Lich vs Riki

How this matchup plays

Getting jumped from invisibility is always a problem for supports, and Riki makes it especially difficult for Lich. The main issue is Smoke Screen; its silence prevents Lich from using Frost Shield to reduce incoming damage or Sinister Gaze to control Riki. This turns what would be a survivable gank into a near-certain death. Without access to his defensive spells, Lich is an easy target for Riki to burst down before help can arrive, creating pressure and map control simply by being a constant threat to the enemy's back line.

This dynamic forces Lich to play an extremely passive game. He has to position further back than he normally would and rely heavily on his team to provide sentry wards and peel for him. While Riki has a clear goal of hunting Lich, the advantage isn't absolute. In larger five-on-five teamfights, if Lich can avoid being the first target, his abilities are still game-winning. A timely Frost Shield on his carry or a good Chain Frost bounce can completely turn the tide, meaning Riki has to succeed in his assassination attempt or risk his team losing the fight.