Lucknow – Emotions were running high at the Ekana International Stadium on Monday when Lucknow Super Giants co-owner Sanjiv Goenka became the unexpected focus of attention in his team's pivotal IPL 2025 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. A video of Goenka being seen storming out of the balcony of his team soon went viral, drawing a whirlwind of reactions on social media.

The incident took place in the 12th over of LSG's innings, when Pant, who was promoted to No. 3, committed a rash stroke off Eshan Malinga and was caught and bowled for a mere 7. As the frustration grew, cameras captured Goenka visibly enraged, walking out of the balcony, a moment that invited heavy criticism online. While most fans empathized with the owner's frustration, others have termed it poor optics, particularly in the public eye.

Pant’s poor form of 135 runs from 12 matches has been a concern throughout the season, and his latest failure couldn’t have come at a worse time. Despite strong contributions from Mitchell Marsh (65) and Aiden Markram (61), LSG’s innings lost steam in the second half, eventually finishing at 205/7.

ALSO SEE: IPL 2025: BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla steps into calm Abhishek Sharma-Digvesh Rathi clash

Goenka responds to LSG's playoff elimination as Sunrisers Hyderabad secure dominant victory in Lucknow

Sunrisers Hyderabad, however, made light work of the target. Abhishek Sharma smashed a 20-ball 59 to kickstart the chase, while Heinrich Klaasen (47*) and Kamindu Mendis (32*) finished the job in 18.2 overs, taking SRH to a historic six-wicket win and knocking LSG out of playoff contention. After the game, Goenka transitioned from public frustration to reflective calm. Going social media with a photo of himself with his players, he penned a moving message: "It's been a difficult second half of the season, but there's much to take heart in. The spirit, the effort, and the moments of excellence give us a lot to build on. Two games remain. Let's play with pride and finish strong."

It’s been a challenging second half of the season, but there’s much to take heart in. The spirit, the effort, and the moments of excellence give us a lot to build on. Two games remain. Let’s play with pride and finish strong. #LSGvsSRH pic.twitter.com/gFzyddlnMn

— Dr. Sanjiv Goenka (@DrSanjivGoenka) May 20, 2025

LSG's elimination from the playoffs is a disappointment in what was promising until some time back. Captain Rishabh Pant also referenced the effect of sensational injuries, especially to pacers Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan. "If we had the same bowling [attack], the story would be different… Still, we've got to take pride in the fight we've shown," he said at the post-match presentation.

With only two games left, Lucknow will now try to finish the season with some pride and reboot for next year. As Goenka's rollercoaster night demonstrated, the intensity of the IPL runs much deeper than the field emotions are deep-seated, even in the owners' box.

In a sensational IPL 2025 game between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 19, 2025, at Ekana Cricket Stadium, a fiery off-field battle between LSG spinner Digvesh Rathi and SRH batter Abhishek Sharma dominated the show. The event was during SRH's run chase of a 206-run target, when Rathi sent Sharma packing after the batter had belted a devastating 59 off 20 balls with six of them being sixes. Rathi’s signature “notebook” celebration, perceived as provocative, sparked a heated verbal exchange, escalating tensions on the field.

The altercation didn’t end there. Post-match, during the handshake, the two players continued their animated exchange, prompting LSG assistant coach Vijay Dahiya to intervene and reportedly slap Sharma to diffuse the situation. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla stepped in as a peacemaker, engaging both players in a calm conversation during the presentation ceremony. Shukla's mediation was captured in viral visuals, and his attempts to bring about harmony were appreciated by his fans. The incident, though, did attract much attention, diverting one from SRH's six-wicket win that pushed LSG out of the playoff hunt.

The BCCI reacted quickly, laying down stringent disciplinary actions. Rathi, who committed the third breach of the IPL Code of Conduct during this season, was suspended for one game and fined 50% of his match fee. His prior offences against Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians had already earned him five demerit points, triggering the ban. Sharma, facing his first violation, was fined 25% of his match fee. The incident sparked a memefest on social media, with fans poking fun at Rathi’s celebration and Sharma’s fiery retort, reportedly saying, “Choti kaat dunga” (I’ll chop off your hair).

