Date: May 9, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
Playoff Stakes and Pressure
As IPL 2025 hits its climax and the playoff race reaches its Conclusion, Match 59 is bound to be a great contest. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after yet another home victory are among the teams slapped against the wall before qualifying at the end of the Pointy end of the season. RCB need just one more win, the sooner the better for them, to lock in their playoff fate. A win would also be a strong seven for seven for away wins (perfect away record) an a question would certainly be asked of RCB supporters, how did the victory come under the baton of former captain of that other franchise (Delhi Daredevils) Rajat Patidar.
Lucknow SuperGiants (LSG) are in a different predicament, in even other waters. Ten points from eleven matches, and they have already lost every match possible in the second half of the tournament, the SuperGiants must win all three of their remaining matches, in addition, to secure their best outcomes in the remaining matches. If they lose, their playoff destiny in 2025 will be over and Done.
Team Form and Momentum
RCB – Peaking at the Right Time
RCB have turned a crucial corner in recent weeks and have found a comfortable rhythm across all elements. Once a bowling group that lacked options, they are now reasonably balanced – assuming Romario Shepherd and Yash Dayal and possibly Josh Hazlewood return. The batting group settled after an explosive beginning, being supported by a defined playing role for Virat Kohli and establishing via the recent efforts of Jitesh Sharma and the later addition of Tim David.
Captain Rajat Patidar for just may not have made much of an impact on the scorecard against Kolkata Knight Riders, however who can forget the 49-ball century against LSG in the 2022 Eliminator! That should be some great inspiration to get back to runs for his team.
LSG – Searching for Balance
LSG are still searching for the flow and confidence of earlier in the season. Three consecutive losses, and currently the biggest spend on the pace attack in IPL 2025, they resemble a shadow of their 2024 selves. Injuries have come and gone, and as has their poor adaptation to home conditions. Stars Rishabh Pant and David Miller have not delivered, and prospective debut Mayank Yadav has not performed in 13 costly overs since he returned from injury.
Pitch & Conditions
The Ekana Stadium pitch has proven to be difficult to navigate. The surface (red or black soil) has an immediate impact on play, but the long boundaries, always provide a conducive environment towards spin and shrewd death bowling! With four of the last five matches won by the team chasing, could the toss be significant? I would expect the winning captain of the toss, to opt to bowl first!
Star Players
Virat Kohli (RCB): Kohli has been in sensational form for RCB with the bat and will be looking to get them off to another solid start in another successful run chase.
Romario Shepherd (RCB): He not only offers explosive batting but also smart bowling in the middle, which is why he is an important all-rounder for RCB.
Mayank Yadav (LSG): Last season Yadav bowled the fastest ball of the season against RCB. Can he recapture that pace and rhythm?
Nicholas Pooran (LSG): A match-winner is always a match-winner. Pooran has game-changing ability when he gets going and his form will be important for LSG’s chances tomorrow.
Head to Head
RCB: 3 wins
LSG: 2 wins
There has been some unforgettable memories over the years, including that famous encounter in 2023 when Mayank Yadav stole the show in Bengaluru, which was mesmerising.
Did you know?
Rishabh Pant has the lowest strike rate and average in the tournament of all players who have faced more than 60 balls so far this season!
RCB have not lost an away match this season (6/6).
Expected XIs
Lucknow Super Giants:
Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), David Miller, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, Digvesh Singh Rathi
Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood/Lungi Ngidi
Final Thought
Tonight’s match is more than just two teams – it is a traditional IPL story: a team riding high on momentum and a team fighting for their lives. Will LSG complete a home upset and keep their campaign hopes alive or will RCB complete a perfect away record with an emphatic victory and a place in the playoffs?
Whatever the outcome, expect drama, nerves and a thrilling game that you want to see under the Lucknow lights.
