Lucknow Super Giants registered their first victory in their very first game of the season after beating Delhi Capitals by 50 runs. Mark Wood was the game-changer for Lucknow as he scalped five wickets in his 4-over spell. Kyle Mayers & Nicholas Pooran controlled while batting & Mark Wood did the rest for them. Delhi got a great start both times in their innings but Lucknow somehow managed to come back stronger in the game. Read the Match Report of the LSG vs DC game and share your thoughts in the comments.

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LSG vs DC: IPL 2023, Match Report

Delhi Capitals won the toss & decided to bowl as there was some turn on the pitch which David Warner thought would be an issue for LSG. Lucknow started slowly with their opening pair of skipper Kl Rahul and De Kock's replacement Kyle Mayers. Chetan Sakariya drew the first blood as he sent the struggling Kl Rahul to the dugout for only 8 runs. His wicket brought Deepak Hooda onto the pitch. Kyle Mayers started slowly & tried to understand the pitch better before changing the gears.

Kyle Mayers played a brilliant inning of 73 runs

After facing 15 deliveries, and surviving of a dropped catch from Khaleel Ahmed, he completely changed his playing style. Mayers changed his gears and hit 7 sixes in his inning. Deepak Hooda couldn't contribute too much to his team & Kuldeep Yadav dismissed him for 17 runs. Kyle Mayers gave a boost to the run rate of LSG but eventually, Axar Patel sent him home for 73 runs from 38 deliveries.

Marcus Stoinis & Nicholas Pooran got the responsibility but Khaleel Ahmed removed Stoinis for 12 runs. Pooran played a brilliant cameo of 36 runs in just 21 deliveries with 3 sixes & 2 fours. Ayush Badoni hit two sixes in the final over to Sakariya while Gowtham ended the first inning with another six to reach 193 runs after 20 overs. Khaleel scalped two wickets alongside Sakariya while Axar & Kuldeep got a single wicket each.

Mark Wood destroyed the batting lineup by scalping five wickets

Shaw & Warner started the chase for Delhi Capitals & they looked scary in the first four overs. Shaw & Warner played some classy shots all around the ground and gave a great start to Delhi. Mark Wood became the game-changer as he dismissed Shaw & Marsh in two consecutive deliveries. 147.3 km/h & 147.8 km/h two fast deliveries which scattered the stumps of Shaw and Marsh.

David Warner stood tall on the other side of the pitch as Wood scalped his third wicket in his second over by dismissing Sarfaraz Khan Rossouw accompanied Warner very well but he also lost his wicket after playing some big shots. Ravi Bishnoi dismissed him & Delhi fell in under pressure. David Warner completed his 56th half-century but it was not enough for them. Avesh Khan dismissed him for 56 runs.

Axar Patel played a little cameo but Mark Wood scalped his 4th wicket by dismissing him. Wood made it five on his debut for LSG as he removed Chetan Sakariya's wicket. Lucknow Super Giants won the match by 50 runs, thanks to Mark Wood's brilliant 4 overs spell (14-5).

The excitement of IPL 2025 is set to begin once again on May 17. However, the availability of foreign players has been a major challenge for many teams after the one-week postponement.

Many foreign players have returned to India for the remaining matches of IPL, but some have completely refused to come this season. One of them is the name of Australian legend Mitchell Starc. Starc was part of the Delhi Capitals team in IPL 2025.

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Starc returned due to India-Pakistan tension

However, Mitchell Starc returned to Australia due to tensions between India and Pakistan. Starc was also involved in the match when there was a sudden blackout in the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala.

Many foreign players who played in this match were in shock, but now the situation has become normal and the tournament is starting again. In such a situation, there are many foreign players who have returned.

There is talk of imposing a penalty on Starc

Mitchell Starc was an important player for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025, but Starc may be in trouble due to his non-return in the remaining matches. Starc was bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs 11.75 crore in the mega auction.

In such a situation, it is believed that the Delhi Capitals team can deduct the auction fee if he does not return for the remaining matches of the season, for which the Australian bowler is also said to be ready.

According to the report, Mitchell Starc may face a penalty of 400000 Australian dollars i.e. Rs 3.92 crore if he does not return to IPL 2025. This amount will be deducted from his auction fee.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Here are the overseas players who might not come for the remainder of the tournament

Starc's performance in IPL 2025

Talking about Starc's performance in IPL 2025, he has taken 14 wickets in 11 matches for Delhi Capitals at an economy rate of 10.16. Starc bowled very economically this season. So, his return could prove to be a big loss for Delhi Capitals as the team is in dire need of wins to make it to the top four of the tournament. 

Delhi Capitals are currently fifth on the IPL 2025 Points Table and are among the four contenders for the playoffs’ spot. They have three matches remaining, and a win in at least two of them will take them closer to the qualification. Winning all three, will guarantee a top four finish.

