The 65th match of IPL 2025 is set to witness Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 23. The clash once scheduled for Bengaluru, has been shifted to Lucknow due to weather forecast.
RCB are enjoying a stellar season, having already secured a spot in the playoffs. Currently placed second on the points table with 8 wins in 12 matches, the team is eyeing its maiden IPL title. Their dynamic opener Phil Salt is expected to return after recovering from injury, further boosting an already in-form batting lineup that has delivered consistently with back-to-back stellar performances. On the bowling front, Josh Hazlewood has led the attack with precision, while young Suyash Sharma has impressed with his economical spells.
Meanwhile runner ups of previous edition, SRH who came into the season with high expectations, have been knocked out of the playoff race after a disappointing campaign. Despite boasting an explosive batting lineup featuring Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Heinrich Klaasen, the trio failed to deliver in key moments when the team needed them most. With their hopes dashed, SRH now have nothing to lose and could look to play the role of party spoilers against a confident and playoff-bound RCB side.
RCB vs SRH Head-to-Head record
Matches Played: 25 | RCB won: 11 | SRH won: 13 | No result: 01
RCB vs SRH Match Details
- Date & Time: May 23, 7:30 pm IST/ 02:00 pm GMT
- Venue: Ekana Stadium, Lucknow
Ekana Stadium Pitch Report:
The Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow has developed a reputation for being slightly more favorable to teams batting first, especially in day-night matches. The pitch tends to be dry and slow, offering grip for spinners and making stroke play challenging as the innings progresses. Batters who settle in early can post competitive totals, but chasing under lights becomes tricky due to variable bounce and spin. The outfield is fast, so timing the ball well is still rewarding. Teams winning the toss often opt to bat first to make the most of the better batting conditions early on.
RCB vs SRH Weather Report
The weather at Ekana Stadium is expected to be slightly hot with strong winds, creating challenging conditions for fielders and bowlers. There is a 13% chance of rain and a 3% probability of thunderstorms. The humidity levels may rise as the evening progresses, which could test the players’ stamina. The breeze may also aid swing bowlers early on, while spinners could find some grip later due to the dry surface. Overall, the weather remains mostly clear with brief spells of wind.
RCB vs SRH Dream11 Prediction Picks
- Wicketkeepers: Henrich Klaasen, Ishan Kishan
- Batters: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Aniket Verma, Tim David
- All-rounders: Abhishek Sharma, Krunal Pandya
- Bowlers: Eshan Malinga, Suyash Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar
RCB vs SRH Dream11 Captain and Vice Captain
- Choice 1: Virat Kohli (c), Abhishek Sharma (vc)
- Choice 2: Krunal Pandya (c), Ishan Kishan (vc)
RCB vs SRH Dream11 Prediction Backups
Pat Cummins, Lungi Ngidi, Nitish Reddy, Jitesh Sharma
Also READ: RCB signs Jacob Bethell’s temporary replacement for remaining IPL 2025
RCB vs SRH Dream11 team for today’s match (May 23, 2:00 pm GMT):
Squads:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Pat Cummins (c), Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klassen, Nitish Reddy, Ishan Kishan, Mohammad Shami, Harshal Patel, Rahul Chahar, Harsh Dubey, Atharva Taide, Abhinav Manohar, Simarjeet Singh, Zeeshan Ansari, Jaydev Unadkat, Kamindu Mendis, Aniket Verma, Eshan Malinga, Sachin Baby, Wiaan Mulder
