Jitesh Sharma's Lead RCB to Record Chase, and set Top-Two Playoff Finish
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) concluded their league stage campaign in the 2025 Indian Premier League, by defeating the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Tuesday, May 27th. An, unbeaten innings from stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma guided RCB past LSG's formidable total of 227, securing a coveted top-two finish a direct path to Qualifier 1.
Jitesh Sharma Orchestrates Record RCB Chase
Facing a daunting target of 228, RCB's chase was ignited by a quickfire half-century from Virat Kohli (54 off 30 balls), who also achieved the milestone of 9,000 T20 runs for a single franchise during his innings. However, after Kohli's dismissal and a couple of quick wickets, the responsibility fell heavily on Jitesh Sharma. The wicketkeeper-batsman, leading the side in Rajat Patidar's absence (who played as an Impact Sub), delivered an innings of a lifetime. Sharma smashed a breathtaking 85 not out from just 33 deliveries, an innings comprising eight sixes and six boundaries. He shared a sensational, match-winning 107-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Mayank Agarwal.
Early Contributions and Pant's Lone Stand for LSG
Lucknow Super Giants had posted their highest total of the season, 227, largely thanks to a remarkable century from their captain, Rishabh Pant. Pant, who scored a masterful 118 off 61 balls, his first IPL hundred in seven years. He was well-supported by a half-century from Mitchell Marsh. However, their efforts proved insufficient against RCB's determined chase. LSG's bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Will O'Rourke, for instance, conceding 74 runs in his four overs.
RCB Secure Top-Two; LSG Bow Out
This victory not only marked RCB's highest successful run chase in IPL history but also confirmed their place in Qualifier 1 against the Punjab Kings in Mullanpur, offering them two opportunities to reach the final. Furthermore, RCB became the first team to win all seven of their away matches in an IPL season. The defeat meant Lucknow Super Giants finished their campaign in seventh position on the points table. Jitesh Sharma was deservedly named Player of the Match for his extraordinary captain's knock. Royal Challengers Bengaluru's remarkable run chase, fueled by Jitesh Sharma's exceptional innings and supported by Virat Kohli's initial thrust, provided a spectacular end to their league stage.