As IPL 2025 faced disruptions and was suspended on 9th May, 2025, most of the overseas players returned back to their respective home countries.

The tournament is set to resume from 17th May, 2025, and it raises a crucial question about how many overseas players can rejoin their franchises.

Given their international commitments and other issues, check out the overseas players who might not come for the remainder of the tournament in IPL 2025 for each team.

IPL 2025 Points Table

Firstly, see where each team stands before the tournament resumes.

Read Also: Top 5 underrated players in IPL 2025

Overseas players return status for the remainder of IPL 2025

The 18th season of Indian Premier League (IPL) will resume on May 17 after a week-long break with the remaining seven teams in contention for playoffs. According to the revised IPL 2025 schedule, the remaining 13 league matches will be played across six venues. The league stage commences on May 27.

The revised IPL 2025 schedule meant a few teams will be deprived of home advantage. While Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (16 points each) are most likely to enter the final four, things could get tight for the likes of Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings.

Also Read: Top 5 underrated players in IPL 2025

Ahead of the IPL 2025 resumption, let's take a look at the qualification scenarios of all the seven teams in contention for playoffs. Notably, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad are officially out from the race to playoffs.

Only five teams can reach to the 18-point mark after the league stage. That means, 18 points could possibly be the cut-off for the teams in the race for playoffs.

IPL 2025 Points Table before resumption

Rank	Teams	Matches	Win	Loss	NR	Points	NRR
1	Gujarat Titans	11	8	3	0	16	+0.793
2	Royal Challengers Bengaluru	11	8	3	0	16	+0.482
3	Punjab Kings	11	7	3	1	15	+0.376
4	Mumbai Indians	12	7	5	0	14	+1.156
5	Delhi Capitals	11	6	4	1	13	+0.362
6	Kolkata Knight Riders	12	5	6	1	11	+0.193
7	Lucknow Super Giants	11	5	6	0	10	-0.469
8	Sunrisers Hyderabad (E)	11	3	7	1	7	-1.192
9	Rajasthan Royals (E)	12	3	9	0	6	-0.718
10	Chennai Super Kings (E)	12	3	9	0	6	-0.992

Gujarat Titans (16 points)

With eight wins from 11 games, the Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans need just a win shy of confirming their place in the last four stage. They still have three games left in the league stage.

Remaining Games: vs DC (May 18), vs LSG (May 22), vs CSK (May 25)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (16 points)

Just like Gujarat Titans, RCB are also just a win away from securing their spot in the last four stage. RCB also have three games left, including two at home, starting with a clash against KKR.

Remaining Games: vs KKR (May 17), vs SRH (May 23), vs LSG (May 27)

Punjab Kings (15 points)

Punjab Kings breathed a sigh of relief when it was announced their called-off game against Delhi Capitals will be replayed. With three games left, Punjab Kings could possibly reach 21 points, thus securing their first playoff spot over a decade.

Remaining Games: vs RR (May 18), vs DC (May 24), vs MI (May 26)

Mumbai Indians (14 points)

After losing a few matches initially, Mumbai Indians won six matches on the bounce to enter the top four. The Hardik Pandya-led side need to win their final two games to enter the playoffs without needing a help from others. In case, Mumbai Indians lose one, they will be locked at 16 points and would hope Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals falter.

Remaining Games: vs DC (May 21), vs PBKS (May 26)

Delhi Capitals (13 points)

Despite making a roaring start with five wins in their first six matches, Delhi Capitals lost the plot to find themselves out of the top four in the points table. With 13 points in the pocket and three games left to play, Delhi Capitals need to win all their remaining matches to ensure smooth entry into knockouts.

Remaining Games: vs GT (May 18), vs MI (May 21), vs PBKS (May 24)

Also Read: IPL 2025 to resume from 17th May: Here is the revised schedule

Kolkata Knight Riders (11 points)

Things look dicey for defending champions KKR who have won five and lost six so far. Rain played spoilsport in one of their games. With two games left, KKR could go to 15 points even if they win their remaining games. KKR would also hope for other teams to falter in order to get a crack into the last four stage. For KKR to go through, Punjab Kings need to lose all their games.

Remaining Games: vs RCB (May 17), vs SRH (May 25)

Lucknow Super Giants (10 points)

With a new captain in Rishabh Pant, LSG need to win their remaining three games to get to a maximum of 16 points. Like KKR, LSG too need to look at other teams for a change of fortune. Even if LSG win their last three games, they would Mumbai Indian and Delhi Capital to not win more than one game.

Remaining Games: vs SRH (May 19), vs GT (May 22), vs RCB (May 27)

After the Champions Trophy 2025, India's target in ODI cricket will be the ODI World Cup 2027. In such a situation, know what is Team India's ODI schedule till the World Cup 2027. The Men in Blue have to play a total of 9 series in the next ICC ODI tournament, which includes 27 matches.

