IPL 2025: Key Player Matchups in GT vs LSG Showdown
Crucial Player Battles in GT vs LSG Match
As the IPL 2025 playoffs draw near, every match becomes critical. The 64th game featuring Gujarat Titans (GT) against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) is particularly significant. Both teams boast players who can turn the game around on their own. However, this match will focus not just on team dynamics but also on individual player confrontations. Here’s a look at the four pivotal player matchups that could determine the outcome of this clash.
Top 4 Key Player Battles to Watch in GT vs LSG
| Sno | Players |
| 1 | Shardul Thakur vs Shubman Gill |
| 2 | Avesh Khan vs Sai Sudharsan |
| 3 | Nicholas Pooran vs Rashid Khan |
| 4 | Ravi Bishnoi vs Jos Buttler |
Shardul Thakur vs Shubman Gill
| Year | Runs | Balls | Outs | Dots | 4s | 6s | SR | Avg |
| 2019 | 5 | 8 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 62.5 | 5.0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| 2021 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 87.5 | - |
| 2022 | 18 | 10 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 180.0 | - |
| 2023 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 200.0 | - |
| 2024 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 114.3 | - |
| 2025 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 100.0 | - |
| Total | 51 | 45 | 2 | 17 | 6 | 0 | 113.3 | 25.5 |
The encounters between Shardul Thakur and Shubman Gill have been quite revealing. Over the years, Shardul has bowled 45 balls to Gill, allowing 51 runs with a strike rate of 113.3. Gill has managed only six boundaries, all fours, and has been dismissed twice. In their first meeting in 2019, Gill scored just 5 runs off 8 balls. Shardul's ability to bowl slower deliveries has often troubled Gill, making this matchup crucial for GT's chances.
Avesh Khan vs Sai Sudharsan
| Year | Runs | Balls | Outs | Dots | 4s | 6s | SR | Avg |
| 2024 | 11 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 183.3 | - |
| 2025 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 180.0 | - |
| Total | 20 | 11 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 181.8 | - |
Sai Sudharsan has emerged as a promising talent for GT, especially in the top order. However, he must tread carefully against Avesh Khan, who has kept him in check during their encounters. Avesh has bowled 11 balls to Sai, conceding only 20 runs without dismissing him. Despite not hitting any fours, Sai has managed to score two sixes, maintaining a high strike rate of 181.8. If Avesh can secure an early wicket, it could shift the momentum in LSG's favor.
Nicholas Pooran vs Rashid Khan
| Year | Runs | Balls | Outs | Dots | 4s | 6s | SR | Avg |
| 2019 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | - |
| 2020 | 7 | 13 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 53.8 | 7.0 |
| 2021 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100.0 | - |
| 2022 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 125.0 | - |
| 2023 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 50.0 | - |
| 2024 | 13 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 185.7 | - |
| 2025 | 10 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 166.7 | 10.0 |
| Total | 37 | 35 | 2 | 14 | 0 | 2 | 105.7 | 18.5 |
Nicholas Pooran is a formidable presence for LSG, especially in the closing overs. However, Rashid Khan has consistently managed to keep him at bay. Across seven IPL seasons, Rashid has bowled 35 balls to Pooran, yielding only 37 runs at a strike rate of 105.7, which is notably low for a power hitter. Rashid has dismissed Pooran twice, making this matchup particularly intriguing. Pooran has yet to hit a four off Rashid, relying instead on two sixes in recent seasons. This ongoing battle will be crucial for GT as they aim to contain Pooran in the final overs.
Ravi Bishnoi vs Jos Buttler
| Year | Runs | Balls | Outs | Dots | 4s | 6s | SR | Avg |
| 2020 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 33.3 | - |
| 2022 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100.0 | - |
| 2023 | 12 | 11 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 109.1 | - |
| 2025 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100.0 | - |
| Total | 18 | 19 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 94.7 | - |
Jos Buttler is known for his explosive batting, capable of changing the game's course in a matter of overs. However, Ravi Bishnoi has had a remarkable record against him. In their four IPL seasons together, Bishnoi has bowled 19 balls to Buttler, conceding only 18 runs, resulting in a strike rate of 94.7, which is exceptionally low for Buttler. Notably, Buttler has never dismissed Bishnoi. Their first encounter in 2020 saw Bishnoi restrict Buttler to just 1 run off 3 balls. This matchup will be crucial for GT, especially in the middle overs, as Bishnoi's performance could significantly impact GT's scoring rate.