RCB’s Playoff Push Meets LSG’s Final Stand
The 70th match of IPL 2025 promises genuine tension as LSG vs RCB takes center stage at Lucknow’s Ekana Cricket Stadium. For Lucknow Super Giants, this match is all about restoring pride on home turf after an up-and-down season that’s already ended in playoff disappointment. They’re fresh from a confidence-boosting win over the Gujarat Titans—a 33-run margin that showed flashes of what could have been. There’s nothing left to lose, so you can expect a gutsy, crowd-pleasing game from the hosts aiming to finish with a flourish.
Things look very different in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru camp. RCB sit in third place and this fixture is everything to them. A win would almost guarantee a spot among the top two, which means a golden ticket to the all-important Qualifier 1. No room for slip-ups, especially after the sting of a 42-run defeat at the hands of Sunrisers Hyderabad. They’ll want to show they can bounce back precisely when it matters most.
Team news is stirring things up too. Lucknow are likely to stick with the winning formula from their last outing, captained by a focused Rishabh Pant, who’s set the tone with both bat and leadership. LSG will continue to rely on Kyle Mayers, a reliable force at the crease, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, whose experience has paid dividends in tricky situations. Their bowling attack, especially, could shine on a surface that doesn’t hesitate to punish loose deliveries.
For RCB, the spotlight might fall on Blessing Muzarabani if he finally gets his debut. The big Zimbabwean quick could be exactly what they need to mix things up in the powerplay or keep things tight at the death. Meanwhile, they’re watching Rajat Patidar’s fitness, and are taking no chances with Josh Hazlewood, possibly saving him for the business end. Virat Kohli remains in prime form and is supported by names like Mayank Agarwal and Philip Salt. Tim David brings firepower in the middle, while Jitesh Sharma has been a consistent asset behind the stumps. It’s a blend of tested stars and wild cards, the very mix that could tip the scale in a crunch game.
Conditions, Match-ups, and Fantasy Picks
The Ekana pitch always has something to say in big matches. The surface here has a patchy look—dry, with just enough grass to interest the spinners. Batters who like to play their shots hard and fast often find themselves mistiming on this unpredictable track. The special challenge: boundaries that are short square (60-67 meters) but significantly longer straight at 74 meters, making shot selection a tactical puzzle. Most teams bowl first if they win the toss, not only due to uncertain bounce but mainly because chasing has provided more control in late-stage games. Reaching anything beyond 180 is seen as above-average here—so expect the teams to adjust their lineups with this in mind.
LSG might not have the consistency they dreamed of this season, but there's firepower lurking. Their only issue: rhythm. Meanwhile, RCB, aside from that recent Hyderabad hiccup, have been sharp in both departments. The head-to-head record slightly favors RCB at 3-2 across five encounters, but it’s hardly a landslide, which keeps this match wide open for drama.
For fantasy league enthusiasts, certain names absolutely stand out. Virat Kohli is the obvious anchor up top, joined by Kyle Mayers and Mayank Agarwal as smart batting picks. Bowlers should see plenty of action, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar has both the skill and cunning to make the most of these conditions. Yash Dayal and Blessing Muzarabani (if given the new ball) are worth considering. In the all-rounder slot, Tim David’s big hitting and Krunal Pandya’s versatility offer double points potential. Don’t sleep on Jitesh Sharma for his safe hands behind the wickets—and possible late-over fireworks.
So, with local pride and a top-two spot at stake, the stage is set for fireworks—and a close look at who actually copes better when it really matters. RCB’s playoff motivation gives them the edge, but LSG’s mix of experience and their desire to thrill the home crowd could throw up a few surprises before the night is done.
