Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are set to face off in the 65th match of IPL 2025 on Friday, May 23, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Originally scheduled to be played in Bengaluru, the match was relocated due to adverse weather conditions in Karnataka.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Team Overview
RCB have already secured their playoff spot and are now aiming for a top-two finish, currently sitting second in the points table with 17 points from 12 matches. Meanwhile, SRH have been eliminated from the tournament, occupying the eighth position with 9 points from 12 games.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Team Preview
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have had a tough IPL 2025 season, managing only four wins in twelve matches. With their playoff hopes already dashed, they will now be playing for pride, aiming to end their campaign on a strong note. Despite their struggles, the upcoming match is expected to be a closely contested battle.
IPL 2025, Match 65: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Match Details
Date and Time: 23rd May, Friday, 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
Live Streaming: JioHotstar (app & website)/ Star Sports Network
IPL 2025, Match 65: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Pitch Report
The pitch at Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground favors batters, offering even pace and bounce, allowing the ball to come off the bat smoothly. As the match progresses, dew is expected to set in, making chasing easier in the second innings. Given these conditions, teams winning the toss are likely to opt for fielding first to gain an advantage.
IPL 2025, Match 65: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Weather Report
The weather in Lucknow for the 65th IPL 2025 match between RCB and SRH is expected to be perfect for cricket, with clear skies and warm conditions. The temperature is likely to hover around 35°C, ensuring an uninterrupted game.
IPL 2025, Match 65: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Toss Report
The Ekana Cricket Stadium has hosted 20 IPL matches, with teams fielding first winning 11 times, accounting for 55% of victories. These stats suggest that opting to bowl first after winning the toss could be a strategic advantage at this venue.
IPL 2025, Match 65: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Team Analysis
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Strength
RCB have been one of the most dominant teams in IPL 2025, securing a top-two finish in the league stage. Their batting lineup has been a major strength, with Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar leading from the front. Kohli’s consistency and Patidar’s aggressive stroke play have provided stability at the top. Additionally, the presence of power hitters like Phil Salt, Tim David, and Liam Livingstone has ensured explosive finishes. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, has been effective, especially in the death overs.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Weakness
RCB have faced challenges in spin-friendly conditions, with players like Tim David and Devdutt Padikkal struggling against quality spin attacks. Their middle-order stability has also been a concern, as they lack a reliable No. 4 or No. 5 batter to anchor the innings in case of early wickets. Additionally, injury concerns and over-reliance on key players like Kohli and Patidar could pose a risk in the playoffs.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Strength
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have a powerful batting lineup, featuring aggressive players like Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Heinrich Klaasen. Their ability to dominate in the powerplay overs gives them an edge in setting or chasing big targets. Additionally, Pat Cummins’ leadership brings experience and composure, helping SRH navigate high-pressure situations. Their pace attack, led by Mohammed Shami and Harshal Patel, adds depth to their bowling unit.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Weakness
SRH have struggled with middle-order stability, often relying heavily on their top-order players. Their spin department lacks a world-class wicket-taking bowler, which could be a disadvantage on slow pitches. Additionally, their bench strength remains a concern, as injuries to key players like Cummins or Klaasen could significantly impact their performance.
IPL 2025, Match 65: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Key Players
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Virat Kohli: Kohli has once again proven why he is one of the best T20 batters in IPL 2025, delivering consistent performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). His ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when needed has been crucial for the team. So far, Kohli has amassed 505 runs in 11 matches at an average of 63.13 and a strike rate of 143.46, including seven half-centuries, with a top score of 73 against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Rajat Patidar: Appointed as RCB’s captain, has showcased exceptional leadership while maintaining his batting form. His ability to control the middle order and play under pressure has been a key factor in RCB’s success. In IPL 2025, Patidar has scored 239 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 140.58, including two half-centuries, with a top score of 66 against Chennai Super Kings.
Tim David: Tim has been RCB’s go-to finisher, stepping up in the death overs to provide crucial runs. His ability to play at a high strike rate and take on bowlers in pressure situations makes him an invaluable asset. In IPL 2025, David has scored 186 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 193.75, with a top score of 50 off 26 balls. His explosive batting ensures RCB can capitalize on the final overs and shift momentum in their favor.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Abhishek Sharma: Abhishek has been in sensational form this season, consistently delivering explosive starts for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). His aggressive batting style allows him to dominate bowlers, regardless of conditions. In IPL 2025, Abhishek has scored 373 runs in 12 matches at an average of 33.90 and a strike rate of 161.88, including two half-centuries and a blistering 141-run knock against Punjab Kings, making him one of SRH’s most dangerous batters.
Heinrich Klaasen: He has struggled to make a significant impact this season despite his reputation for power-hitting. However, his ability to play all around the ground makes him a potential game-changer. In IPL 2025, Klaasen has scored 311 runs in 12 matches at an average of 34.56 and a strike rate of 148.72, with one half-century and a top score of 71 against Mumbai Indians.
Ishan Kishan: Ishan known for his fearless batting, has the ability to turn a match around in just a few overs. His aggressive approach and clean hitting make him a key player for SRH. In IPL 2025, Kishan has scored 342 runs in 12 matches at an average of 28.50 and a strike rate of 142.09, including a match-winning century (106 off 47 balls) against Rajasthan Royals. His ability to accelerate the innings makes him a crucial batter to watch in SRH’s upcoming match.
IPL 2025, Match 65: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Probable Playing XIs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) probable playing XI: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma (IP).
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) probable playing XI: Atharva Taide, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Kamindu Mendis, Aniket Verma, Nitish Reddy, Pat Cummins, Harshal Patel, Harsh Dubey, Zeeshan Ansari, Eshan Malinga (IP).
IPL 2025, Match 65: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Head-to-Head Records
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have had a closely contested rivalry in the IPL. Out of their 24 encounters, SRH has won 12 matches, while RCB has secured 11 victories, showcasing intense competition between the two teams.
IPL 2025, Match 65: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Dream 11 Prediction
Wicket-Keeper: Heinrich Klaasen, Ishan Kishan
Batters: Virat Kohli (vc), Rajat Patidar, Tim David
All-rounders: Abhishek Sharma (c), Kamindu Mendis
Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Zeeshan Ansari
IPL 2025, Match 65: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Full Squad
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) full squad for IPL 2025: Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarawal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Blessing Muzarabani, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Liam Livingstone, Swapnil Singh, Philip Salt, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) full squad for IPL 2025: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan(w), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma, Kamindu Mendis, Pat Cummins(c), Harshal Patel, Harsh Dubey, Zeeshan Ansari, Eshan Malinga, Mohammed Shami, Atharva Taide, Sachin Baby, Abhinav Manohar, Simarjeet Singh, Jaydev Unadkat, Travis Head, Wiaan Mulder, Rahul Chahar, Smaran Ravichandran.
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