Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPLT20 Preview, Prediction and betting odds: 27/5/2025

The final league match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 promises to be a decisive affair as the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) prepare to take on the in-form Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Both sides enter the contest with differing ambitions—RCB seeks a top-two finish for a playoff advantage, while LSG aims to salvage pride and finish their campaign with a win.

Form Guide and Team Context

RCB has shown considerable momentum over the past few weeks, winning four of their last five fixtures and climbing steadily up the points table. This strong performance has put them in serious contention for a top-two finish, which would grant them two opportunities to reach the final. For captain Rajat Patidar and his squad, maintaining momentum and refining team combinations will be key objectives heading into the playoffs.

Meanwhile, LSG’s season has been inconsistent. Despite a morale-boosting win against Gujarat Titans in their last outing, they are already out of playoff contention. Leadership under Rishabh Pant has shown glimpses of promise, but lack of consistency—particularly from the middle order and the bowling attack—has hindered their progress. This final game is an opportunity to test emerging talents and finish the season positively.

RCB Oveview

RCB’s batting has revolved around the formidable duo of Virat Kohli and Philip Salt at the top. Kohli remains one of the top run-scorers this season, anchoring innings with control and intent. Salt, meanwhile, has provided aggressive starts, striking at over 150 in the powerplay. Middle-order stability has come from Mayank Agarwal and Rajat Patidar, with Jitesh Sharma offering acceleration during the death overs.

RCB’s bowling lineup has also gained strength with the return of Josh Hazlewood, who joins Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal in the pace department. Lungi Ngidi and Suyash Sharma have been effective during the middle overs, offering crucial control and breakthroughs. All-rounders Krunal Pandya and Romario Shepherd are expected to play a dual role, contributing with both bat and ball.

LSG Overview

For LSG, Mitchell Marsh has emerged as the star performer, scoring a century in their last outing and proving his worth at the top of the order. Aiden Markram has provided steady support, and the explosive Nicholas Pooran remains a threat in the middle overs. However, the team’s reliance on individual brilliance has exposed their lack of collective execution in critical phases.

Captain Rishabh Pant, returning to IPL after injury, has shown glimpses of his old form. His leadership and experience will be key, especially in rotating bowlers and controlling the game tempo. The bowling unit, including Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, and Kiwi pacer William O’Rourke, must step up against RCB’s deep batting lineup.

Pitch Report and Weather Forecast

The Ekana Stadium pitch has evolved this season. Initially slow and spin-friendly, it has flattened out in recent games, favoring stroke play. The average first-innings score is now closer to 180, but teams have regularly chased down scores above 190, suggesting that batting second remains an advantage.

Spinners could still come into play, especially during the second innings as the pitch grips slightly more under lights. The large square boundaries demand precision in power-hitting and reward intelligent bowling changes.

Weather forecasts indicate clear and dry conditions throughout the match, with temperatures ranging between 35°C to 43°C and humidity below 50%. No rain is expected, ensuring a full game without interruptions.

Strategy and Toss Outlook

Toss could play a crucial role. With chasing teams winning four of the last five matches at this venue, the captain winning the toss is likely to field first. This decision will allow bowlers to exploit any early moisture on the surface and give the batters a target to chase on a pitch that improves under lights.

For RCB, this is also an opportunity to rest key players selectively or test alternate strategies before the playoff battles begin. LSG may field some younger players or new combinations to evaluate bench strength and plan ahead for IPL 2026.

Predicted XIs

Lucknow Super Giants

Rishabh Pant (captain & wk), Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, William O’Rourke, Akash Maharaj Singh (Impact Player)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Rajat Patidar (captain), Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Lungi Ngidi, Suyash Sharma (Impact Player)

Prediction

Considering recent form, team balance, and match-winning capabilities in both departments, RCB holds a clear edge. Their strong top order, coupled with a resurgent bowling unit, makes them favorites in this fixture. LSG will need standout performances from both top-order batters and their pacers to challenge a well-oiled RCB unit.

Prediction: Royal Challengers Bengaluru to win and secure second spot in the standings.