As we advance into the final stages of IPL 2025, the competition heightens, for (playoffs) qualification and also importantly, for top two positions, and in a context filled skirmish, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium, Lucknow on May 23 at 7:30 PM IST.
The Stakes
RCB have already qualified and there seeking a top-two finish which allows them to have a second chance if there losing qualification game. The only odd thing, is they have been almost 20 days without a game, will they rusty, or will or will Virat Kohli and crew be fresh as a daisy?
SRH are long out of the playoffs qualification, however they have plenty to play for, mainly pride, contracts for the future, and team morale. They will want to finish the season strong, with only 4 wins from 12 games, they want to spoil RCB’s party.
Match Details
Fixture: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
Date: Friday. May 2, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Ekana Stadium, Lucknow
Conditions & Pitch report
Originally this game was to take place in Bengaluru. Due to the circumstances, it is being played at Lucknow as the main concern was due to the serious rain threats. The Ekana surface is expected to possibly favor spinners if this type of surface takes some low-bounce, if so, then both teams batting aggressive players will be neutralized given the completely slug-fest last season where both teams scored 250+ (RCB defeating/edging) SRH in a satisfying last meeting of 287 vs 262.
(Note: It should be noted that there was a successful chase for 200+ at this venue early in the season). What will it be this time spin dominated grind or another (250+) batting assault?
Head to Head Snapshot
Overall: RCB 11 – 13 SRH
Last 5 matches: RCB lead 3 – 2
SRH slightly lead the overall numbers, but overall find equal balance, and momentum to swing the game in RCB’s favour.
Team Watch
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Return watch: Rajat Patidar is slated to return and captain again post-injury to his hand.
Bowling spearhead: Bhuvneshwar Kumar has had a quiet and steady season thus far taking 12 wickets in the last match already, which at this stage is a great result with less matches than he would have last season.
X-Factor: Phil Salt already aggressive baseline makes good attacking plays with Tim David explosive and finishing powers on the trick back, with low-cost of both performances towards.
Probable XII:
Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma
Sunrisers Hyderabad
COVID concerns: Travis Head is still a doubt after testing positive prior to their recent match.
Bowling bright spots: Eshan Malinga has secured 9 wickets in just 5 games and has bowled excellently with his fuller deliveries.
Top Order- Heinrich Klaasen and Abhishek Sharma have been the only two players contributing any significant batting grunt. They would want to put in a performance as well.
Likely XII
Atharva Taide, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Kamindu Mendis, Aniket Verma, Nitish Reddy, Pat Cummins (c), Harshal Patel, Harsh Dubey, Zeeshan Ansari, Eshan Malinga.
Key Stats & Facts
RCB is currently undefeated in six away games this season-even though technically this may be a “home” game.
SRH has given up a staggering 19 (the most by any team in this time frame) 200+ scores since 2022.
Abhishek Sharma (65 sixes), Virat Kohli (56), and Klaasen (52) have all hit some few power hits since 2024.
From the Camp
“We have got a good record away. We have managed to flex adaption to the away conditions well so I am backing our players to do that again tomorrow” – Andy Flower, RCB Head Coach.
Final Thoughts
RCB certainly arrives as the clear favorites on form, fitness, and focus, but is likely to be a more even contest than the teams’ respective positions on the table suggest. Given that there is no identifiable home advantage a dominant performance by SRH’s top order, and good performance by the bowlers in lieu of conditions, will we have a match to enjoy.
Prediction
RCB to squeak home in a low scoring thriller-unless SRH show some extraordinary performance again with the bat.
Be sure to check back for all the updates, player reaction, and post-match coverage!
