Preview: Royal Challengers Bengaluru have a clear goal: beat Lucknow Super Giants and secure a top-two finish. Despite a recent setback at this very venue, RCB can take heart from their strong away form and the return of Josh Hazlewood. With the playoffs set to be played at neutral venues, their confidence should be high. For LSG, a win at home would cap off a challenging season on a positive note. Their recent victory over Gujarat Titans showed their potential, and with Rishabh Pant finding some form, they’ll be eager to finish strong.
Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
Date & Time: May 27, 07:30 PM LOCAL
Pitch & weather Report: The dry, patchy surface in Lucknow offers grip for spinners and assistance for pacers who take the pace off. With square boundaries at 60m and 67m, and 74m straight down the ground, timing won’t be easy and playing through the line could be risky. Chasing is preferred here, and a total of 180+ is competitive, but bowlers—especially spinners—will remain in the contest throughout.
RCB Probable XI: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarawal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma(wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood/Blessing Muzarabani, Suyash Sharma
LSG Probable XI: Mitchell Marsh, Aryan Juyal, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant(wk/c), Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur/Akash Singh, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, Shahbaz Ahmed, Digvesh Singh Rathi, William O’Rourke
