Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will be eyeing a top-two finish for the first time since 2016 when they take on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their final league game of IPL 2025 on Tuesday.
With Gujarat Titans slipping late in the season and Punjab Kings having already sealed a spot in Qualifier 1, RCB — currently on 17 points — must win to secure second place and gain the crucial advantage of two chances to reach the final. Mumbai Indians, stuck at fourth, are out of the top-two race and will contest the Eliminator.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!RCB had built strong momentum with four consecutive wins before the league’s 10-day pause. However, the break disrupted their rhythm, as they returned with a rain-washed game followed by a 42-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad. Stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma admitted the team lacked intensity, though he praised the improved death bowling.
Who's that IPL player?The return of Josh Hazlewood has boosted morale, with the Australian quick claiming 18 wickets in 10 games to become RCB’s top bowler this season. Their familiarity with the Ekana Stadium adds another advantage.
LSG, meanwhile, are coming off a dominant win against Gujarat Titans. Despite a season plagued by inconsistency, their power-packed lineup and returning key players make them a dangerous opponent.
LSG vs RCB Head-to-HeadTotal matches played: 5
Lucknow Super Giants: 2
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 3
LSG vs RCB: Pitch ReportThe surface is dry with patchy grass, suggesting grip for spinners and help for pacers who take the pace off. Square boundaries are 60m and 67m, with 74m straight down the ground. It's not a pitch where batters can easily play through the line, and timing could be tricky. Teams prefer chasing here, so batting second offers an advantage. A total of 180 or more is considered competitive, but the nature of the surface means bowlers, especially spinners, will be in the game throughout.
LSG vs RCB: Predicted XIsLucknow Super Giants predicted XI: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (w/c), Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, William ORourke
Impact Sub: David Miller
Royal Challengers Bengaluru predicted XI: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Lungi Ngidi, Suyash Sharma
Impact Sub: Rasikh Dar Salam
LSG vs RCB: Lucknow Weather updateExpect a mostly sunny day with a high of 35°C and a low of 28°C. During match hours, the temperature will hover between 31°C and 34°C under clear skies. There is 0% chance of rain, ensuring uninterrupted play. Conditions will be warm and dry throughout the game.
LSG vs RCB: Live Streaming detailsThe LSG vs RCB match will be played at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. The match will start at 7:30 pm. The match will be telecasted on Star Sports Network and live streaming will be on JioHotstar.
LSG vs RCB squadsRoyal Challengers Bengaluru: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Mayank Agarwal, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh, Liam Livingstone, Nuwan Thushara, Lungi Ngidi, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh.
Lucknow Super Giants: Rishabh Pant (wk/captain), Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, David Miller, Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan, Akash Deep, Digvesh Rathi, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav, Shahbaz Ahmed, Matthew Breetzke, Himmat Singh, Shamar Joseph, Manimaran Siddharth, Aryan Juyal, RS Hangargekar, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Akash Maharaj Singh, Arshin Kulkarni.
Get IPL 2025 match schedules, squads, points table, and live scores for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.