The Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam will host the first games of the 2025 Indian Premier League for the Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). As in previous years, DC will host two of their IPL 2025 games in Vizag.
Both teams had to start over in 2025 after failing to qualify for the IPL 2024 playoffs. The most significant of all their personnel changes is that the captains of these two teams from the previous season have switched teams. After leading DC until 2024, Rishabh Pant was acquired by LSG for a record INR 27 crore, making him the most expensive player ever to be sold in an IPL auction. Up until that point, KL Rahul led LSG as captain; nevertheless, he joined DC this year.
DC appointed ace all-rounder Axar Patel as captain, with Faf du Plessis serving as his deputy, while the Super Giants went the cliched path of appointing Pant as captain. Players withdrawing in the final moments prior to the event has also been a problem for both sides. Harry Brook will be barred from the IPL until 2027 after abruptly withdrawing from the competition. DC has not yet announced a successor. Mumbai all-rounder Shardul Thakur has been brought in by LSG to replace the injured Mohsin Khan.
IPL Stats and Records at Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam
The last IPL match played at Visakhapatnam saw a first innings total of 272. While nothing as egregious is expected, the batters are expected to have an easy time.
| Matches Played | 15 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 8 |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 7 |
| Matches With No Result | 0 |
| Matches Tied | 0 |
| Average First Innings Score | 167 |
| Highest Team Total | 272 |
| Highest Total Successfully Chased | 173 |
DC vs LSG, Key Player Battles
Rishabh Pant vs T Natarajan
Natarajan’s death overs exploits will be the key if DC are to stop their former skipper from rampaging around in batting friendly conditions. Historically in the IPL, Pant has managed just 26 runs from 24 balls against the left-hander without ever being dismissed at a strike rate of 108.33.
KL Rahul vs Avesh Khan
For the most part, Rahul has had a good time against Avesh in the IPL. In 37 balls, Rahul has scored 62 runs at a strike rate of 167.56 and has been dismissed just once at an average of 62. Avesh will have to carry most of LSG’s attack this season as their most experienced bowler.
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