The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season is already shaping up to be a thrilling affair, and for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the stakes couldn’t be higher. After a nail-biting one-wicket loss to Delhi Capitals (DC) in their opening match, the team led by Rishabh Pant has been handed a significant boost with the return of star pacer Avesh Khan. As LSG prepares to take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their next fixture on March 27 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Khan’s arrival could prove to be a turning point in their campaign.

With injuries plaguing their pace bowling unit, his return not only strengthens their attack but also lifts the morale of a squad eager to bounce back.

A Rocky Start for LSG

LSG entered IPL 2025 with high expectations, bolstered by the acquisition of Rishabh Pant for a record-breaking INR 27 crore at the mega auction. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, now captaining the side, brings an aggressive flair and leadership experience that the franchise hopes will propel them to their maiden IPL title. However, their season opener against DC exposed vulnerabilities, particularly in their bowling department.

Defending a competitive total of 209, LSG fell agonizingly short as DC chased down the target in a dramatic finish.

The absence of key pacers like Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, and Akash Deep left Pant with limited options. The team relied heavily on spinners and an inexperienced pace attack, including uncapped bowler Prince Yadav and Shardul Thakur, who stepped in as a replacement for the injured Mohsin Khan. While Thakur made an impact with two early wickets, the lack of seasoned fast bowlers was evident as DC’s batsmen capitalized in the death overs.

Pant’s decision to hold back Thakur in the final stages raised eyebrows, with some suggesting he was attempting a tactical gamble reminiscent of MS Dhoni’s cool-headed approach. However, it didn’t pay off, and LSG walked away with a bitter lesson.

Avesh Khan’s Road to Recovery

Avesh Khan’s absence in the opener was a significant blow. The 28-year-old Madhya Pradesh pacer has been sidelined since January due to discomfort in his right knee, an injury linked to the heavy workload he endured during the domestic season.

His last competitive outing was in November 2024, when he represented India in a T20I against South Africa. Since then, he has been under the care of the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, undergoing rehabilitation to regain full fitness.

The good news came earlier this week when Khan successfully cleared his fitness test, a development that has brought relief to the LSG camp. He linked up with the squad on Wednesday, March 26, and has already begun training in the nets. While it’s not yet confirmed whether he will feature immediately against SRH, his availability for selection is a massive positive.

Khan’s experience and proven track record in the IPL make him a vital cog in LSG’s bowling machinery, and his return couldn’t have come at a better time.

Why Avesh Khan Matters

Avesh Khan is no stranger to delivering under pressure. Since his IPL debut, he has established himself as a reliable wicket-taker, capable of striking in the powerplay and holding his nerve in the death overs. His stats against SRH are particularly impressive—13 wickets in seven matches at an average of 17.52, including a four-wicket haul. This record suggests he could be a trump card for LSG in Hyderabad, where the conditions often favor pace and bounce.

Beyond numbers, Khan brings versatility to the attack. His ability to swing the new ball and mix up his pace with slower deliveries makes him a handful for batsmen. For a team that struggled to contain DC’s lower order in their opener, his presence could provide the control and penetration they desperately need. Moreover, his familiarity with the LSG setup—he was retained by the franchise ahead of the 2022 season before being bought back for INR 9.75 crore in the 2025 auction—ensures seamless integration into the squad.

The Bigger Picture: LSG’s Bowling Woes

Khan’s return is a ray of hope amid a broader injury crisis that has plagued LSG’s pace unit. Mayank Yadav, the express pacer who dazzled in IPL 2024 with his raw speed, is recovering from a lumbar stress injury and recently suffered a toe injury, pushing his return to mid-April at the earliest. Akash Deep, another key Indian quick, is still regaining fitness after a back injury sustained during India’s Test tour of Australia. Mohsin Khan, meanwhile, has been ruled out of the entire season with an ACL tear, prompting the inclusion of Shardul Thakur as his replacement.

This string of injuries has left LSG heavily reliant on their spin duo of Ravi Bishnoi and Shahbaz Ahmed, alongside makeshift pacers. While Bishnoi’s guile and Ahmed’s all-round contributions are valuable, the lack of a robust pace attack has exposed a glaring weakness. Khan’s return eases some of this pressure, but the team will be hoping for positive updates on Yadav and Deep to restore balance to their bowling lineup.

Rishabh Pant’s Leadership Test

For Rishabh Pant, the early stages of IPL 2025 are a proving ground. After parting ways with Delhi Capitals, where he honed his captaincy skills, Pant has embraced the challenge of leading LSG with a promise of “fearless cricket,” as echoed by mentor Zaheer Khan. His aggressive batting and unorthodox decision-making have long been his trademarks, but the transition to a new franchise brings added scrutiny.

The loss to DC highlighted both his strengths and areas for growth. Pant’s 61 off 34 balls showcased his ability to lead from the front, but his tactical choices in the field drew criticism. With Khan back in the fold, Pant gains a seasoned campaigner to lean on, potentially allowing him to experiment with bolder strategies. How he manages his resources—particularly in a high-stakes clash against SRH—will be a key indicator of his evolution as a leader.

The SRH Challenge

Sunrisers Hyderabad, LSG’s next opponents, are a formidable outfit. Led by Pat Cummins, SRH boast a batting lineup featuring the likes of Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and Abhishek Sharma, all capable of taking the game away in a matter of overs. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Cummins and supported by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jaydev Unadkat, has the experience to exploit any weaknesses.

LSG’s previous encounters with SRH have been closely contested, and Khan’s record against them could tilt the scales. His ability to dismiss top-order batsmen like Head or Klaasen early could set the tone, while his death-over nous might counter SRH’s late-order firepower. For Pant, deploying Khan effectively—whether with the new ball or in crunch situations—will be critical.

A Boost Beyond the Pitch

Beyond his on-field contributions, Khan’s return lifts the spirits of a team looking to regroup. The LSG camp has faced its share of adversity with injuries, but Pant’s resilience—having overcome a life-threatening car accident in 2022—sets the tone for a positive outlook. Zaheer Khan emphasized this in a recent statement, noting that Pant’s approach inspires the squad to focus on solutions rather than setbacks.

Khan’s arrival also sends a message to the opposition: LSG are not down and out. With a batting lineup featuring Pant, Nicholas Pooran, David Miller, and Aiden Markram, and a bowling attack gradually regaining its teeth, they remain a force to be reckoned with. The SRH clash offers a chance to prove that the DC loss was a blip, not a trend.

Looking Ahead

As IPL 2025 progresses, LSG’s fortunes will hinge on their ability to adapt and overcome challenges. Avesh Khan’s return is a step in the right direction, but the road ahead is long. With seven group-stage matches potentially without Mayank Yadav and uncertainty around Akash Deep’s recovery, the team will need to dig deep. Contributions from all-rounders like Mitchell Marsh (restricted to batting due to a back injury) and Shahbaz Ahmed will be crucial, as will the continued form of their star-studded batting unit.

For now, though, the focus is on SRH. A win in Hyderabad would not only boost LSG’s confidence but also signal their intent to the rest of the league. Khan’s presence gives them a fighting chance, and under Pant’s leadership, they’ll aim to turn potential into performance.

In Summary

Avesh Khan’s return is more than just a personnel boost—it’s a lifeline for an LSG side navigating early turbulence in IPL 2025. As they prepare to face SRH, his experience, skill, and familiarity with the opposition could be the difference-maker. For Rishabh Pant and his men, this is an opportunity to reset, regroup, and reclaim their momentum. The stage is set for a blockbuster clash, and with Khan back in the mix, LSG are ready to roar.

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