RCB faces LSG at Ekana Stadium to clinch IPL 2025 top-two playoff spot

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow in their final IPL 2025 league match, with RCB aiming to clinch a top-two playoff spot for the first time since 2016.

RCB currently sit third with 8 wins from 13 games and need a victory to secure the coveted Qualifier position, which offers a direct route to the IPL final. Their away form has been exceptional, winning all six away games so far.

LSG, led by Rishabh Pant, are already out of playoff contention with a 6-7 win-loss record, but they come off a strong 33-run win over Gujarat Titans, signaling they will compete fiercely.

The Ekana Stadium pitch, a mix of red and black soil, offers a balanced contest between bat and ball, with an average first innings score of 188 runs. Dew in the second half is expected to influence the game.

RCB assistant coach Malolan Rangarajan expressed confidence in the squad's depth, highlighting the return of key players like Sri Lankan pacer and the boost from Hazlewood, their leading wicket-taker with 18 scalps in 10 games.

"We have a strong bench strength and are ready to take on LSG," Rangarajan said.

RCB's star batter Virat Kohli has been in sensational form, amassing 548 runs in 12 innings at an average of 60.89 and a strike rate over 145.

Historically, finishing in the top two is crucial, as only once in IPL history has a team won the title after starting from the eliminator round.

With clear skies and temperatures between 316C and 346C expected, the stage is set for a high-stakes encounter that could define RCB's playoff journey.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Ekana Stadium in their final IPL 2025 league match, aiming to secure a top-two playoff spot. RCB, with eight wins, seek a Qualifier shortcut, while LSG, out of playoffs, look to end strong after a recent win.