Royal Challengers Bengaluru Seek for Top-Two Finish in Final League Match
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faces a decisive final league stage encounter in the 2025 Indian Premier League as they take on the eliminated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow today, Tuesday, May 27th. While RCB's playoff qualification is already secured, a victory in this match is essential to guarantee them a coveted top-two finish, which provides a significant advantage in the playoff pathway. LSG, on the other hand, will be playing for pride in their last match of the season.
Bengaluru Battle for Crucial Top-Two Finish
Currently third on the points table with 17 points from 13 matches (8 wins, 4 losses, 1 no-result), Rajat Patidar's RCB can move to 19 points with a win, ensuring they play in Qualifier 1. A loss, however, would keep them at third, forcing them into the Eliminator. RCB will be keen to regain momentum after a washed-out game against KKR followed by a 42-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in their previous outing in Lucknow, though they had a strong four-match winning streak before that.
Lucknow Aiming for Strong Season Conclusion
Lucknow Super Giants, led by Rishabh Pant, are out of playoff contention but will be motivated to end their season on a positive note. They demonstrated their capability by defeating then table-toppers Gujarat Titans in their previous fixture, with Mitchell Marsh scoring a century. Key players like Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, and Aiden Markram have shown good form and will look to impress.
Squad Considerations and Players in Focus
A significant boost for RCB is the return of Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, who has rejoined the squad after recovering from a shoulder injury and is likely to play. His inclusion strengthens their pace attack. With Jacob Bethell having departed for England duty, the onus at the top of the order will be firmly on Virat Kohli and Phil Salt. For LSG, they are expected to field a similar lineup to the one that defeated GT.
Tricky pitch Conditions Await Both Teams
The Ekana Stadium pitch is anticipated to be a mixed-soil surface, potentially offering a balance between bat and ball. While it can be batting-friendly, black soil patches could bring spinners into play. Teams winning the toss are expected to bowl first, as dew is likely in the second innings, a factor that has seen chasing teams win five out of seven completed matches here this season. The weather forecast for Lucknow indicates clear skies with temperatures around 31-35°C during match hours. This final league match for both teams carries distinct motivations. RCB is driven by the significant prize of a top-two playoff spot, while LSG will aim to conclude their season with a strong performance against a top contender. The return of Josh Hazlewood for RCB and the nature of the Lucknow pitch could be key determining factors in this important encounter.