Aftermath and Reactions

The incident clearly became the talk of the town, with former cricketer Suresh Raina criticising the behaviour of both Indian players throughout the commentary which, he says, was not ideal behaviour to set an example of. The various reactions and opinions made on social media were humourously bittersweet, as some people chastised the BCCI for taking heavy handed penalties with bowlers like Rathi, while others lauded Sharma's match-winning innings.

Also Read: Mumbai Indians announce key replacements for IPL 2025 Playoffs push

In due course, despite the incident, both players appeared to have gotten over it - footage showed them chuckling together post-game, showcasing proper sportsmanship. This incident illustrates how emotionally battery the IPL was - and this incident with Shukla also represents how serious the BCCI take proper behaviour in cricket.

Tensions went very high during Match 61 of IPL 2025 between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, ending in a fiery face-off between two upcoming stars in Indian cricket. The intense on-field verbal banter between LSG's Digvesh Rathi and SRH batter Abhishek Sharma has not only grabbed the spotlight but has also triggered major disciplinary actions taken against both players.

As a result of his actions, Digvesh Rathi has been handed a one-match suspension and will miss LSG’s upcoming clash against the Gujarat Titans. Already carrying five demerit points, the heated exchange pushed him over the threshold. In addition to the suspension, the young pacer has been fined 50% of his match fees. The altercation became significant enough that BCCI president Rajiv Shukla had to personally intervene to defuse the situation, underscoring the seriousness of the episode.

 Later, when the matter was solved, Rathi and Sharma were spotted with smiling faces. Abhishek was furious after Digvesh dismissed him, followed by an aggressive celebration. The SRH opener was on song and scored 59 off 20 deliveries with a 295.00 strike rate. His fast-paced innings was decorated with four boundaries and six over-boundaries.

Read More: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Nicholas Pooran losses his temper in must win game for LSG against SRH

SRH ended LSG's playoff hopes

In the do-or-die match for Lucknow Super Giants, scoring 205 in 20 overs proved not enough when Abhishek Sharma started to launch big hit after big hit. SRH with ease chased down the target with 10 balls to spare and knocked the Rishabh Pant-led side out of the round of four race.

LSG in their next game will face Gujarat Titans on May 22, with a suspended Digvesh Rathi. In his first-ever IPL season, Rathi, without any delay, got the focus light for his aggressive field body language, and he has remained effective with the ball for the Lucknow-based franchise. In 12 IPL 2025 matches, the 25-year-old spinner snatched 14 wickets with an economy rate of 8.18. 

In IPL 2025 Match 61, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) knocked out Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by a 6-wicket win at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. LSG, who batted first after SRH had won the toss, scored 205/7, thanks to Mitchell Marsh's 65 (39) and Aiden Markram's 61 (38). Nicholas Pooran's 45 (26) was a late flourish, but SRH's bowlers, headed by Eshan Malinga (2/28), restricted the run-rate despite Harsh Dubey's costly 1/44.

SRH's pursuit was driven by Abhishek Sharma's 59 (20) off the straps early. Heinrich Klaasen (47 off 28) and Ishan Kishan (35 off 28) ensured an easy ride with a smooth finish to 206/4 in 18.2 overs. LSG's bowlers found it hard, with Digvesh Rathi (2/37) picking crucial wickets but failing to prevent the flow of runs. Will O'Rourke (1/31) and Shardul Thakur (1/39) were unable to halt SRH's run, as LSG's fielding errors and failure to pick up wickets cost them.

This defeat ruled LSG out of playoff contention, with Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals competing for the last spot. SRH's dominating chase consolidated their playoff standing, reflecting their depth and pressure-handling capability in a do-or-die game. Here are the top reasons why LSG lost to SRH.

1. Ineffective Powerplay Bowling

LSG was unable to make early inroads in the powerplay while defending a large total. Abhishek Sharma's aggressive 59 of 20 balls simply took the game away in the first six overs. Lack of control and penetration amongst LSG's bowlers enabled SRH to score without any restraint and gain early momentum, making the chase that much more easier.

2. Lack of Ability to Defend a Strong Total

Bowlers for LSG were unable to sustain any of the pressure and threat throughout the innings in this game, despite posting a competitive score of 205/7. Since there was no bowler performing, particularly due to lack of aggression and attacking field placement, there was little sustained speculation. The best bowler was Digvesh Rathi, with little support from the other bowlers who ultimately could not contain Klaasen and Ishan Kishan (SRH middle order).

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 61: Lucknow Super Giants vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Full Match Highlights

3. Lack of Bowling Depth and Injuries

LSG's all-season problem of injuries to major bowlers caught up with them again. The side did not have a consistent death bowling option and spin variety, which was taken advantage of by SRH's batsmen in the latter stages of the game. As captain Rishabh Pant concurred, lack of a settled bowling attack because of injuries impacted their game plans and execution.

In IPL 2025 Match 61, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) chased down the victory with a nail-biting performance to win against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by six wickets, closing the game with 10 balls remaining. 

Lucknow Super Giants Innings

LSG batted first and amassing a formidable score of 205/7 in 20 overs, thanks to solid performances from Mitchell Marsh (65 off 39), Aiden Markram (61 off 38), and Nicholas Pooran (45 off 26). Their batting was aggressive all along, building a sound platform for a massive total. Even when the run rate was on the higher side, Sunrisers were able to contain the damage by dint of compact bowling spells by Eshan Malinga (2/28 in 4 overs) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (1/28 in 2 overs).

Sunrisers Hyderabad Innings

Pursuing 206, SRH opened with guns ablaze as Abhishek Sharma struck a scorching 59 off 20 deliveries, setting the tempo early in the powerplay. His belligerent intent provided Hyderabad with a head start, and Heinrich Klaasen (47 from 28) and Ishan Kishan (35 from 28) made sure the momentum did not slip in the middle overs. The SRH batting order approached the innings without fear and did not let the LSG bowlers find their rhythm making the chase feel slightly easier than originally expected. In terms of individual performance for LSG from the ball, Digvesh Rathi was outstanding at 2/37 in 4 overs, whilst Shardul Thakur and Will O'Rourke both picked up a wicket as well, but the LSG bowlers could not sustain pressure with SRH batters rotating through the balls and taking on loose deliveries.

Also Read: Top 3 reasons why Lucknow Super Giants Lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025 Match 61

LSG vs SRH: Post Match Reactions

Abhishek Sharma (Player of the Match): Abhishek clarified the on-field scuffle with Rathi, stating it had been settled amicably. Looking back at his powerplay onslaught, he said the pre-match strategy with Atharva to put pressure early if the ball was in the arc had worked as well as instructed. He stressed dominating the powerplay while chasing a large score and took pride in assuming responsibility as a capped player, looking to play freely and confidently.

Pat Cummins (SRH Captain): Cummins admitted LSG scored a few more than they were supposed to but complemented his side's performance in middle overs. He complimented Eshan Malinga on his growth and his performance, and also pointed to the clean and risk-free batting of the team. He is hopeful about the future of the team and sees potential in providing chances to new players in the coming games.

Daniel Vettori (SRH Head Coach): Vettori was impressed with the effort of the team following the extended break, particularly their training intensity and application. He praised Abhishek Sharma's dominance against the spinners and complimented newcomers such as Kamindu and Eshan Malinga. He emphasized learning to play around the conditions of the pitch and was confident in Travis Head's return for the last two matches.

Rishabh Pant (LSG Captain): Pant accepted the season could've been a whole lot better if the injury issues had not cropped up. He highlighted the lack of a steady bowling quartet and added the auction strategy in mind did not fully come into action. Nevertheless, he complimented the batting strength and lone bowling performances in patches. Youngster Digvesh Rathi was one of the season's biggest positives, according to Pant.

