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The upcoming Match 45 of the Indian Premier League 2025 between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Wankhede Stadium promises to be a high-stakes encounter. Both teams will be heavily reliant on their seasoned match-winners to secure a victory. For fantasy cricket enthusiasts, selecting the right players is crucial, and this preview highlights six key individuals who could make a significant impact. From the Mumbai Indians' perspective, captain Rohit Sharma's recent resurgence, Suryakumar Yadav's consistent run-scoring, and Jasprit Bumrah's lethal death bowling are pivotal to their chances of success against an LSG side that has proven difficult to overcome in previous IPL encounters. Conversely, Lucknow Super Giants will be looking to capitalize on the explosive firepower of Nicholas Pooran, the all-round capabilities of Mitchell Marsh, and the middle-order stability provided by Ayush Badoni.
Rohit Sharma, the five-time IPL champion and long-standing captain of the Mumbai Indians, is a cornerstone of their batting lineup. As the second-highest run-scorer in IPL history, with an impressive tally of 6,856 runs across 265 matches, including 45 half-centuries and two centuries, Rohit brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the table. After a relatively slow start to the IPL 2025 season, the 'Hitman' has demonstrated a return to form in his last two matches, notching consecutive half-centuries. This resurgence makes him a compelling option for fantasy teams. In IPL 2025, he has accumulated 228 runs in eight innings, averaging 32.57 with a strike rate of 154.05. His highest score of 76* against the Chennai Super Kings on April 21 showcases his ability to dominate opposition bowlers. The question remains: can he extend his streak to three consecutive fifties?
Suryakumar Yadav, often referred to as “SKY,” has been a vital asset to the Mumbai Indians since his emergence onto the scene in 2012. His ability to finish innings strongly and score rapidly has made him MI's premier finisher. This season, he has been in exceptional form, amassing 373 runs in nine innings at a staggering average of 62.12 and an impressive strike rate of 166.51. His consistent performance includes two half-centuries, highlighting his ability to deliver under pressure. Yadav's match-sealing innings of 68* in Mumbai’s dominant 177-for-1 victory over CSK serves as a stark reminder of the threat he poses to opposing teams. The Lucknow Super Giants will undoubtedly be wary of his capabilities and will need to formulate a plan to contain his aggressive batting style.
Jasprit Bumrah, the linchpin of Mumbai Indians' bowling attack, is renowned for his exceptional death-over bowling skills. His ability to bowl accurate yorkers and mix up his pace makes him a difficult bowler to score against, especially in the crucial final overs. Bumrah has reached a significant milestone, joining Lasith Malinga as the franchise's joint-highest wicket-taker, with an impressive 170 IPL scalps. Since his return from injury midway through IPL 2025, Bumrah has been steadily regaining his form, picking up five wickets in five matches. His current average stands at 31.60, with an economy rate of 7.90 and best figures of 2/25. In the process, he has also completed 300 T20 wickets, further solidifying his reputation as a world-class bowler. His ability to consistently deliver under pressure makes him a valuable asset for any fantasy team.
On the Lucknow Super Giants' side, Nicholas Pooran, affectionately known as “Nicky P,” is a formidable force with his explosive batting. His power-hitting prowess has been a key factor in LSG's success in the 2025 season. Pooran has been in outstanding form, amassing 377 runs in 9 innings at an impressive average of 47.13 and a remarkable strike rate of 204.89. His destructive batting includes four half-centuries and a staggering 31 sixes, demonstrating his ability to clear the boundary with ease. Pooran's ability to accelerate the scoring rate and consistently find the gaps in the field has been crucial in enabling LSG to post competitive totals this season. Containing his aggressive approach will be a significant challenge for the Mumbai Indians' bowlers.
Mitchell Marsh, LSG’s versatile all-rounder, brings a valuable combination of batting and bowling skills to the team. His ability to contribute in both departments makes him a valuable asset. Marsh has been in good form in IPL 2025, scoring 344 runs in 8 matches, including four half-centuries. His highest score of 81 off 48 balls against the Kolkata Knight Riders showcases his ability to dominate opposition bowlers. While he has not been utilized as a bowler so far this season, his bowling capabilities provide LSG with an additional option if needed. His versatility and ability to adapt to different match situations make him a valuable pick for fantasy teams.
Ayush Badoni has emerged as a dynamic middle-order batter for the Lucknow Super Giants since his debut in 2022. His ability to provide stability and accelerate the scoring rate in the middle overs has been crucial for LSG. In IPL 2025, Badoni has contributed 217 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 140.00. His performances include one half-century and several crucial late-innings cameos, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure and finish innings strongly. His contributions in the middle order provide the team with stability and enable the top-order batsmen to play with greater freedom. Badoni’s consistency and ability to deliver in pressure situations make him a valuable addition to any fantasy team.
In conclusion, the Match 45 between MI and LSG presents a wealth of options for fantasy cricket enthusiasts. From the Mumbai Indians, Rohit Sharma's resurgence, Suryakumar Yadav's consistency, and Jasprit Bumrah's bowling prowess make them attractive selections. On the Lucknow Super Giants' side, Nicholas Pooran's explosive batting, Mitchell Marsh's all-round abilities, and Ayush Badoni's middle-order stability offer compelling reasons to include them in your fantasy team. Carefully considering the strengths and recent form of these players will be crucial in maximizing your chances of success in the fantasy cricket arena.