The thrilling league stage of IPL 2025 is nearing its end, with every match significantly impacting the playoff equation. A crucial encounter between the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is set for Tuesday.
Sports News: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Tuesday in their final league match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. RCB aims for a victory to secure a top-two finish in the points table. This would guarantee them a direct entry into Qualifier 1, offering a smoother path to the final.
Meanwhile, the Lucknow Super Giants have underperformed this season and will seek to conclude their disappointing campaign with a win. Although LSG is out of the playoff race, they will strive to end the tournament on a high note by defeating a b team like RCB.
A Do-or-Die Situation for RCB
Royal Challengers Bangalore currently sits third in the table with 17 points. Gujarat Titans' recent loss has presented RCB with a golden opportunity to secure a top-two position, but they must win this match. A Bangalore defeat would still see them in the playoffs, but they would be relegated to playing the Eliminator. A win, however, would secure them a Qualifier 1 spot, offering another chance to reach the final.
For Lucknow Super Giants, this match is about pride. LSG's playoff hopes have already been dashed due to poor performance. The team will aim to end this disappointing season on a winning note. Experienced players like captain KL Rahul, Nicholas Pooran, and Krunal Pandya will want to demonstrate a solid foundation for next season.
Ekana Stadium Pitch Report
The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow is reported to have a mixed soil pitch. The blend of red and black soil may offer a balanced pitch initially, but as the match progresses, batsmen are expected to gain an advantage. Past records indicate an average first-innings score of around 170 runs.
The highest score recorded is 236, and the lowest is 108. Notably, the second innings often sees the impact of dew, creating difficulties for bowlers. Therefore, the team winning the toss might prefer to bowl first.
Weather Forecast
According to Accuweather, Lucknow will experience warm weather on Tuesday. The temperature is expected to be around 35°C at the start of the match, potentially dropping to 32°C by the end. Humidity will range between 39% and 49%. Fortunately, there is no anticipated rain, suggesting an uninterrupted match.
Head-to-Head Record
In IPL history, LSG and RCB have clashed five times. Bangalore has won three matches, while Lucknow has secured only two victories. RCB's aggressive batting and superior bowling unit have given them the edge so far.
Probable Playing XIs for Both Teams
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar (Captain), Jitesh Sharma (Wicketkeeper), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, and Josh Hazlewood.
Impact Substitutes: Suyash Sharma/Mayank Agarwal
Lucknow Super Giants: Mitchell Marsh, Aryan Juyal, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (Captain), Ayush Badoni, Akash Singh, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, Shahbaz Ahmed, Digvijay Singh Rathore, and William O'Rourke.
Impact Substitutes: Abdul Samad/ Digvijay Singh Rathore
