With the IPL 2025 nearing its business end, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are just a win away from a guaranteed playoff berth. On Friday, they face the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 59 at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.
Currently second on the points table with 16 points from 11 games, RCB are just one win away from sealing their playoff spot. Notably, they are also looking to become the first team in IPL history to win all their away games in a single season.
On the other hand, LSG is struggling with 10 points after 11 games and are in a must-win situation. A loss could eliminate them from the tournament and quash their playoff qualification chances under new skipper Rishabh Pant. Former India cricketer Saba Karim opened up about RCB’s qualification chances.
“RCB are in a strong position to win this encounter. LSG, at this stage, seems down and out, their batters haven’t clicked, and the bowling unit hasn’t fired either. Even their captain, Rishabh Pant, has struggled,” he said on JioStar.
RCB should impose themselves, just like Punjab did against Delhi: Saba Karim
Karim pointed out at the structure and the performances the Bengaluru-based franchise have displayed throughout the season. He named Virat Kohli, skipper Rajat Patidar and other players to have played a huge part in taking the side to a comfortable spot.
“RCB can aim for a top-two finish. Virat Kohli is in prime form, Rajat Patidar is a promising leader, and Jitesh Sharma, Tim David—all are contributing well. Their bowling attack looks strong with Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the spin of Krunal Pandya, and the right-arm leg-spinner Suyash Sharma, all in good form. When you’re looking to seal a play-off berth and a top-two spot, facing a struggling side like LSG gives you the chance to dominate. RCB should impose themselves, just like Punjab did against Delhi,” he added.
However, the 2016 finalists do have a few injury concerns going into the match. Devdutt Padikkal has been ruled out with a hamstring injury and has been replaced by Mayank Agarwal. Furthermore, the availability of Phil Salt and Josh Hazlewood is still under question, though both trained ahead of the fixture. Meanwhile, LSG has seen a decline in form for many of their players, which has resulted in them losing a series of games.
