Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is gearing up to face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their final league match of the 2025 IPL at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on May 27. RCB, sitting in third place, has a great shot at finishing in the top two for the first time since 2016. On the other hand, LSG has already been knocked out of playoff contention but will be looking to disrupt RCB’s plans.
Let’s break down some key player matchups:
Virat Kohli vs Avesh Khan
Virat Kohli has been on fire this season, with 548 runs in 12 matches at an impressive average of 60.88. He’ll likely face LSG’s main pace bowler, Avesh Khan. In their six IPL meetings, Kohli has had a solid strike rate of 170.73 against Khan but has also been dismissed by him twice.
Nicholas Pooran vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Nicholas Pooran leads the league with the most sixes (40) and has an explosive strike rate of 198.83. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will need to find a way to contain him. Although Bhuvneshwar has got Pooran out twice in nine T20 matches, Pooran boasts a strike rate of 144 against him. This season, left-handed batters have been doing well against Bhuvneshwar, striking at over 160.
Josh Hazlewood vs Mitchell Marsh
Josh Hazlewood’s comeback has been a boost for RCB. He’s the top wicket-taker for the team with 18 wickets in 10 matches. His matchup with Australian teammate Mitchell Marsh in the powerplay will be one to watch. Marsh recently scored 117 against Gujarat Titans and will look to keep that momentum going. Hazlewood has taken seven wickets during the powerplay this season, while Marsh has a strike rate of 156.42 in that stage.
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David Miller vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar
David Miller has had the upper hand over Bhuvneshwar in this format, scoring 90 runs off just 52 balls against him, with a strike rate over 170. While Bhuvneshwar has dismissed him once, it will be interesting to see if Bhuvneshwar can turn things around this time.
Ayush Badoni vs Krunal Pandya
Ayush Badoni is LSG’s fourth leading run-scorer with 329 runs from 11 innings in 13 matches. Despite several overseas players dominating the lineup, he has made the most of his chances. RCB will likely bring in left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya during the middle overs to challenge Badoni. The two have played together before, so they know each other’s strengths and weaknesses well.
