need to make sure they are sharp in the field, cutting off singles and making direct hits at the stumps when opportunities arise. These small margins can make a huge difference when facing a powerful batting lineup.
LSG’s Batting: The Chase Ahead
While LSG’s decision to bowl first has set the stage for their bowlers to do the job, they also need to be aware of their own task ahead. Once they’ve restricted SRH to a total, it will be up to the batting lineup to chase it down with composure and intent. The likes of KL Rahul, Quinton de Kock, and Deepak Hooda are expected to lead the charge with the bat.
KL Rahul’s calm and composed approach at the top, combined with Quinton de Kock’s explosive batting, gives LSG the perfect foundation for their chase. The key will be for the opening pair to build a solid partnership before the middle order — comprising Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda, and others — can finish the game in the latter stages.
Given SRH’s strong bowling attack, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umran Malik, and T Natarajan, LSG will need to be wary of their pace threats, particularly in the powerplay and the death overs. The batting side will need to stay patient, rotate the strike, and capitalize on any loose deliveries.
Conclusion: The Stakes Are High
As Avesh Khan returns to the LSG squad, the pressure is on the team to make the most of their bowling-first strategy against a big-hitting SRH lineup. The gamble to bowl first is a calculated risk, and much will depend on how well the bowlers execute their plans. Avesh Khan’s pace and skill, combined with the support of LSG’s other bowlers, will be crucial in limiting SRH’s explosive batting.
On the flip side, LSG’s chase will be just as critical, as they will need to capitalize on the momentum set by their bowlers and ensure a successful pursuit of whatever target SRH sets. With the quality of both teams on display, this match promises to be an electrifying contest that could go down to the wire. The return of Avesh Khan to the lineup adds an extra layer of excitement as LSG looks to continue its march toward the IPL 2025 title.
