Avesh Khan returns to LSG XI [Source: @NviiiJ25409/X]
Lucknow SuperGiants won the toss and opted to bowl first in their second group-stage match of the Indian Premier League 2025. The visitors have made a solitary change to their combination, replacing Shahbaz Ahmed with Avesh Khan.
Why Have LSG Brought Avesh In Place Of Shahbaz?
Ace speedster Avesh Khan missed LSG's IPL 2025 opener against Delhi Capitals as he hadn't recovered from injury. As he regained fitness, LSG brought him back at the expense of Shahbaz Ahmed for two key reasons.
Shahbaz's Horrible Outing vs DC
Spin bowling allrounder Shahbaz Ahmed had a forgettable time in the middle against DC. He registered a failure with the bat, scoring nine runs off eight balls.
He was even worse with the ball, as he went wicketless, conceding 22 runs in 1.3 overs. So, his underwhelming outing could be the reason why he has been dropped from the playing XI today.
Placid Deck Of Hyderabad
The surface at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is expected to be flat and conducive to stroke play. The track doesn't really assist the spinners, and, LSG have two frontline spinners- Ravi Bishnoi and Digvesh Singh Thakur.
So, considering the deck's nature, LSG might have decided to bring an extra pacer in place of Shahbaz, who is a left-arm spinner.
LSG Playing XI vs SRH: 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