The final league fixture of IPL 2025 might not decide qualification for both sides, but it carries weight far beyond the points table.
Royal Challengers Bangalore are eyeing a top-2 finish, while Lucknow Super Giants, though out of playoff contention, have the chance to finish sixth and sign off with a statement win over one of the tournament's most consistent teams.
RCB’s campaign has been powered by the sublime form of Virat Kohli, who has scored 548 runs at a strike rate of 145.35, including seven half-centuries. Phil Salt has been their firestarter at the top with 301 runs at an impressive 170 strike rate.
The return of Josh Hazlewood—18 wickets at an economy of 8.5—comes as a timely boost to a bowling unit that conceded 231 runs in their previous outing. One major concern remains Rajat Patidar’s form, with just 48 runs in his last five innings.
LSG, on the other hand, are coming off a dominant performance led by Mitchell Marsh, who smashed his maiden IPL century and now leads the team’s run charts with 560 runs.
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Nicholas Pooran has been explosive, scoring 511 runs with a strike rate close to 200 and hitting 40 sixes. Aiden Markram has provided stability, while Rishabh Pant, after a lukewarm season, showed flashes of brilliance with a quickfire 16 in the last game.
Crucial player battles could define the game: Kohli vs Rathi in the powerplay, Marsh vs Hazlewood in the first spell, and Pooran vs Yash Dayal at the death. Historically, RCB lead the head-to-head 3–2, but form and intent may rewrite the script.
At Ekana, it’s not just about finishing the league—it’s about finishing strong.
