In the 65th match of the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will face off against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on May 23.
RCB, with their sights set on a top-two finish for an easier path to the final, aim to solidify their strong season. Meanwhile, SRH, already out of the playoff race, are eager to end their disappointing campaign on a high note, giving their fans something to celebrate.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have shone brightly in IPL 2025, clinching a playoff spot with a stellar campaign. Sitting second on the IPL 2025 points table with eight wins from 12 games and 17 points, RCB are chasing their first top-two finish since 2016, which would grant them dual opportunities to reach the final.
RCB’s batting firepower is led by Virat Kohli, who has smashed 505 runs with seven fifties in 11 innings, backed by the explosive Phil Salt, Tim David and Rajat Patidar’s own contributions. The bowling unit, featuring Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Krunal Pandya and Lungi Ngidi, has been formidable, though Josh Hazlewood’s injury-enforced absence poses a challenge.
Patidar, now fully recovered from a finger injury sustained while fielding against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), is ready to steer the side. However, the loss of Devdutt Padikkal, a linchpin in RCB’s campaign, to a season-ending injury has forced the franchise to rejig a bit and call Mayank Agarwal as his replacement.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, under Pat Cummins’ leadership, have struggled this season, sitting eighth on the points table with just four wins from 12 matches, eliminating them from playoff contention.
Coming off a morale-boosting victory against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), SRH chased down 206 runs in 18.2 overs with Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 59 runs off 20 balls and Heinrich Klaasen’s 47 runs off 28 balls securing a comprehensive six-wicket win.
With nothing to lose, SRH would not look to express themselves and spoil the parties of other teams.
RCB vs SRH Pitch Report: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
Historically, the pitch at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Ekana Stadium in Lucknow has been a tough battleground for batters. It is known for its sluggish nature and vast boundaries that tests batters’ skills. Yet, IPL 2025 has seen the venue produce unpredictable results. In the latest clash at this ground, Sunrisers Hyderabad successfully chased down 206 runs versus Lucknow Super Giants in just 18.2 overs. Five of six matches played at this venue in IPL 2025 have been won by the teams batting second.
Also read: RCB vs SRH Match Preview & Where to Watch Live? IPL 2025 Match 65
RCB vs SRH Weather Report
As per the weather forecast, no rain is not expected in Lucknow on Friday. A full 40-over contest is on the cards. The average temperature will likely be 29 to 31 degrees Celsius during the match.
RCB vs SRH Squads
RCB: Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethel, Mayank Agarwal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee.
SRH: Pat Cummins (c), Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klassen, Nitish Reddy, Ishan Kishan, Mohammad Shami, Harshal Patel, Rahul Chahar, Harsh Dubey, Atharva Taide, Abhinav Manohar, Simarjeet Singh, Zeeshan Ansari, Jaydev Unadkat, Kamindu Mendis, Aniket Verma, Eshan Malinga, Sachin Baby.
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