IPL 2025: LSG vs RCB Match 70 – A High-Stakes Clash for the Top Two!

Welcome to our in-depth preview of the 70th T20 match of IPL 2025, where Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. This promises to be a blockbuster encounter as both teams gear up for a crucial battle. For LSG, with little to lose, it’s all about playing fearless cricket. For RCB, this match is a must-win to secure a coveted top-two spot in the playoffs. With passionate fans, especially Virat Kohli loyalists, waiting for RCB to end their 18-year title drought, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Let’s dive into the match preview, head-to-head stats, pitch report, key player updates, and the ultimate fantasy cricket guide to help you dominate your Dream11 teams!

Match Context: Why This Clash Matters

The IPL 2025 group stage is in its final stretch, and RCB are in a do-or-die situation. A victory here could cement their place in the top two, ensuring a safer path to the finals via Qualifier 1. LSG, on the other hand, are out of playoff contention but have nothing to lose, making them dangerous opponents ready to unleash their full potential. Expect fireworks as RCB’s star-studded lineup faces LSG’s explosive players in this high-octane encounter.

Head-to-Head Record

In their IPL history, LSG and RCB have faced off five times. RCB hold the edge with three wins, while LSG have secured two victories. This season marks their first meeting of 2025. Looking back:

• Last Encounter (2023): LSG chased down 204, with Nicholas Pooran’s fiery 40 and Mayank Yadav’s three wickets stealing the show. Virat Kohli struggled, while Rajat Patidar outscored him for RCB.
• Previous Match (2023): RCB won, with Kohli scoring 31 and Josh Hazlewood grabbing two wickets.

Key players like Kohli and Ravi Bishnoi consistently shine in these clashes, making them must-picks for fantasy teams.

Ekana Stadium Pitch Report

The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow favors both batters and pacers. Here’s what to expect:

• Average Score: 150–170, with eight of 23 matches seeing scores above 190.
• Highest Score: 235/6 by KKR; Lowest: 108 all out by LSG.
• Recent Trends: The last two matches saw 200+ scores, with pacers dominating (e.g., 12 wickets in the SRH vs RCB game). Spinners have been less effective, claiming only a few wickets.
• Chasing Advantage: Teams chasing have won more often, so the toss could be crucial.

Key Note: Nicholas Pooran’s bat has been quiet at Ekana, so picking him as captain or vice-captain in fantasy teams could be risky.

Team Updates and Injuries

Big news for fantasy players:

• LSG: Aiden Markram and Lungi Ngidi are confirmed to miss this match. Tim David was injured in the last game and is doubtful. Matthew Breetzke is likely to replace Markram and could open alongside Mitchell Marsh. Ravi Bishnoi or Shardul Thakur might also feature, so keep an eye on the toss for final confirmation.
• RCB: Josh Hazlewood is back, strengthening their bowling attack. Tim David’s fitness remains uncertain, but Liam Livingstone could step in if David is ruled out.

LSG vs RCB: Key Players to Watch

Lucknow Super Giants

• Mitchell Marsh: In scintillating form, Marsh is a confirmed pick and a top captain/vice-captain choice. With a recent century and consistent scores (200 runs in 6 matches at Ekana, average 33), he’s a safe bet for 30–40 runs or more.
• Nicholas Pooran: Despite a poor record at Ekana (20 matches, average 26), Pooran’s recent form (40 in the last LSG vs RCB clash) makes him a safe pick for small leagues. Avoid him as captain due to his inconsistent venue stats.
• Rishabh Pant: The most expensive IPL 2025 player at ₹27 crore, Pant has had a disappointing season (no score above 27). However, this could be his breakout game. A risky but high-reward pick for grand leagues.
• Ayush Badoni: A consistent performer, Badoni is a safe pick for both small and grand leagues. With 17 matches at Ekana (average 31) and recent bowling contributions (two wickets in the last game), he’s a must-have.
• William Arurki: A right-arm fast bowler, Arurki is likely to take 1–2 wickets, making him a safe pick. He took three wickets in his last outing.
• Digvesh Rathi: This right-arm off-spinner is in form, taking wickets in both recent matches. Expect 1–2 wickets at Ekana.
• Avesh Khan: With 6 wickets in 10 matches at Ekana and 3 wickets in 2 games against RCB, Avesh is a strong pick if LSG bowl first.

