Team Form and News
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) snapped a four-match losing streak with a strong win over Gujarat, but their mid-season dip has likely cost them a top-four finish. A win here may still not be enough, but they’ll aim to finish strong. Aiden Markram and Mitch Marsh have formed a productive opening pair, though the middle order — particularly Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran — hasn’t fired in sync.
Injuries have plagued their pace attack, prompting the inclusion of New Zealand’s Will O’Rourke. Veteran David Miller appears to have been sidelined as LSG turn to new combinations.
Probable LSG XI: Markram, Marsh (Bishnoi sub), Pooran, Pant, Badoni, Samad, Shahbaz, Hinmat, Avesh, Akash, O’Rourke
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have received a timely boost with the return of Josh Hazlewood, likely to replace Lungi Ngidi. Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani has joined the squad as backup. Tim David remains a doubt after walking off injured in the previous game; Tim Seifert could debut in his place. Rajat Patidar has also struggled with injury, with Jitesh Sharma taking on field leadership duties in his absence.
Probable RCB XI: Salt, Kohli, Agarwal, Patidar (Suyash sub), Jitesh, Shepherd, David/Seifert, Krunal, Kumar, Dayal, Hazlewood
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Conditions and Pitch Report
The surface at Lucknow has transformed dramatically since the tournament’s resumption. Once known for low-scoring, six-starved matches, it has recently produced high totals — including scores of 205 and 231 in consecutive games. That marks a significant shift, with only two 200+ totals recorded here in the previous two years.
The change suggests batters now have a platform for aggression, especially in the powerplay and death overs, but a used pitch could also bring slower bowlers and cutters into play as the match progresses.
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What to Expect
RCB enter as favourites on paper, particularly with Hazlewood’s return tightening their bowling attack. However, post-resumption form across the league has been unpredictable. Several teams have stumbled against opposition with little to play for, including RCB themselves.
That said, RCB’s measured, consistent approach this season — avoiding reckless collapses and sticking to their plans — has worked in their favour. Lucknow, by contrast, have struggled for rhythm and relied heavily on individual brilliance rather than cohesion.
With net run rate heavily favouring RCB, even a narrow win for LSG may not be enough to dislodge them from contention.
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Players to Watch
Virat Kohli has anchored multiple successful RCB innings this season and remains a talismanic figure as the league reaches its climax. His form and leadership could be decisive.
Josh Hazlewood’s return brings class and control to RCB’s pace unit. On a wicket where pace-off has proven useful, his variations could be key.
Markram and Marsh will need to provide LSG with another strong start if they are to challenge RCB’s disciplined bowling unit.
Rishabh Pant has yet to deliver a signature innings this season — could this be the moment?
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This fixture is more than just another league match. It’s a litmus test for two teams whose seasons have taken divergent paths in the latter half — LSG looking to salvage pride, and RCB seeking a playoff berth and redemption.