Also Read: WATCH: Digvesh Rathee and Abhishek Sharma get involved in verbsl spat in LSG vs SRH clash in IPL 2025

Lucknow Super Giants vs Sunrisers Hyderabad: Match Scorecard

Lucknow Super Giants – 205/7 (20 Overs)

Sunrisers Hyderabad – 206/4 (18.2 Overs)

In Match 61 of IPL 2025 at the Ekana Stadium, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) defeated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 6 wickets in a high-scoring encounter. Batting first, LSG posted a competitive 205/7 in 20 overs. In response, SRH chased down the target in just 18.2 overs, finishing at 206/4, thanks to explosive batting performances. The win ended SRH’s losing streak and gave them a vital boost in the points table, keeping their slim playoff hopes alive as the tournament nears its end.

Latest IPL 2025 Points Table:

As of May 19, 2025, following the match between the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the updated IPL 2025 points table is as follows:

 Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings have officially qualified for the playoffs.

Also read: WATCH: Digvesh Rathee and Abhishek Sharma get involved in verbsl spat in LSG vs SRH clash in IPL 2025

Orange & Purple Cap in IPL 2025

Orange Cap (Most Runs):

• B Sai Sudharsan - 617 Runs
• Shubman Gill - 601 Runs
• Yashasvi Jaiswal - 523 Runs

Purple Cap (Most Wickets):

• Prasidh Krishna - 21 Wickets
• Noor Ahmad - 20 Wickets
• Josh Hazlewood - 18 wickets

A high-stakes drama unfolded during the IPL 2025 game with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), as a heated confrontation between Abhishek Sharma and Digvesh Rathi was at center stage. This moment was captured on video and has since gone viral. In the clip, there was clearly a standoff. Abhishek, well-known for his power-hitting was animated and clearly displeased, whereas Digvesh, infamously known for his antics and antics against opponent players, was nonchalant. The umpires and players intervened to separate the players, nevertheless, the incident added a very emotional edge to the game, and certainly will be viewed and replayed by many viewers.
 
The confrontation occurred when the match was becoming tense, SRH was in a chase of 130 runs off the last five overs, and were at 101-2. Abhishek was returning to the field after scoring 74 runs against the Gujarat Titans in the last SRH game. Abhishek appeared to be rattled by either a bad call or comment made by Digvesh. In the video, with tension clearly evident, Abhishek was in his orange jersey animatedly pointing and gesturing, whereas Digvesh in his LSG blue jersey remained calm and visibly calm. The umpires intervened so the incident did not grow, however, the intensity was felt after the last ball.

Digvesh Rathi is no stranger to controversy during IPL 2025. The 24-year-old spinner, known for his mystery deliveries, has already been fined, not once but twice, for over-zealous celebrations (Elbow Snake? No, it was worse: a notebook was involved) that cost him upwards of Rs 5.6 lakh overall. His incident involving Abhishek is also part of a very tumultuous season. Ironically, Abhishek—who is usually so relaxed—appeared to show some serious emotion himself (perhaps he too was still fuming from SRH's previous loss to GT, where he was playing the role of peacemaker).

Watch the video here

Fight between Digvesh Rathi and Abhishek Sharma 😳 pic.twitter.com/8ngcvpnIVK

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒂 (@SheraVK18) May 19, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025 Playoff Race: What LSG needs to do to qualify for knockouts?

Social Media and What's Next

Social media has also become the battleground for opinions and debate about their interaction. There are some supporters blaming Digvesh for inciting the situation, and there are ‘ equal ‘ number of fans praising them both for their 'passion' for the game. As playoffs approach, these stars will have to find the balance between aggression and composure. One thing is for sure—the energy and veracity in their exchange has heightened the narrative of the IPL and is only going to give rise to more fireworks as the IPL plays out.

During the 61st match of the IPL 2025 between Lucknow Super Giants and SunRisers Hyderabad (LSG vs SRH) in Lucknow, SRH captain Pat Cummins chose to field first after winning the toss. During the team announcement, while Harsh Dubey got his first IPL cap, Atharva Taide was also named among the impact players of the SRH team. 

Who is Atharva Taide?