Grand League Differential: Matthew Breetzke (risky due to hit-or-miss form) and Rishabh Pant (low selection percentage, high potential).

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

• Phil Salt: The wicketkeeper-batter is in top form, with a recent 50 and strong stats against LSG. A confirmed pick for small leagues and a captain/vice-captain option for grand leagues.
• Virat Kohli: The run machine is the safest captain choice for small leagues. With a 36 average at Ekana and four fifties in his last five matches, expect 40–50 runs. His ability to handle pressure makes him a must-pick.
• Rajat Patidar: A confirmed pick, Patidar’s bat is expected to fire (30+ runs likely). His strong record against LSG (better than Kohli in their last meeting) makes him a grand league captain option.
• Romario Shepherd: After a stellar last match with bat and ball, Shepherd is a confirmed pick for both leagues. Expect 1–2 wickets and batting points if he gets a chance.
• Krunal Pandya: A consistent all-rounder, Pandya is a safe pick. With 230 runs and 12 wickets in 14 matches at Ekana, he’s likely to contribute with 1–2 wickets and some runs.
• Josh Hazlewood: Back in the lineup, Hazlewood is a confirmed pick and a captain/vice-captain option. With 9 wickets in 3 matches against LSG and 2 at Ekana, expect 2–3 wickets.
• Yash Dayal: A grand league differential, Dayal has 3 wickets in 2 matches against LSG but has been inconsistent this season.

Grand League Differential: Yash Dayal (low selection percentage) and Liam Livingstone (if he plays, high impact potential).

Fantasy Cricket Tips

Small League Safe Picks

• Wicketkeepers: Phil Salt, Nicholas Pooran
• Batters: Virat Kohli, Mitchell Marsh, Rajat Patidar
• All-Rounders: Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd
• Bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, William Arurki, Avesh Khan
• Captain: Virat Kohli
• Vice-Captain: Josh Hazlewood

Grand League Differential Picks

• Captain/Vice-Captain Options: Mitchell Marsh, Rajat Patidar, Rishabh Pant, Yash Dayal
• Low-Selection Gems: Matthew Breetzke, Yash Dayal, Liam Livingstone
• Combinations:
  1. Marsh + Patidar
  2. Marsh + Arurki
  3. Pant + Hazlewood

Player Battles to Watch

• Pooran vs Shepherd: Shepherd dismissed Pooran once in 36 balls.
• Pant vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Bhuvneshwar got Pant out once in 41 balls.
• Kohli vs Avesh Khan: Avesh dismissed Kohli twice in 41 balls.
• Jitesh Sharma vs Avesh Khan: Avesh got Jitesh out twice in 11 balls.

Bowling Order

• LSG:
  • Powerplay: Avesh Khan, Akash Singh, William Arurki, Akashdeep
  • Middle Overs: Akashdeep, Akash Singh, Digvesh Rathi, Avesh Khan
  • Death Overs: Avesh Khan, Akash Singh, Akashdeep, William Arurki
• RCB:
  • Powerplay: Josh Hazlewood, Krunal Pandya, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar
  • Middle Overs: Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Sharma, Romario Shepherd
  • Death Overs: Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Yash Sharma

Match Prediction

Based on recent form, RCB hold the edge. LSG have won only one of their last five matches, while RCB have secured three victories, with one match abandoned. RCB’s firepower, led by Kohli, Salt, and Hazlewood, gives them a high chance of winning and securing a top-two spot. However, LSG’s fearless approach could make this a close contest.

Predicted Winner: Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Conclusion

The LSG vs RCB clash is set to be a thrilling encounter, with RCB fighting for a top-two spot and LSG playing for pride. With star players like Kohli, Marsh, and Hazlewood in the mix, and differentials like Pant and Dayal ready to surprise, your fantasy teams could make or break your IPL 2025 journey. Who do you think will be the Player of the Match? Comment below, join our Telegram for final teams, and let’s make this match a grand league jackpot! Like, share, and stay tuned for more IPL excitement!