The IPL 2025 season heats up with Match 61, pitting Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow. This do-or-die clash is critical for LSG to keep their playoff hopes alive, while SRH, already eliminated, will play with freedom. Our comprehensive fantasy cricket preview provides Dream11 team predictions, key player insights, pitch analysis, and head-to-head stats to help you dominate your fantasy leagues.

Match Overview: LSG vs SRH

LSG face a must-win situation to stay in the playoff race, with every match crucial to their survival. SRH, with nothing to lose, may adopt an aggressive approach, making this an exciting contest. Played at LSG’s home ground, Ekana Stadium, this match could shape the points table and influence playoff scenarios.

Head-to-Head Stats

Matches Played: 5

LSG Wins: 4

SRH Wins: 1

Recent Encounter: LSG won by 5 wickets in 2025. Travis Head (47), Nitish Reddy (30+), and Aniket Verma (36) starred for SRH, while Mitchell Marsh (50+) and Nicholas Pooran shone for LSG. Shardul Thakur took 4 wickets.

Notable Performers: Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Travis Head, and Pat Cummins frequently feature in Dream11 teams for this fixture.

Pitch Report: Ekana Stadium, Lucknow

Ekana Stadium offers a balanced surface, favoring batsmen while providing assistance to both pacers (62%) and spinners. Key stats:

Average First Innings Score: 168

Average Second Innings Score: 157

Highest Total: KKR 235/6

Lowest Total: LSG 108 all out

Matches: 21 (9 wins batting first, 12 chasing)

Recent Trends: Chasing teams have won the last three matches, with pacers dominating first innings and spinners effective in the second. Expect a 170-180 run game if LSG bats first, or 150-165 if SRH does.

Key Players for Dream11 Teams

Lucknow Super Giants

Aiden Markram: Consistent form, confirmed for SL and GL. Expect 30-32 runs.

Mitchell Marsh: Likely to score 40-45 runs, a must-pick for both leagues.

Nicholas Pooran: Key captain/vice-captain pick, expected to score 50+. A trump card despite recent struggles at Ekana.

Ayush Badoni: First batting GL differentiator, likely to score 30-40 runs.

Shardul Thakur: Confirmed bowler, expect 1-2 wickets.

Avesh Khan: Crucial in first bowling, likely to take 2 wickets. Must-have.

Digvesh Rathi: 1-2 wickets expected, a safe pick.

Avoid: Rishabh Pant (SL, poor form), Abdul Samad (20 runs max).

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Travis Head: Confirmed SL pick, captain/vice-captain option despite recent form dip. Don’t underestimate.

Abhishek Sharma: Safe for SL, risky in GL second batting. Expect big scores.

Heinrich Klaasen: Safest wicketkeeper, guaranteed 30-35 runs. Must-pick for SL/GL.

Pat Cummins: Confirmed bowler, likely to take 2-3 wickets. Captaincy option in first bowling.

Harshal Patel: 1-2 wickets expected, a safe pick.

Ishan Kishan: Better SL option than Pant, strong venue stats.

Avoid: Nitish Reddy (SL, inconsistent), Mohammed Shami (uncertain participation).

Dream11 Team for Small League

Wicketkeepers: Nicholas Pooran, Heinrich Klaasen

Batters: Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma

All-rounders: Aiden Markram

Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan, Harshal Patel, Digvesh Rathi

Captain: Travis Head

Vice-Captain: Nicholas Pooran

Grand League Strategy

For GL, create 8-10 teams with these combinations:

Captain/Vice-Captain Combos: Pooran/Klaasen (safe), Abhishek/Marsh (risky), Cummins/Markram (high-risk).

Differentiators: Ayush Badoni, Kamindu Mendis (low ownership, 10-20%).

Tactics: Pick the wicketkeeper of the team batting first, drop Abhishek in some second-batting teams, and prioritize LSG spinners at home.

Player Battles to Watch

Nicholas Pooran vs Harshal Patel: Dismissed once in 31 balls.

Rishabh Pant vs Harshal Patel: Out 3 times in 30 balls.

Ishan Kishan vs Ravi Bishnoi: Dismissed 4 times in 36 balls.

Heinrich Klaasen vs Shardul Thakur: Out twice in 15 balls.

Travis Head vs Avesh Khan: Dismissed once in 18 balls.

Winner Prediction

LSG’s home advantage and desperation give them the edge. With a 4-1 head-to-head lead and recent chasing dominance at Ekana, LSG is likely to win and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Conclusion

IPL 2025 Match 61 is a high-stakes LSG vs SRH battle. Leverage our Dream11 predictions, focusing on Pooran, Head, Klaasen, and Cummins, to excel in your fantasy leagues. For Grand League success, include low-ownership picks like Badoni and Mendis.