Lucknow: With a coveted Top-2 playoff berth on the line, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will look to assert dominance over a demoralised Lucknow Super Giants when the two sides clash in the final league game of IPL 2025 at the Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium here on Tuesday.
While RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, have hit peak form at the business end of the season—winning four of their last five matches—Lucknow have slumped out of playoff contention, managing just one win in the same period. For RCB, the equation is clear: a win here could ensure a second-place finish and an extra lifeline in the playoffs. For LSG, it is about signing off with dignity and delivering a performance that restores some lost pride.
RCB’s campaign has been fuelled by the brilliance of Virat Kohli, who has already amassed 548 runs this season, and the explosive Philip Salt at the top. Their batting depth, featuring Mayank Agarwal, Jitesh Sharma, and power-hitters Tim David and Romario Shepherd, will be keen to exploit Lucknow’s inconsistent bowling.
LSG, under Rishabh Pant’s captaincy, found form too late. Though Mitchell Marsh’s 117-run blitz and a tidy spell from William O’Rourke secured them a 33-run win over Gujarat Titans last week, the team’s struggles with both bat and ball have cost them dearly throughout the campaign.
The Ekana pitch, known to assist spinners with moderate scoring conditions, is expected to be dry with no rain interruptions. With teams chasing successfully in four of the last five matches here, the toss will again be crucial, and both captains may opt to bowl first.
The head-to-head record remains balanced, but current form and motivation clearly favour the Bengaluru side.
The match starts at 1930 hrs IST.
