Mitchell Marsh is not playing vs GT [Source: AP]
In a significant development, LSG have won the toss and opted to bowl first in the IPL 2025 match vs Gujarat Titans (GT). At toss, LSG skipper Rishabh Pant stated that the hosts would bowl first in order to capitalise on Lucknow's playing conditions.
Why Have LSG Dropped Mitch Marsh vs GT?
Meanwhile, LSG will be without the services of their in-form batter Mitchell Marsh for the IPL 2025 match against GT at Ekana Stadium. According to CREX, Rishabh Pant revealed that Marsh wouldn't participate in this match as his daughter has fallen sick. So, Marsh is not injured and has opted out of the game due to family reasons.
Lucknow SuperGiants have replaced Marsh with Himmat Singh in their playing XI. In 47 T20 matches, Himmat Singh has amassed 921 runs at an average of 28.8 and a strike rate of 132.9.
The SuperGiants have also swapped Ravi Bishnoi with Ayush Badoni, who will likely come in as an impact substitute in the latter half.
LSG vs GT Player XIs
Gujarat Titans Playing XI: Shubman Gill (c), B Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Washington Sundar, Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Arshad Khan, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj
Lucknow Super Giants Playing XI: Aiden Markram, Himmat Singh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), David Miller, Abdul Samad, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi.
In Short
Marsh cleared to play IPL 2025 for LSG as a batter
Back injury rules out Marsh’s bowling and fielding duties
LSG’s batting lineup strengthened with Marsh, Pant, Miller, and Pooran
Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been cleared to play in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, but only as a batter. The 33-year-old, who was uncertain about his availability for his new franchise, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has now been given the green light after consulting a back specialist.
Marsh was ruled out of Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign after suffering a lower-back injury, which initially raised doubts about his participation in IPL 2025. However, according to ESPNCricinfo, after undergoing rehabilitation and medical assessment, Marsh has been medically approved to play but under strict limitations. The back specialist, who he has been consulting since early February, 2025, has advised him not to bowl or put excessive strain on his back while fielding.
This restriction means Marsh could take on a specialised role as an impact player for LSG, which already features a power-packed batting lineup, including captain Rishabh Pant, David Miller, and Nicholas Pooran. Marsh’s experience and versatility in the middle order could make him a valuable asset, even if his bowling is off the table.
Marsh’s absence was a significant setback for Australia in the Champions Trophy, as he has been a key figure in their white-ball setup over the years. His recent form, however, has been inconsistent. Marsh struggled with both bat and ball in recent fixtures and was eventually dropped from Australia’s Test side for the final match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, with Beau Webster taking his place.
The all-rounder had also played just one Big Bash League (BBL) match on January 7 after the Test series. He then chose to sit out the last three games of the season to recover mentally and physically ahead of the Champions Trophy. Unfortunately, his back issues persisted, leading to his withdrawal from the tournament.
Now cleared to play in IPL 2025, Marsh will look to make an impact with the bat and strengthen LSG’s chances of clinching their first IPL title. Despite his limitations, Marsh’s presence in the middle order could prove decisive for LSG’s campaign.
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