RCB Aims for History as They Face Struggling LSG in Lucknow

Lucknow, India – The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) gear up for their final away match of the season against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 9, 2025, at 7:30 PM local time. RCB, eyeing a record seventh away victory, stands just one win away from qualifying for the playoffs, a significant milestone that could mark them as the first team to achieve a perfect away record in a single season.

RCB’s season has been commendable, demonstrating strength on the road with two consecutive victories that improved their overall performance at home. In contrast, LSG finds themselves in a precarious situation, facing their fourth consecutive defeat, putting their chances of securing a playoff position at high risk. With only five wins in 11 games, LSG’s net run rate of -0.469 indicates the dire need for a win at home.

In recent matches, LSG’s batting lineup has struggled, especially with their top three batters underperforming. Aidan Markram, who initially scored 265 runs at a strike rate of 180 in the first five matches, has since managed only 113 runs at a strike rate of 118. Nicholas Pooran‘s scoring has seen a sharp decline, contributing to LSG’s recent losses, despite his impressive season strike rate of 200.98 against spin.

RCB comes into the match with fewer worries but faces the challenge of replacing key players. Devdutt Padikkal, who has played a crucial role for RCB, recently suffered a hamstring injury, and his absence could impact the lineup significantly. RCB’s captain Virat Kohli, along with emerging talents like Jacob Bethell and Rajat Patidar, will need to step up in their pursuit of success.

The pitch at Ekana Stadium, known for its black-soil surface, is expected to favor spinners, which could make for an exciting matchup, pitting RCB’s Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma against LSG’s handling of spin. Furthermore, the weather is expected to be slightly cloudy, with temperatures hovering around the mid-30s Celsius, contributing to optimal playing conditions.

Fast bowler Mayank Yadav from LSG remains optimistic about his team’s chances, stating, “We have three matches left, and if we win them all, we might have a shot at the playoffs.” As LSG works to form a solid strategy against RCB, all eyes will be on how both teams execute their plans and respond to the intense pressure of the tournament.