LSG vs RCB, IPL 2025 Preview: Predicted XI, team news and Ekana pitch conditions

Whereas India stays on excessive alert amid heightened tensions alongside the Pakistan border, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has confirmed that the fixture between Lucknow Tremendous Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Might 9 will go forward as scheduled except said in any other case. The high-stakes conflict at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow guarantees to be a pivotal one within the playoff race of IPL 2025.

RCB enter the competition driving excessive on a four-match successful streak, comfortably positioned in second on the factors desk with 16 factors from 11 video games. A win on Thursday would just about seal their place within the playoffs. In distinction, LSG are reeling from three consecutive defeats and sit seventh with 10 factors from as many video games. For them, this can be a do-or-die encounter.

Lucknow’s marketing campaign has been marred by inconsistent middle-order performances and the continuing struggles of captain Rishabh Pant, who has did not reside as much as expectations as the most costly participant in IPL historical past. Whereas the highest three—Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, and Nicholas Pooran—have proven glimpses of kind, they’ve lacked stable assist from the remaining. Their bowling unit, too, has been unable to discover a match-winning mixture.

RCB, then again, look much more settled. The opening pair of Virat Kohli and Jacob Bethell has offered good begins, although the center order stays a silent concern. With Phil Salt’s availability nonetheless unsure, the highest order could carry additional accountability. RCB’s bowling struggled within the absence of Josh Hazlewood throughout their final match towards CSK, significantly on the loss of life, which they are going to intention to tighten towards LSG.

Including to RCB’s harm checklist, Devdutt Padikkal has been dominated out of the season on account of a hamstring subject, with Mayank Agarwal introduced in as a substitute. It stays to be seen whether or not Agarwal slots straight into the XI. In the meantime, LSG have a clear invoice of well being forward of the conflict.

As tensions simmer nationally—evident within the Might 8 Dharamsala conflict between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals getting known as off and crowds and gamers getting evacuated on account of air strike alerts—Dhumal’s assurance of match motion on Might 9 retains LSG’s hopes alive, for now.

LSG vs RCB: Head-to-Head

RCB lead the head-to-head document 3-2 towards LSG. Nonetheless, LSG had the higher hand of their final assembly in IPL 2024, successful by 28 runs.

LSG vs RCB: Lucknow Climate Forecast

A sizzling and humid day awaits in Lucknow, with temperatures anticipated to hit 38C by late morning and stay regular via the afternoon. By night, the mercury could dip to round 30C.

In accordance with the IMD, a partly cloudy sky is forecast, with probabilities of thunder and lightning later within the day. Accuweather predicts a 6% probability of rain in the course of the day, barely rising to 7% at night time. Temperature fluctuations are anticipated between 23C and 39C.

LSG vs RCB: Group Information

RCB are awaiting updates on Phil Salt and Josh Hazlewood, each of whom missed the CSK conflict on account of accidents. Lungi Ngidi changed Hazlewood in that recreation and should retain his spot if the Australian is not match. Mayank Agarwal, Padikkal’s substitute, is an possibility for the XI however could also be eased in.

LSG haven’t any reported harm considerations forward of the must-win encounter.

LSG Predicted XI: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c/wk), David Miller, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Akash Singh, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, Prince Yadav/Ravi Bishnoi

Impression sub: Digvesh Rathi

RCB Predicted XI: Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal

Impression sub: Suyash Sharma

or,

Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Manoj Bhandage, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal

Impression sub: Suyash Sharma

LSG vs RCB: Ekana Pitch Report

The match shall be performed on Pitch No. 5 at Ekana Stadium, a black soil floor that historically aids spin. The one earlier assembly between these two sides right here, in IPL 2023, noticed RCB defend 126 in a low-scoring thriller.

In IPL 2025, the venue has hosted 5 video games, with batters averaging 33.9 runs and scoring at 9.1 runs per over. Whereas pacers have picked up extra wickets, spinners have been extra economical.