Last Updated on 3 weeks by Charbel Coorey

The 45th match of IPL 2025 is a massive one in the playoffs race. Mumbai Indians (MI) have no better chance than this to improve their awful record against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), with Hardik Pandya’s team on a four-game winning streak. LSG are on a bit of a slide, losing two of their past three matches.

MI have been on fire to storm back into the top four. They beat Delhi Capitals to kickstart their season on April 13, and then they dispatched of Sunrisers Hyderabad (twice) and Chennai Super Kings. However, SRH and CSK have struggled significantly this season, so LSG shapes up as a tougher test.

LSG, who have a 6-1 record against MI, are seeking a return to form for Nicholas Pooran. The powerful left-hander has made scores of just 8, 11, and 9 in his past three matches, which has exposed LSG a little given the struggles of Rishabh Pant and David Miller. LSG need Pooran to fire here with the race for the playoffs heating up.

On April 4, LSG won a thrilling contest against MI by 12 runs. Another high-scoring contest could be on the cards in this day game. In this article, we will look at the possible playing XIIs, Wankhede pitch report, fantasy cricket tips and Dream11 prediction for the 45th match of IPL 2025.

IPL 2025 45th Match: MI vs LSG Possible Playing XIIs

MI look settled. They could stick with the same combination.

Mumbai Indians: 1. Ryan Rickelton (wk), 2. Rohit Sharma, 3. Will Jacks, 4. Suryakumar Yadav, 5. Tilak Varma, 6. Hardik Pandya (c), 7. Naman Dhir, 8. Mitchell Santner, 9. Deepak Chahar, 10. Trent Boult, 11. Jasprit Bumrah, 12. Vignesh Puthur

It remains to be seen if this is the game where Mayank Yadav returns. LSG have used Ayush Badoni as their impact player in the past two games.

Lucknow Super Giants: 1. Aiden Markram, 2. Mitchell Marsh, 3. Nicholas Pooran, 4. Rishabh Pant (c & wk), 5. Ayush Badoni, 6. David Miller, 7. Abdul Samad, 8. Shardul Thakur, 9. Ravi Bishnoi, 10. Digvesh Rathi, 11. Avesh Khan, 12. Prince Yadav

ALSO READ: IPL 2025 playoff qualification scenarios – where MI and LSG are placed

Wankhede Stadium Mumbai Pitch Report and Weather

This will be the first day game at Wankhede Stadium in IPL 2025. Expect an excellent batting surface with minimal movement for the seamers. Spinners could find some assistance in this afternoon match.

SRH (162/5) and CSK (176/5) produced under-par scores in the last two games on this ground. MI chased those scores easily.

A very hot and humid afternoon is forecast in Mumbai. Each team may be tempted to bat first, but chasing may be preferred.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for MI vs LSG: Top Picks/Key Players to Watch

Top wicket-keeper picks:

• Nicholas Pooran has missed out in his past three games, but he remains a top Dream11 pick given his potential. However, he has to overcome a poor record at the Wankhede: 9 inns, 149 runs, avg. 16.56, SR 161.96.
• Ryan Rickelton has looked good in recent matches without going on to make a big score. He has made seven double-figure scores in a row but has crossed 30 just thrice.

Key batter picks:

• Rohit Sharma has stormed back into form, smashing successive 70s in the past two games. He has scored 80 runs off 59 balls (one dismissal) against Shardul Thakur.
• Suryakumar Yadav is a genuine captaincy option in Dream11. He has made a 20+ score in every match this season, including 67 against LSG on April 4.
• Mitchell Marsh is LSG’s second-highest run-scorer this season (344) at an average of 43.00 and strike rate of 160.74. This includes a 31-ball 60 against MI.

Top all-rounder picks:

• Hardik Pandya took 5/36 and scored 28 (16) against LSG earlier this season. He hasn’t been required with the bat in the past two games, so he can be a good c/vc option if MI bats first.
• Aiden Markram is in fantastic form. He has struck four half-centuries and a 47 in his past six innings. One of those half-centuries came against MI (53). Also, Markram could bowl a few overs to the MI left-handers.

Key bowler picks:

• Expect MI to use Jasprit Bumrah early against Pooran. The great fast bowler has dismissed Pooran twice in 18 balls in the IPL at an average of 6.50.
• Trent Boult was back to his best against SRH. His battle against Markram and Marsh will be vital. Also, Boult bowls in the death overs, and can fetch fantasy points with his yorkers.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

• Avesh Khan has good head-to-head numbers against Rohit Sharma (13 balls, 11 runs, 2 wickets) and Suryakumar Yadav (18 balls, 18 runs, 2 wickets).
• Rishabh Pant has had a season to forget, but he does enjoy batting at the Wankhede: 16 inns, 430 runs, avg. 33.08, SR 161.05.
• Ayush Badoni can be a good differential pick if LSG bat first. He has made scores of 50, 41, 30, 28*, 22 in his past five innings, with four batting first.
• Tilak Varma can also be a good pick if MI bat first. He struck 59 against DC in the last game MI batted first.

Stats and Other Important Matchups

• Head-to-head: Matches 7, MI 1, LSG 6.
• Rohit Sharma vs LSG: 6 inns, 165 runs, avg. 27.5, SR 142.2.
• Shardul Thakur vs Suryakumar Yadav in the IPL: 23 balls, 32 runs, two wickets.
• Trent Boult vs Mitchell Marsh in all T20s: 47 balls, 70 runs, no wickets.
• Trent Boult vs Aiden Markram in all T20s: 16 balls, 22 runs, one wicket.
• Jasprit Bumrah vs Rishabh Pant: 46 balls, 55 runs, seven wickets.
• Mitchell Santner vs Nicholas Pooran: 20 balls, 25 runs, two wickets.

IPL 2025 45th Match: MI vs LSG Dream11 Prediction

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.

Option 1:

Option 2:

IPL 2025 45th Match: MI vs LSG Match Prediction – Who will win?

LSG have the batters to cause MI problems. However, MI are looking magnificent as a unit. MI to win.

ALSO READ: IPL 2025 playoff qualification scenarios – where MI and LSG are placed