Apart from this, some more ODI matches can be scheduled near the tournament. So, know what is the ODI schedule of Indian Cricket Team till 2027 and when India will face which team.

Also Read: The Kohli Effect: Will Indian fans lose interest in Test cricket after Virat Kohli's retirement?

The ODI World Cup2027 will be held around October to December. Before this, the Indian team is going to play a lot of matches. India have to play 3-match ODI series against 8 teams. They will play series twice against one country.

India will play New Zealand twice

India will play Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, West Indies and Sri Lanka once each in the upcoming ODI series, while it will play New Zealand twice. Out of the nine series, India will play six series at home, while the rest will be held outside the country.

It will start with the tour of Bangladesh in August, which will be played this year. In October-November 2025, India has to play a three-match ODI series on its tour of Australia. South Africa's team will tour India in November-December.

India will host Sri Lankan team in December 2026

In January 2026, the New Zealand team will play an ODI series in India. After this, India has to play a three-match series against Afghanistan in June. In July 2026, Team India will have to play the same number of ODI series on its tour of England.

The West Indies team is scheduled to tour India in September-October. There will be an ODI series against New Zealand at home in October-November. India will host the Sri Lankan team for an ODI series in December 2026.

Also Read: Fav four in Test cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith stats in Tests

India's ODI schedule till World Cup 2027

In IPL, beyond the big names and celebrated players, we come across some pure talents who are underrated gems. Just like other seasons, IPL 2025 have quite a lot of underrated players to have unleashed their potential.

Discover the top 5 underrated players in IPL 2025 you might have overlooked!

5. Digvesh Singh Rathi | LSG

Digvesh Rathi made his IPL debut this season and has proved to be a key bowler for Lucknow Super Giants. He was picked up at his base price, 30 lakhs, by the team. Even though he soon went viral for his quirky "notebook" celebration, his performance remains underrated.

Digvesh took 12 wickets in 11 matches, with an economy of 8.09. LSG are in a must-win situation in the tournament, with doubts surrounding their playoff chances, and this man can prove to be crucial for them.

He strengthens the bowling unit and has the intensity to push towards the best.

 Digvesh Rathi IPL 2025 stats

• Matches: 11
• Wickets: 12
• Economy: 8.09
• Best bowling figures: 2/30

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4. Ashutosh Sharma | DC

Ashutosh Sharma, who made his debut in IPL 2024, is a run machine in the lower order. He is a big support system of Delhi Capitals' batting unit, and has made it evident by delivering a match-winning knock of 66* runs from 31 balls against LSG.

Ashutosh has the power to change the narrative of the game with his hard-hitting abilities. He also holds the record for the fastest fifty in T20 by an Indian player by scoring 50 off 11 balls in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023.

He has scored an impressive 186 runs in 8 innings that he has played so far in IPL 2025, with a strike rate above 165.

Ashutosh Sharma IPL 2025 stats

• Innings: 8
• Runs: 186
• Batting Avg: 31.00
• Highest Score: 66*
• Strike rate: 167.57

Read Also | IPL Records: Youngest Half-centurions in IPL History

3. Noor Ahmad | CSK 

Noor Ahmad, the Afghan spinner, is a prominent name in the squad of Chennai Super Kings this year. He always stood up for the CSK in crucial times, regardless of their overall team performance. 

Noor's contribution has been constant in terms of bowling, however, it has been overshadowed by the standings of CSK in the points table. He picked up 20 wickets in 12 matches, and holds the second position in the race for the Purple cap in IPL 2025.

Noorh Ahmad IPL 2025 stats

• Matches: 12
• Wickets: 20
• Economy: 8.02
• Best bowling figures: 4/18

Read Also | IPL Table toppers: IPL Playoffs teams from 2008 to 2024

2. Suyash Sharma | RCB

Suyash Sharma is a mystery spinner for Royal Challengers Bengaluru this season, who is having a great season so far. He has been a surprise addition to their bowling unit and has quickly earned his trusted place in the playing XI for almost every match.

His power of obstructing the run flow while defending low scores has been surprising to watch. Though he has picked up only 4 wickets in 10 matches for RCB so far, he has bowled some tight spells under pressure for Rajat Patidar this season.

Suyash Sharma IPL 2025 stats

• Matches: 10
• Wickets: 4
• Economy: 8.26
• Best bowling figures: 2/26

1. Prabhsimran Singh | PBKS

Prabhsimran Singh is a power-packed opener for the Punjab Kings squad this year. He has been extremely consistent this year and formed an iconic destructive duo with the young batter, Priyansh Arya.

He scored 4 fifties this season, with his highest being 91 runs. He scored a total of 437 runs in 11 innings so far. He is one of the budding contenders in the race for the Orange cap in IPL 2025.

• Innings: 11
• Runs: 437
• Batting Avg: 39.73
• Highest Score: 91
• Strike rate: 170.07