Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), having already qualified for the playoffs, will aim to finish in the top two for the first time in nine years with a win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in today’s Indian Premier League (IPL) match. RCB were runners-up in the 2016 season but haven’t managed a top-two league finish since.
Currently placed second on the points table with 17 points from 12 matches, winning the remaining two games would secure their place in the top two. Originally scheduled to be a home game for Bengaluru, the match was shifted due to the onset of the monsoon season.
Before the IPL was briefly halted due to the India-Pakistan military standoff, RCB were in excellent form, having secured four consecutive wins. However, the momentum was interrupted as their first match after the 20-day break was washed out due to rain. It remains to be seen if the team can regain its rhythm and competitive edge. RCB have showcased some of their best performances in recent times and remain strong contenders for the IPL title.
Pitch Report – Lucknow
The pitch at Lucknow is expected to assist both spinners and pacers. It consists of a mix of red and black soil, and teams can tailor their bowling attack accordingly. Traditionally, this surface supports slower bowlers and pacers who can bowl cutters effectively.
Lucknow Weather Update
According to the AccuWeather app, the temperature is expected to be around 37°C in the morning and 27°C in the evening. It will be hot during the day with some relief in the evening, and there is no forecast for rain. Due to possible dew, the team winning the toss may opt to bowl first.
Virat Kohli in Red-Hot Form – Could Be the X-Factor
As always, Virat Kohli remains a dependable force for RCB, scoring seven half-centuries in 11 innings. Captain Rajat Patidar, Tim David, and Romario Shepherd have supported him with power-hitting. However, Patidar’s form dipped just before the break—after averaging 37.2 in his first five matches, he managed only 53 runs at an average of 10.6 in the next five. He has recovered from a finger injury sustained during the match against Chennai Super Kings and is now back in the nets, which is a positive sign for RCB.
Also Read- IND vs ENG 2025 Test Series Schedule: Matches, Timings, Venue
Spin Duo Key for RCB – Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma
The spin combination of Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma has been very effective, while Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal have handled the pace department well, especially in tough overs. However, Hazlewood will miss the match as he recovers from a shoulder injury. Most of RCB’s overseas players are available for this match and those that follow.
SRH Looking to End Season on a High
Sunrisers Hyderabad, who were finalists last season, will take the field after a six-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants. They will aim to continue that momentum and end their campaign with a victory.
Explosive Batters but Inconsistent
SRH openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head have played some explosive innings but lacked consistency, which has pushed the team to eighth place in the standings. Despite having top-tier bowlers like skipper Pat Cummins and India pacer Mohammad Shami, SRH’s bowling unit has struggled throughout the season.
