RCB vs LSG: Crucial IPL 2025 Match for Playoff Hopes, Kicks off Nepal Time

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are just one win away from confirming their place in the IPL 2025 playoffs as they prepare to take on struggling Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Friday, May 9, at 7:45 PM.

Match Details:
📅 Date: Friday, May 9
⏰ Time: 7:45 PM Nepal Time
🏟 Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
📺 Broadcast: Star Sports | Live stream: JioCinema

Playoffs within reach for RCB
RCB have found top form at the right time, winning five of their last six matches. Led by the ever-reliable Virat Kohli—who has smashed seven fifties in 11 innings—they now have the momentum and points to aim for a solid top-four finish.

The likes of Rajat Patidar and Romario Shepherd have added depth in the middle and death overs, while spinners Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma have been consistent with the ball. Pacers Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal have handled pressure situations well.

LSG under pressure
On the other hand, LSG’s campaign is hanging by a thread. With only three games remaining, they need to win all of them to reach 16 points and keep their playoff hopes alive. Captain Rishabh Pant is under scrutiny as his form has dipped, managing a strike rate below 100 this season.

Despite a strong top order featuring Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, and Aiden Markram, LSG have lacked support from the middle order. Their bowling has also struggled, especially since the return of pacer Mayank Yadav. Fielding lapses have added to their woes.

Pant remains hopeful. “The dream is still alive. If we win the next three, we can turn this around,” he said after their recent loss to Punjab.

Squads:
RCB: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Mayank Agarwal, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma, and others.
LSG: Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Mitchell Marsh, and others.

Can RCB continue their dominant run, or will LSG produce a stunning comeback? The stage is set in Lucknow.