RCB vs SRH: IPL 2025 Match Preview and Predictions
Match Overview
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to compete against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 65th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. This exciting encounter will take place at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on May 23, 2025, starting at 07:30 PM IST.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Current Form
RCB has successfully secured a spot in the IPL 2025 playoffs and is now aiming to finish among the top two teams in the standings. They are currently on a four-match winning streak, accumulating 17 points from 12 games, placing them comfortably in second position. Their previous match against KKR was called off due to heavy rain, and their last two fixtures have been relocated to Lucknow. The team, led by Rajat Patidar, is determined to secure a top-two finish to gain an advantage in the playoffs.
Sunrisers Hyderabad's Situation
In contrast, Sunrisers Hyderabad has already been eliminated from the tournament but is looking to restore some pride. They have the potential to disrupt RCB's plans for a top-two finish, depending on their performance. Coming off a victory against Lucknow Super Giants, where they won by six wickets, Pat Cummins' team has had an inconsistent season but aims to conclude their campaign on a high note.
Pitch Analysis
The Ekana Cricket Stadium pitch is known for providing a balanced contest between batters and bowlers, offering assistance to both pace and spin bowlers throughout the match. The average first innings score in IPL 2025 is around 180, indicating that once batters settle in, they can score comfortably. Medium pacers and off-spinners are expected to find good support from the pitch.
Head-to-Head Record: RCB vs SRH
| RCB vs SRH Head-to-Head | |
| Matches Played | 24 |
| Won by Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 11 |
| Won by Sunrisers Hyderabad | 12 |
| No Result | 0 |
| Tied | 1 |
Probable Playing XI
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Romario Shepherd, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma
(Impact Subs: Mayank Agarwal, Rasikh Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Nuwan Thushara, Swapnil Singh)
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Pat Cummins (c), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Aniket Verma, Harsh Dubey, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Reddy, Kamindu Mendis, Harshal Patel, Eshan Malinga, Zeeshan Ansari
(Impact Subs: Rahul Chahar, Sachin Baby, Simarjeet Singh, Atharva Taide, Abhinav Manohar, Wiaan Mulder)
Key Players to Watch
Top Wicketkeeper
- Heinrich Klaasen | SRH: Klaasen has played 11 innings this season, scoring 358 runs at an average of 35.80. Although he hasn't reached his peak performance this season, he has shown promise, including a recent 47 runs off 28 balls against LSG. He is a valuable addition to any fantasy team.
Top Batters
- Virat Kohli | RCB: Currently the fifth-highest run-scorer in IPL 2025, Kohli has amassed 505 runs in 12 matches with an impressive average of 63.13. His recent form includes scores of 62 runs against CSK, making him a crucial player for fantasy teams.
- Jacob Bethell | RCB: The young left-handed batter has made a mark with 67 runs in two matches, including a half-century against CSK. He is a must-pick for fantasy leagues.
Top All-Rounders
- Krunal Pandya | RCB: Pandya has been a standout performer, notably scoring an unbeaten 73 runs against DC. He also contributed with a wicket in the last match against CSK, making him essential for fantasy selections.
- Abhishek Sharma | SRH: A reliable left-handed batter and effective bowler, Sharma scored 59 runs in his last match against LSG. With 373 runs in 11 matches, he is a valuable asset for fantasy teams.
Top Bowlers
- Lungi Ngidi | RCB: Filling in for Jos Hazlewood, Ngidi excelled with three wickets against CSK and aims to replicate that performance.
- Harshal Patel | SRH: The experienced pacer has been consistent, taking 15 wickets in 11 matches, and will look to add to his tally in this match.