The battle for the top two spots intensifies as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face off against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Match 65 of IPL 2025.
The fixture, originally scheduled at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, has been shifted to the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow due to unfavorable weather conditions in Bengaluru.
The match is set for Friday, May 23, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST and will be broadcast live on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network.
Match Overview
- Fixture: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Date: May 23, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar, Star Sports Network
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, have cemented their position among the top teams this season.
With 17 points from 12 matches, including 8 wins, they currently hold the second spot on the points table and are keen on securing a top-two finish to gain a direct entry into the playoffs’ advanced stages.
Despite losing the advantage of playing their last home game at Chinnaswamy, RCB have shown strong form with key contributions from stalwarts like Virat Kohli, who has amassed 505 runs in 11 matches this season.
Key Players to Watch:
- Virat Kohli: The experienced batter has been in sublime form, scoring consistently and anchoring the innings.
- Rajat Patidar (Captain): Leading by example, Patidar’s performances have been crucial in RCB’s campaign.
- Josh Hazlewood: The spearhead of the bowling attack with 18 wickets in 10 matches, providing early breakthroughs.
- Krunal Pandya: An all-round contributor with 14 wickets and valuable runs.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
SRH’s playoff hopes ended earlier this season, but the team remains motivated to finish on a high note.
Currently placed eighth with 9 points from 12 matches, SRH have shown glimpses of brilliance, including a remarkable win against Lucknow Super Giants where they chased down a 200+ target comfortably.
Under Pat Cummins’ captaincy, SRH will aim to spoil RCB’s campaign and showcase their fighting spirit in the final matches.
Key Players to Watch:
- Abhishek Sharma: The all-rounder has been a consistent run-scorer with 314 runs and valuable contributions with the ball.
- Heinrich Klaasen: The wicketkeeper-batter known for his explosive hitting in the middle order.
- Harshal Patel: Leading the bowling attack with 14 wickets in 10 matches.
- Pat Cummins (Captain): The pace spearhead who can change the game with his bowling and handy lower-order hitting.
Pitch Report: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
The Ekana Stadium pitch is known for its challenging nature, with large ground dimensions making big hitting difficult. The average first innings score here is around 167, but teams aim for totals in the 180-190 range to gain an advantage. Dew is expected in the second innings, which could make chasing slightly easier.
Head-to-Head Record
| Matches Played | RCB Wins | SRH Wins | No Result |
| 24 | 11 | 13 | 0 |
The rivalry is fairly balanced, with SRH holding a slight edge in wins. This encounter promises to be another closely contested battle.
Match Insights
RCB will be looking to consolidate their position in the top two with a win, leveraging their strong batting lineup and disciplined bowling attack. Meanwhile, SRH, free from playoff pressure, will aim to play fearless cricket and disrupt RCB’s momentum.
