The IPL 2025 campaign is heating up as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face off against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Match 65 of the tournament. The game, originally scheduled to be held in Bengaluru, was shifted to the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow due to adverse weather conditions in South India. Scheduled for Friday, May 23 at 7:30 PM IST, this encounter promises to be a crucial one for RCB as they aim for a top-two finish, while SRH seek to play spoilsport after being eliminated from the playoff race.
Match Details
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Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Match 65
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Date & Time: Friday, May 23, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST
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Venue: BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
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Broadcast: JioStar Network | Streaming: JioHotstar (App & Website)
Pitch Report – Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
The Ekana Stadium has proven to be a bowler-friendly venue this season. The large ground dimensions make boundary hitting challenging, and the average first-innings score sits at just 167. However, teams aiming for 180-190 will have a competitive edge, especially considering the impact of evening dew in the second innings. Bowlers who can mix their pace and bowl tight lines will likely be successful here.
Team Overviews
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB come into this clash with 17 points and their playoff berth confirmed thanks to Gujarat Titans’ win over Delhi Capitals. However, a top-two finish remains their main target. A win here and in their next game will solidify their position and give them a double chance at reaching the final.
RCB boast a balanced side, with Virat Kohli in top form, having scored 505 runs in 11 matches, including four back-to-back fifties. With seasoned bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and all-round options in Romario Shepherd and Krunal Pandya, RCB look well-rounded.
Probable Playing XI – RCB
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Virat Kohli
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Phil Salt
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Jacob Bethell
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Rajat Patidar (c)
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Jitesh Sharma (wk)
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Tim David
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Romario Shepherd
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Krunal Pandya
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar
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Rasikh Salam
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Yash Dayal
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Impact Player: Suyash Sharma
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
For SRH, this is a chance to finish strong after a disappointing campaign. Already eliminated from playoff contention, Pat Cummins’ side will play with freedom and aim to upset RCB’s top-two aspirations. They are coming off a confidence-boosting win over Lucknow Super Giants, and will try to carry forward that momentum.
Heinrich Klaasen and Abhishek Sharma are their key batters, while Pat Cummins, despite a wicketless outing in the last match, remains their go-to bowler in pressure moments.
Probable Playing XI – SRH
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Abhishek Sharma
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Ishan Kishan (wk)
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Nitish Kumar Reddy
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Heinrich Klaasen
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Aniket Verma
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Kamindu Mendis
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Pat Cummins (c)
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Harshal Patel
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Harsh Dubey
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Zeeshan Ansari
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Eshan Malinga
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Impact Player: Atharva Taide
Head-to-Head Record
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Total Matches: 24
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RCB Wins: 11
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SRH Wins: 12
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No Result: 0
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First Fixture: April 7, 2013
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Last Fixture: April 25, 2024
It’s a tightly contested rivalry with SRH holding a slight edge. However, with RCB’s current form and SRH out of contention, the momentum seems to favour Bengaluru.
Key Players to Watch
Virat Kohli (RCB)
He’s been the heart of RCB’s campaign. With 505 runs in 11 games, Kohli is among the top contenders for the Orange Cap and will be crucial against SRH’s pace-heavy attack.
Pat Cummins (SRH)
Cummins has picked up 13 wickets in 12 matches and while he was wicketless in his last game, he bowled effectively in the death overs. His battle with Kohli could define the game’s outcome.
Match Scenarios & Predictions
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If RCB bat first and score above 180, they are likely to defend it successfully due to their strong bowling attack and the stadium’s dimensions.
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If SRH chase, they’ll need a solid start from Abhishek Sharma and contributions from Klaasen in the middle.
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Dew factor will play a role—teams winning the toss may prefer to bowl first.
Match Prediction
While SRH will play without pressure and look to end on a high, RCB’s consistency, form, and motivation for a top-two finish make them favourites for this encounter.
Predicted Winner: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Toss Prediction: Team bowling first likely to win due to dew impact and improved chasing record at Ekana.