A high-voltage clash awaits as GT aim to build momentum for the playoffs, while LSG look to sign off with a confidence-boosting victory.
GT vs LSG IPL 2025: Titans Aim for Top-Two Glory, Super Giants Fight for Pride!
The IPL 2025 season is heating up as we head into the final stretch of the league stage, and the clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 22, 2025, at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium is set to be a cracker. With GT gunning for a top-two spot and LSG playing for pride, this match promises fireworks. Let’s break down what to expect, from the toss to the key players and the all-important pitch conditions.
Titans vs. Super Giants: The Stakes
Gujarat Titans, led by the cool-headed Shubman Gill, are in fine form. They’ve already punched their ticket to the playoffs and are now chasing a top-two finish, which would give them a shot at Qualifier 1 and a safety net in the knockout stages. Their recent 10-wicket demolition of Delhi Capitals at this very venue shows they mean business. With a balanced squad and a knack for performing under pressure, GT are looking like serious title contenders.
Lucknow Super Giants, captained by the fiery Rishabh Pant, have had a tougher road. A recent loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad knocked them out of playoff contention, leaving them in seventh place with five wins from 12 games. But don’t count them out just yet—LSG beat GT by six wickets earlier this season at their home ground, Ekana Stadium. They’ll be itching to pull off another upset, if only to end their campaign with a smile.
Toss and Decision: Who Holds the Edge?
The toss at Narendra Modi Stadium can be a game-changer, especially in night matches. Dew often makes the second innings easier for batting, as the ball skids under lights and the outfield gets slick. Historically, teams chasing have won 21 out of 40 IPL matches here, giving a slight edge to bowling first. Expect the toss-winning captain—whether it’s Gill or Pant—to likely opt to field, hoping to exploit those dew-heavy conditions later.
Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch: A Batter’s Paradise?
The pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium is a bit of a chameleon. Depending on whether it’s a red-soil or black-soil surface, it can behave differently. Red-soil pitches offer bounce and carry, making them a dream for stroke-makers, while black-soil surfaces tend to slow down, giving spinners a chance to shine. This season, we’ve seen some massive totals, like Punjab Kings’ 243/5 against GT, but also bowler-friendly games where disciplined bowling has kept scores in check.
Dew is the X-factor here. It’s been a consistent presence in evening games, making it tougher for bowlers in the second innings. Teams batting first will need to aim big—think 190–200 on a good day—to stay competitive. GT’s bowlers, with Rashid Khan’s wizardry and Mohammed Siraj’s pace, are well-equipped to handle any surface, while LSG will rely on their spinners like Ravi Bishnoi to slow things down.
Key Pitch Stats (IPL at Narendra Modi Stadium)
- Matches Played: 40
- Won Batting First: 19 (47.5%)
- Won Batting Second: 21 (52.5%)
- Average First Innings Score: 173.61
- Average Runs per Wicket: 28.59
- Average Runs per Over: 8.85
- Highest Team Total: 243/5 (PBKS vs GT, 25 Mar 2025)
- Lowest Team Total: 89 (GT vs DC, 17 Apr 2024)
- Highest Individual Score: 129 (Shubman Gill vs MI, 26 May 2023)
- Best Bowling Figures: 5/10 (Mohit Sharma vs MI, 26 May 2023)
- Highest Successful Chase: 204/3 (GT vs DC, 19 Apr 2025)
Recent Action at the Venue
The last IPL match here was a high-scoring affair between GT and Sunrisers Hyderabad (Match 51, IPL 2025). Gujarat posted 224/6 and bowled out SRH for 186/6, cruising to a 38-run victory. This result highlights GT’s dominance at home, where they’ve won 11 of 19 IPL matches. Expect their top order—Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler—to come out swinging again.
Head-to-Head: GT vs. LSG
In their IPL history, GT and LSG have faced off six times, with GT holding a 4-2 edge. At Narendra Modi Stadium, GT won their only meeting in 2023 by a hefty 56 runs, thanks to a 142-run opening stand by Gill and Wriddhiman Saha. However, LSG have won the last two encounters in Lucknow, including a six-wicket victory earlier this season. This sets up an intriguing battle—can LSG pull off a rare away win, or will GT’s home fortress hold strong?
Players to Watch
Gujarat Titans
- Shubman Gill: The GT skipper loves this ground, with 1,109 runs in 22 matches, including three centuries. His recent form (93*, 43, 76) makes him a must-watch.
- Sai Sudharsan: With 906 runs at this venue, Sudharsan’s elegant strokeplay (recent 108*) could set the tone.
- Rashid Khan: The spin maestro has 20 wickets at Narendra Modi Stadium, and his ability to choke runs in the middle overs is unmatched.
Lucknow Super Giants
- Rishabh Pant: LSG’s captain has 168 runs against GT and could be a differential pick with his aggressive batting.
- Nicholas Pooran: The explosive wicketkeeper-batter has a knack for big hits and could capitalize on a batting-friendly pitch.
- Ravi Bishnoi: LSG’s lead spinner will be key in the middle overs, especially if the pitch slows down.
Man of the Match Contenders
For GT, Shubman Gill is the favorite, given his unreal record at this venue and his knack for big scores. If it’s a bowler’s day, Rashid Khan could steal the show with a match-turning spell. For LSG, Pant’s flair or Pooran’s power-hitting could earn them the honors if they pull off an upset.
Points Table Snapshot
- Gujarat Titans:
- Position: 2nd
- Points: 18 (9 wins from 13 matches)
- Net Run Rate: +0.987
- Status: Playoff-bound, chasing a top-two finish for a Qualifier 1 spot.
- Lucknow Super Giants:
- Position: 7th
- Points: 10 (5 wins from 12 matches)
- Net Run Rate: -0.456
- Status: Out of playoff contention, playing for pride.
What to Expect
This match is a classic David vs. Goliath setup. GT are the clear favorites, with their home advantage, in-form top order, and lethal bowling attack. Their recent performances—like the 10-wicket thrashing of DC—show they’re peaking at the right time. LSG, meanwhile, will need something special from Pant or Pooran to challenge the Titans’ fortress. The dew factor could make it a high-scoring game, so expect plenty of boundaries and maybe even a 200-plus chase.
Will GT cement their top-two spot, or can LSG play spoiler and sign off with a bang? Either way, Narendra Modi Stadium is set for an electric night of cricket. Grab