The 25-year-old Atharva Taide is in the "Impact Player Subs" squad for SRH in the IPL 2025 Lucknow match against LSG. While it can be his first IPL 2025 match, he has already played nine IPL matches for Punjab Kings, seven in 2023 and two in 2024. While the left-handed batter scored 61 runs last season, he scored 186 runs in the 2023 season with an average of 26.57 and a strike rate of 144.18, including two half-centuries.  

Taide played two Youth Tests and four Youth ODIs for the India U19 team. During the 2018 Cooch Behar Trophy Final, he became the only second batter, after Yuvraj Singh (358), to hit a triple century in the final of the tournament history by scoring 320 runs as a captain of Vidarbha. 

See Also: IPL 2025: Who is Will O'Rourke making his IPL debut in LSG vs SRH game?

Who is Harsh Dubey?

The 22-year-old Indian uncapped all-rounder Harsh Dubey made his IPL debut in this game. He joined the SRH side as a replacement for the injured Smaran Ravichandran. The Vidarbha cricketer is known for his bowling all-rounder roles in domestic cricket. The left-arm spinner has recorded 97 wickets in 18 first-class matches, 21 wickets in 20 List A games, and nine wickets in 16 T20s. The left-handed batter has also scored 709 first-class runs, 213 List A runs, and 19 T20 runs, including seven and two half-centuries in first-class and List A cricket, respectively. 

While Vidarbha won the latest Ranji Trophy season (2024-25), Harsh Dubey won the Player of the Tournament award for his all-round performances, recording 69 wickets and 476 runs. His 69 wickets in a season were the new record for most wickets in a Ranji Trophy season.  

The 23-year-old New Zealand right-arm fast bowler Will O'Rourke made his IPL debut on Monday evening (May 19), as he is serving for Lucknow Super Giants against SunRisers Hyderabad during the 61st match of the IPL 2025 in Lucknow.

New Zealand fast bowler Will O'Rourke has joined the LSG squad as the replacement for Indian pacer Mayank Yadav, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury. After SRH captain Pat Cummins chose to bowl first, LSG captain Rishabh Pant confirmed the Blackcaps pacer's IPL debut.

IPL debutant Will O'Rourke has solid impact in early international career

The right-arm fast bowler Will O'Rourke has impressed recently with his top-quality bowling performances. After making his international cricket debut in December 2023, he has played 32 international matches. He has recorded 36 wickets in 10 Tests, 22 wickets in 17 ODIs, and five wickets in five T20Is.

Before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand played an ODI tri-series along with South Africa and the hosts Pakistan. While the Blackcaps won that tri-series, Will O'Rourke won the Player of the Match award in the final (4/43) and finished the tournament as the joint leading wicket-taker with six wickets. In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, he took six wickets in five games.

Will O'Rourke is now playing his first match in any overseas franchise T20 cricket. The right-arm fast bowler has taken 37 wickets in 38 T20 matches, including one four-fer. 

See Also: IPL 2025 Playoff Race: What LSG needs to do to qualify for knockouts?

IPL 2025: LSG need to win all remaining matches

In the meantime, it is a must-win match for LSG to stay in the Playoffs battle for the IPL 2025. They are in seventh place with 10 points after 11 matches (five wins and six losses), as they can't afford any more hiccups in this tournament.  

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is returning with exciting cricket action, which is all set to begin on April 22, 2025. This season holds the promise of exciting matches, fierce rivalries, and memorable performances by the best cricketers in the world. Fans globally are eagerly waiting to watch and support their favorite teams. From watching television to streaming online, here is a complete guide to IPL 2025 

Match Details: LSG vs SRH – IPL 2025

• Match: LSG VS SRH
• Date: 19th,May
• Time: 7:30 PM IST
• Venue: Lucknow

LSG vs SRH Live Streaming  TV Broadcast by Country

 Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (w), Travis Head/Kamindu Mendis, Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma, Sachin Baby, Abhinav Manohar, Pat Cummins (c), Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Zeeshan Ansari, Eshan Malinga.

 Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (w/c), Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Akash Singh/Ravi Bishnoi, Digvesh Rathi, Avesh Khan, Akash Deep/Shardul Thakur, Prince Yadav