IPL 2025: LSG AND RCB AIM TO END SEASON ON A HIGH NOTE

IPL 2025: LSG and RCB Aim to End Season on a High Note

IPL 2025: LSG and RCB Aim to End Season on a High Note

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As the league stage of IPL 2025 draws to a thrilling close, all eyes turn to the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. On Tuesday, May 27th, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will host Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 70. While the stakes are dramatically different for these two franchises, both will be aiming to end their campaign on a high, setting the stage for a captivating encounter that will also impact the Best IPL fantasy league strategies.

RCB's Fight for the Top Two: A High-Stakes Battle


For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, this match is nothing short of a must-win. They are firmly in the race for a crucial top-two finish in the playoffs. Securing one of these coveted spots provides a significant advantage: two opportunities to reach the final, playing in Qualifier 1. Having recently lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad at this very venue, RCB will be desperate to bounce back and solidify their position.

  • Motivation at its Peak: Expect RCB to play with an intensity befitting a virtual knockout game. Their star players, including Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Rajat Patidar, will be under immense pressure to perform and deliver match-winning contributions. The collective desire to avoid the longer, more perilous route through the Eliminator will fuel their every move.

  • Momentum Building: A strong victory here would not only secure their playoff standing but also build crucial momentum heading into the knockout stages. This psychological advantage can be invaluable in high-pressure matches.

  • Addressing Recent Setbacks: Their recent loss to SRH at Ekana will serve as a stark reminder of the challenges the pitch can present. RCB will need to meticulously analyze their previous performance and adapt their strategies, especially concerning their bowling in the latter half of the innings and their ability to chase effectively on a potentially dew-laden surface.


LSG's Quest for a Strong Finish: Pride and Future Planning


For Lucknow Super Giants, the narrative is different. With 12 points from 13 games, they are officially out of playoff contention. However, this doesn't diminish the significance of their final league match. Playing in front of their home crowd, LSG will be driven by a strong desire to finish the season with a victory and salvage some pride.

  • Playing for Pride and Fans: A win at home, even if it doesn't impact their playoff fate, is essential for team morale and to reward their loyal supporters who have turned up throughout the season.

  • Testing Bench Strength for IPL 2026: With the immediate pressure off, LSG has a valuable opportunity to test their bench strength. This could mean giving game time to promising youngsters who have been on the sidelines, assessing the performance of overseas players who haven't had consistent chances, or trying out new combinations. Reports suggest that Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram might be leaving for national duties, which further opens doors for players like David Miller (if available) or uncapped Indian talent. This data will be crucial for their retention strategies and auction plans for the next season.

  • Identifying Core Players: For players like Nicholas Pooran and captain Rishabh Pant, this match is a chance to end the season on a strong individual note, reaffirming their value to the franchise. Their performances will be closely watched for leadership and game-changing abilities.

  • Learning and Adapting: LSG's management and coaching staff will use this match as a learning experience, experimenting with strategies and roles to identify areas for improvement for the upcoming IPL season.


The Ekana Pitch: A Balanced Battlefield Dictated by Dew


The pitch at the Ekana Cricket Stadium is known for its balanced nature, offering something for both batsmen and bowlers. However, the prevailing factor in evening games is almost always dew.

  • Pace and Spin: The mixed-soil pitch provides decent pace and bounce for fast bowlers, while also offering grip and turn for spinners. This means a well-rounded bowling attack is essential.

  • The Dew Factor: As the evening progresses, dew sets in, making the ball slippery. This makes it challenging for bowlers, particularly spinners, to grip and control the ball. Conversely, it aids the batting side, allowing the ball to skid onto the bat more easily, making run-chases more manageable. Historically, the chasing team has a significant advantage at Ekana, winning 11 out of 21 IPL matches. In IPL 2025, 5 out of 6 matches at this venue have been won by the team batting second.

  • Toss is Key: The captain winning the toss will almost certainly opt to bowl first, hoping to exploit the drier conditions in the first innings and then chase under the beneficial effects of dew.


Implications for Your Best IPL Fantasy League Strategies:


For those meticulously crafting their Best IPL fantasy league strategies on Vision11, understanding these dynamics is vital:

  • Prioritize Chasing Batsmen: Given the strong historical trend of chasing teams winning at Ekana due to dew, prioritize top-order batsmen from the team that wins the toss and opts to bowl first. Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Rajat Patidar (if RCB are chasing) are prime candidates.

  • In-Form RCB Players: As RCB has high stakes, their key performers are more likely to deliver under pressure. Focus on their consistent run-scorers and reliable wicket-takers.

  • LSG's X-Factors: While LSG's motivation is different, players like Nicholas Pooran can explode at any moment. If LSG gets a chance to bat second, Pooran could be a differential vice-captain pick. Keep an eye on any new players LSG might field due to bench testing – they could be surprise fantasy points earners.

  • Bowling Balance: Don't neglect bowlers. A well-rounded attack is needed on this pitch. Include pacers who can pick up early wickets (e.g., Josh Hazlewood if he plays for RCB) and spinners who can be economical in the initial overs (e.g., Ravi Bishnoi from LSG).

  • Watch the Toss Closely: This is perhaps the single most important factor. Wait for the toss to finalize your team. Adjust your captaincy and vice-captaincy based on who is chasing.

  • Team News: Pay close attention to any last-minute team changes, especially from LSG, given the potential for player departures for national duties.


The LSG vs RCB encounter, despite LSG's playoff elimination, promises a compelling contest. Both teams have valid reasons to perform at their best, making it a crucial fixture for both on-field results and the execution of the Best IPL fantasy league strategies.

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