The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow is all set to host Match 65 of IPL 2025, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lock horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 23 at 7:30 PM IST. RCB are sitting comfortably in second place, with eight wins from 12 matches. Their previous clash against Kolkata Knight Riders was washed out, earning them just one point. A win here could solidify their top-two finish and potentially give them a second chance in the playoffs.
On the other hand, SRH are languishing in eighth place with just four wins. However, they showed some spark in their last game, defeating Lucknow Super Giants in a convincing chase, where Abhishek Sharma starred with a 59-run knock.
Historically, it’s been a closely fought rivalry. In 25 IPL encounters, SRH have the slight edge with 13 wins to RCB’s 11. Bengaluru, though, have won three of their last five games against Hyderabad.
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The Lucknow pitch tends to favour slower bowlers, offering grip and turn, but neither team boasts a dominant spin unit. It could come down to who adapts better to the conditions on match day. Expect a strategic battle in this crucial contest.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Rajat Patidar is likely to return for RCB’s upcoming clash after recovering from a hand injury sustained before the break. His return will boost the middle order, especially in a high-stakes match. Meanwhile, with Josh Hazlewood unavailable, the responsibility of leading the bowling attack falls on the experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Interestingly, Bhuvneshwar will face his former team RCB, whom he represented for over a decade until 2024. Despite playing six fewer matches this season, he already has 12 wickets—surpassing last season’s tally.
Probable XII: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Travis Head’s participation remains uncertain after testing positive for COVID-19 before the game against LSG. If he misses out again, it will be a big blow to SRH’s top order. However, Eshan Malinga has been a bright spot for Hyderabad. Despite playing just five matches, he is their third-highest wicket-taker with nine scalps—five of which have come from fuller deliveries—proving his effectiveness with the new ball.
Probable XII: Atharva Taide, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Kamindu Mendis, Aniket Verma, Nitish Reddy, Pat Cummins, Harshal Patel, Harsh Dubey, Zeeshan Ansari, Eshan Malinga
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
Heinrich Klaasen, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli (c), Tim David, K Nitish Reddy, Abhishek Sharma (vc), Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Harshal Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Pat Cummins
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
Heinrich Klaasen, Ishan Kishan (vc), Virat Kohli, Tim David, Rajat Patidar, Abhishek Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Harshal Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Pat Cummins (c), Yash Dayal
