Lucknow Super Giants
Royal Challengers Bangaluru
As the Indian Premier League 2025 heads into its final league clash, all eyes turn to the showdown between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Both sides come into this fixture with contrasting motivations—RCB are focused on fine-tuning their game ahead of the playoffs, while LSG will aim to wrap up their campaign on a positive note.
Lucknow managed to break their rough patch with a win over Gujarat Titans, but questions remain about their consistency. Their campaign has been marked by ups and downs, and they’ll need a complete performance to outplay a confident RCB unit. On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have hit form at the right time. With four wins in their last five outings, they’ve built solid momentum, particularly with their top-order firing on all cylinders.
RCB will look to stay sharp and carry this rhythm into the knockout stage, while LSG might just see this as a chance to play spoilsport and end their season with a statement win.
Both teams have big hitters like Salt, Pooran, Tim David, and Marsh—expect a flurry of sixes.
The betting tip is...
Total Sixes – Over 13.5
61 %
39 %
Lucknow Super GiantsRoyal Challengers BangaluruLucknow Super Giants head into their final outing of IPL 2025 with nothing to lose but pride to play for. Rishabh Pant’s side finally clicked in their previous game, delivering a clinical 33-run win over Gujarat Titans. While the victory showcased what the team is capable of when plans come together, it came too late to salvage their playoff hopes. Still, they’ll be eager to finish on a high and sign off with a statement win.
Mitchell Marsh was the star of the show last time out with a commanding century, and he’ll be key again at the top alongside Aiden Markram. In the middle order, Nicholas Pooran, Pant, and Ayush Badoni hold the responsibility of maintaining momentum and building partnerships. The lower middle order—featuring Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh, and Shahbaz Ahmed—must chip in with vital runs in the death overs.
Bowling remains a concern for LSG, having lacked bite throughout the season. Akash Deep and Akash Maharaj Singh will need to strike early against a power-packed RCB batting unit. In the middle overs, the onus will be on William O’Rourke and Avesh Khan to apply the brakes, while support will be expected from Shahbaz and Badoni to keep things tight.
LSG will head into the match with the strongest playing XI.
Predicted Lineup: Rishab Pant (c & wk), Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, William Orourke, Akash Maharaj Singh (Impact Player)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru may have already booked their spot in the playoffs, but there’s still plenty riding on their final league game. Rajat Patidar’s side will be eyeing a Top 2 finish, which would give them an extra shot at reaching the final. Their last match saw them shuffle the deck slightly against Sunrisers Hyderabad, a move that backfired as they let the game slip despite being in control.
The opening duo of Virat Kohli and Philip Salt remains RCB’s biggest strength, with both in red-hot form. The team will rely on them to set the tone yet again. In the middle order, Mayank Agarwal needs to anchor the innings while Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma look to keep the scoreboard ticking. The lower order—Romario Shepherd, Tim David, and Krunal Pandya—must bounce back after a quiet outing last time and provide the late flourish.
Bowling is where RCB will want to tighten things up. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal are tasked with striking early against LSG’s top order. In the middle overs, the side will look to Lungi Ngidi and Suyash Sharma to control the flow of runs.
Krunal Pandya and Romario Shepherd will need to step up in their support roles and keep the pressure on throughout.
Predicted Lineup: Rajat Patidar (c), Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Lungi Ngidi, Suyash Sharma (Impact Player)
Expect Royal Challengers Bengaluru to come out strong as they chase a Top 2 finish, with their in-form top order likely to dominate an inconsistent LSG bowling attack.
While Lucknow have match-winners like Marsh and Pooran, their lack of consistency and playoff pressure off their backs may not be enough to stop a focused RCB unit. Back RCB to win and carry momentum into the playoffs.
