Australian T20I skipper Mitchell Marsh has been given the green light for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, which is exciting news for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
While Marsh will join the fray as a specialist batter due to a persistent lower back injury he’s been battling since the latter part of 2024, his inclusion is still a significant advantage for LSG. This comes after Marsh had to pull out of Australia’s ODI series against Sri Lanka and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Although his bowling is off the table for now, his batting prowess promises to fill a crucial gap. Bought for INR 3.4 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction, Marsh is anticipated to be a linchpin in their batting lineup as they push for a successful run in the tournament. He’ll be back with LSG from March 18, reconnecting with head coach Justin Langer, a mentor with whom he has substantial rapport from their days together with Australia, Western Australia, and the Perth Scorchers.
Marsh’s career has been riddled with injuries, and this latest back issue came to the fore during Australia’s limited-overs trip to England in September 2024. Worsening at the start of 2025, it led to significant discomfort, prompting his withdrawal from international engagements. In February 2025, Marsh sought advice from a specialist and embarked on a strict rehabilitation regimen, which meant staying away from bowling.
His recovery involved carefully monitored batting practice and extensive physiotherapy aimed at fortifying his lower back. Though cleared to bat, Cricket Australia advises against returning to bowling just yet. Consequently, LSG will need to tweak their strategies, especially their bowling attack, which will be missing Marsh’s medium pace.
With Marsh focusing solely on batting, LSG is set to use his skills in the top order. His aggressive play against both spin and pace is just what LSG needs, especially considering their past batting struggles. Likely batting at No. 3 or No. 4, Marsh is positioned to drive the innings forward, applying pressure on bowlers and handling high-pressure situations deftly.
His collaboration with coach Justin Langer is another plus for LSG. Familiar with Langer’s style and expectations, Marsh’s understanding and execution of Langer’s strategies can give LSG a tactical edge this season.
Marsh’s IPL outings have been a mix of highs and injuries. His time with the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024 was cut short by a hamstring injury, allowing him to play just four matches where he scored 63 runs at an impressive strike rate of 160.53. Over his IPL journey—spanning 42 matches—Marsh has accumulated 666 runs at an average of 19.59 and a strike rate of 127.83. While his bowling has garnered him 37 wickets at an 8.42 economy rate, it’s been his injuries rather than lack of form that have impeded his performance.
As LSG eyes success in IPL 2025, the team has to navigate some tricky challenges. Without Marsh as a bowling option, there’s a greater reliance on their Indian pacers—like Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Mohsin Khan—to spearhead the attack.
Equally important will be how Marsh’s workload is managed during the demanding tournament to prevent any setbacks with his injury. His role as a pure batter means players like Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni need to rise to the occasion consistently.
Nevertheless, with one of the most exciting lineups in IPL 2025, a fit and firing Marsh could be a defining factor for LSG. His ability to stabilize innings while also delivering in crucial chase scenarios makes him a priceless component of the team.
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If you’re interested in how other teams are shaping up this season, check out Harsha Bhogle’s take on LSG’s top lineup featuring Rishabh Pant.
And for insights on Rajasthan Royals’ future without Jos Buttler, don’t miss Sanju Samson’s reflections.
