IPL 2025: Mitchell Marsh Missing! Why Is LSG Star Not Playing XI Against SRH?

In a crucial IPL 2025 encounter, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) won the toss and elected to bowl first against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

LSG skipper Rishabh Pant explained at the toss that his side opted to chase, looking to take advantage of the playing conditions at this venue. However, one of the biggest talking points ahead of the game was the absence of Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh from the playing XI.

IPL 2025 Mitchell Marsh Benched Why Is LSG Star Missing From Playing XI Against SRH — Mitchell Marsh (Photos: LSG X Handle)

Why Have LSG Left Out Mitchell Marsh?

Marsh, a key figure in the LSG lineup, has been sidelined from the playing XI due to ongoing fitness concerns. Earlier this year, he suffered a back injury that forced him out of the Champions Trophy. While he has made a return to competitive cricket, the franchise management has decided to utilise him exclusively as a batter this season.

Although Marsh is not in the starting XI, he has been named among the impact substitutes and is expected to play a crucial role during LSG’s run chase. His explosive batting form was on full display in the previous match, where he hammered a stunning 72 off just 32 balls, including six boundaries and six sixes. Given the high-scoring nature of the pitch, his presence later in the innings could be vital for LSG’s chances.

Mitchell Marsh Confident in LSG’s Depth

Despite the absence of key bowlers like Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan, Marsh remains confident in LSG’s ability to perform against SRH. Acknowledging the team’s injury setbacks, the Australian cricketer backed the available bowlers to step up.

"Yeah, we have a few guys out, no doubt, but I think we have assembled a really solid squad. There is no doubt that in time we will welcome guys back into the team who have a bit of experience with the ball. But we certainly back our [current] bowlers to do the job. I don't see it as a lack of depth," – Mitchell Marsh (ESPN Cricinfo).

When asked about LSG’s strategy against the aggressive SRH batting lineup, Marsh had a straightforward response.

"To score more runs than them. We know they're going to come hard. I think there are not many T20 teams in the world now that don't go hard from ball one and try to apply as much pressure as they can to a bowling team. So we know we're going to be under pressure at some point."

LSG’s Injury Woes Continue

LSG’s bowling unit is currently struggling with multiple injuries. Apart from Marsh's limited role as a batter, speedster Mayank Yadav has suffered another setback, delaying his return to the squad. Having initially recovered from a back injury, Yadav is now dealing with a toe strain, which will keep him out for a few more matches.

LSG head coach Justin Langer confirmed that Yadav will only return in the later stages of the tournament.

“Mayank is keen to make a comeback towards the back end of the tournament. We don’t want to rush him,” – Justin Langer.

Meanwhile, pacers Mohsin Khan and Akash Deep have also been ruled out due to injuries, while Avesh Khan is returning from a knee issue. In Mohsin’s absence, Shardul Thakur has been drafted into the squad.

SRH vs LSG Playing XIs

SRH Playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma, Abhinav Manohar, Pat Cummins (c), Simarjeet Singh, Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel.

LSG Playing XI: Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav.

With SRH starting their campaign in explosive fashion by posting a record 286 runs in their first game, LSG will need their bowlers to deliver a strong performance. If needed, Marsh could be brought in as an impact player to bolster LSG’s batting order in what is expected to be another high-scoring encounter.