IPL match today, RCB vs SRH: Team prediction, head-to-head, pitch report, Lucknow weather update | Cricket News

Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajat Patidar. (Getty Images)

Already assured of a playoff berth, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will look to secure a top-two finish in the IPL 2025 league stage for the first time since 2016 when they face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Friday.Currently second with 17 points from 12 matches, two more wins could cement their place in Qualifier 1, offering a crucial second chance in the playoffs.The game, initially scheduled as a home fixture for RCB, was relocated due to monsoon conditions. Before the league was interrupted by the border conflict, RCB had built strong momentum with four consecutive wins. However, their return was met with a washout, and the team will aim to regain their rhythm after a 20-day break.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Virat Kohli has led the charge with seven fifties in 11 innings, while skipper Rajat Patidar, Tim David, and Romario Shepherd have chipped in with vital contributions. Though Patidar had a slump before the break, his recent net sessions suggest a return to form. RCB’s bowling attack, led by Suyash Sharma and Yash Dayal, has been impressive, though Josh Hazlewood remains unavailable.

Who’s that IPL player?SRH, eighth on the table, will aim to end a patchy season strongly, banking on their aggressive top order and hoping for more support from their inconsistent bowling unit.RCB vs SRH Head-to-Head

RCB vs SRH: Pitch ReportThe surface at Ekana Stadium promises to be a good one for batting, especially under lights. There’s a slight sheen on the pitch, suggesting early skid with the new ball, aiding strokeplay. Ground dimensions vary — 60m and 69m square, with a 75m straight boundary. Chasing has been the preferred strategy here, with teams enjoying more success batting second. Only one 200+ total has been recorded at this venue this season, which resulted in a win.With consistent bounce and minimal wear expected, this pitch is likely to favour batters throughout the 40 overs of play.

RCB vs SRH: Predicted XIsRoyal Challengers Bengaluru predicted XI: Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash DayalImpact Sub: Suyash SharmaSunrisers Hyderabad predicted XI: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan(w), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma, Kamindu Mendis, Pat Cummins(c), Harshal Patel, Harsh Dubey, Zeeshan Ansari, Eshan MalingaImpact Sub: Mohammed ShamiRCB vs SRH: Lucknow Weather updateFans can look forward to ideal cricketing conditions in Lucknow for the upcoming IPL clash. The day will be mostly sunny, with a maximum temperature of 37°C and a minimum of 27°C. By the time the match begins, conditions will turn mostly clear, with the temperature expected to hover around 30°C, offering a pleasant evening for players and spectators alike. Humidity levels will be moderate, and importantly, there is a 0% chance of rain, ensuring an uninterrupted contest. RCB vs SRH: Live Streaming detailsThe RCB vs SRH match will be played at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. The match will start at 7:30 pm. The match will be telecasted on Star Sports Network and live streaming will be on JioHotstar.RCB vs SRH squadsRoyal Challengers Bengaluru: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Mayank Agarwal, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh, Liam Livingstone, Nuwan Thushara, Lungi Ngidi, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh.Sunrisers Hyderabad: Pat Cummins (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Atharva Taide, Abhinav Manohar, Aniket Verma, Sachin Baby, Smaran Ravichandran, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Travis Head, Harshal Patel, Kamindu Mendis, Wiaan Mulder, Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Shami, Rahul Chahar, Simarjeet Singh, Zeeshan Ansari, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga.