As Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head to Lucknow for their final away fixture of IPL 2025, they have two clear goals in sight: securing a place in the playoffs and becoming the first team in IPL history to win all their away league matches in a season. With six wins on the road already and back-to-back home victories, RCB are just one step away from both feats.

Their next challenge comes against a struggling Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), who are reeling from three consecutive defeats and four losses in their last five games. With only five wins from 11 matches and a net run rate of -0.469, LSG’s playoff hopes hang by a thread. A loss at home to RCB would officially end their campaign.

LSG’s slide began after a promising start, where they won four of their first six matches. Since then, their top order has faltered. Mitchell Marsh, who had 265 runs in the first five matches at a blistering strike rate of 180, has managed only 113 in the next five at a reduced strike rate of 118. Nicholas Pooran, once the Orange Cap holder, has scored just 6, 27, 9, 11, and 8 in his last five innings. Though Aiden Markram has hit two fifties recently, inconsistency continues to plague him. Add to that Rishabh Pant’s poor form—just 128 runs in 11 innings at an average of 12.80—and LSG’s batting woes become apparent.

On the other hand, RCB are dealing with fewer issues. Injuries remain a concern, though, with Josh Hazlewood (shoulder) and Phil Salt (illness) missing the last game. To compound matters, Devdutt Padikkal has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury, prompting Mayank Agarwal’s inclusion as a replacement. Padikkal’s absence robs RCB of a reliable left-hander in the top order. Whether they stick with Mayank at No. 3 or promote another left-hander like Manoj Bhandage, Krunal Pandya, or Jacob Bethell remains to be seen.

Despite his recent slump, Pooran still boasts the highest strike rate (200.98) among batters who’ve faced at least 100 balls this season. He has also punished spin, scoring at a phenomenal 264 strike rate, setting up a thrilling face-off with RCB spinners Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma. Krunal, now a key figure in RCB’s bowling lineup, will be extra motivated facing his former team. He’s enjoying his best IPL season with the ball, taking 14 wickets—all in RCB victories—while playing a pivotal role in the powerplay and middle overs.

Team Updates: Will Salt and Hazlewood Return?

Both Phil Salt and Josh Hazlewood were absent in RCB’s last outing, but Salt was seen training on Thursday and may replace Jacob Bethell at the top. If Hazlewood is fit, he’s likely to return in place of Lungi Ngidi. RCB also need a new No. 3 in Padikkal’s absence.

RCB Probable XI:

1. Jacob Bethell/Phil Salt,
2. Virat Kohli,
3. Mayank Agarwal/Manoj Bhandage,
4. Rajat Patidar,
5. Jitesh Sharma (wk),
6. Tim David,
7. Romario Shepherd,
8. Krunal Pandya,
9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar,
10. Lungi Ngidi/Josh Hazlewood,
11. Yash Dayal,
12. Suyash Sharma

LSG’s Bowling Shuffle Continues

LSG have frequently rotated their bowlers, bringing in Akash Singh last match in place of Ravi Bishnoi, who had a decent game. Given that Friday’s match will be played on a black-soil pitch in Lucknow, Bishnoi could return in place of Prince Yadav.

LSG Probable XI:

1. Aiden Markram,
2. Mitchell Marsh,
3. Nicholas Pooran,
4. Rishabh Pant (capt & wk),
5. David Miller,
6. Ayush Badoni,
7. Abdul Samad,
8. Akash Singh,
9. Avesh Khan,
10. Mayank Yadav,
11. Prince Yadav/Ravi Bishnoi,
12. Digvesh Rathi