Jitesh Sharma powers RCB to Qualifier 1 after Pant denies Rathi

LSG vs RCB, IPL 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take on Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 after Jitesh Sharma played his best knock of IPL with an unbeaten 33-ball 85 to chase down a record 228-run target. But the match was not short of drama. Digvesh Rathi seemed to have dismissed Jitesh Sharma, but it was overturned for a backfoot no-ball. Then, Rathi dismissed Jitesh again with a mankading. But this time, LSG captain Rishabh Pant denied him, withdrawing the appeal. As a result, RCB made their highest successful chase with 8 balls to spare.

Earlier, Rishabh Pant’s first century in seven years and Mitchell Marsh’s 37-ball 67 have helped Lucknow Super Giants post 227/3 in their last match of the season. While Nuwan Thusara bowled well with 1/26, RCB could not respond to Pant-Marsh’s mayhem as they put together a 152-run stand for the 2nd wicket. Earlier, Royal Challengers Bengaluru opted to bowl first against Lucknow Super Giants. RCB’s regular captain Rajat Patidar will play as an Impact Player while Tim David is out injured. If RCB win against LSG, they will face Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 on June 29. If RCB lose to LSG, they will take on Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator on June 30.

LSG vs RCB Match Preview

RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, are third with eight wins and four losses in 13 matches. They need a victory to secure a top-two spot and a direct path to Qualifier 1. Their batting firepower, driven by Virat Kohli’s 548 runs at a 145.36 strike rate and Phil Salt could determine the fate of the match. However, RCB are likely to be without Tim David who suffered a hamstring injury. Their ace pacer Josh Hazlewood has also rejoined the squad. Whether he plays is a big question mark.

LSG, under Rishabh Pant, have had a mixed season with six wins and seven losses. But their recent 33-run victory over Gujarat Titans boosted their confidence. Despite their elimination, LSG’s strong home record and players like Nicholas Pooran, who excels in the middle overs, pose a threat. However, LSG will be without Aiden Markram, who was in excellent form. The South African left for national duties. Shardul Thakur is also unlikely as he will travel to England for India A matches.

Recent Form

• LSG: W L L L L (Won 6, Lost 7 in 13 matches)
• RCB: L NR W W W (Won 8, Lost 4, No Result 1 in 13 matches)

Ekana Stadium Pitch Report

The Ekana Cricket Stadium pitch, a mix of red and black soil, is batting-friendly, with an average first-innings score of 188 in IPL 2025. Five of seven matches this season were won by chasing teams, aided by dew in the second innings. Despite large boundaries (72m square, 78m straight), batters have dominated, though spinners find some grip. Expect a high-scoring game, with captains likely opting to bowl first.

Lucknow Weather Report

On May 27, 2025, Lucknow’s weather is expected to be clear, with temperatures between 32°C and 35°C and humidity at 39–49%. No significant rain is forecast, ensuring an uninterrupted match under sultry conditions.

LSG vs RCB Head-to-Head Records

RCB hold a slight edge, with notable performances like Josh Hazlewood’s 9 wickets in 3 games against LSG and Nicholas Pooran’s 111 runs at a 236.17 strike rate in their encounters.

• Matches Played: 5
• RCB Wins: 3
• LSG Wins: 2
• At Ekana Stadium: RCB have won one and lost one at the Ekana Stadium.

Playing 11

Lucknow Super Giants

Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Breetzke, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Avesh Khan, William ORourke

Impact Sub: Akash Maharaj Singh, Prince Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshin Kulkarni, Yuvraj Chaudhary

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarawal, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma(w/c), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara

Impact Sub: Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Tim Seifert, Swapnil Singh.

Squads

RCB Squad

Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarawal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Tim David, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Swapnil Singh, Liam Livingstone, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara, Blessing Muzarabani

LSG Squad

Mitchell Marsh, Aryan Juyal, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, William ORourke, Akash Maharaj Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Manimaran Siddharth, David Miller, Arshin Kulkarni, Shardul Thakur, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Prince Yadav, Matthew Breetzke, RS Hangargekar, Yuvraj Chaudhary