Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Prediction – 65th T20 IPL, Dream11 Prediction, Betting Tips, Playing XI, Pitch & Weather Report
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad prediction is highly anticipated, as this 65th IPL 2025 match could significantly impact the playoff standings. RCB, who have been solid all season, return to action after a lengthy break. Their playoff berth is confirmed, but a win here keeps them on course for a top-two finish. On the other hand, SRH, out of playoff contention, play for pride and momentum heading into the off-season. With nothing to lose, Sunrisers Hyderabad can still spoil RCB’s rhythm. This match takes place at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, a venue known for slow pitches, which could neutralize the batting firepower on both sides. As the cricketing world tunes in, fans are eager to know the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad prediction and see who has the upper hand in this exciting RCB vs SRH faceoff.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | RCB vs SRH, 65th Match, IPL 2025 |
| Date | Friday, 23rd May 2025 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium, Lucknow |
| Broadcast | Star Sports Network, JioHotstar App |
Team Previews
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Preview
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) enter the final stretch of the IPL 2025 league stage with a top-two finish in sight. Having already secured a playoff berth, the focus now shifts to building momentum, ironing out any flaws, and sharpening the edge for the knockout rounds. With two games left, including a crucial one against Sunrisers Hyderabad, the challenge is to stay fresh and focused after a lengthy 20-day gap in their schedule.
Season Recap and Momentum
RCB have had one of their most consistent seasons in IPL history. They’ve displayed remarkable balance between bat and ball and have shown the ability to adapt to different match situations. The team’s success can be largely attributed to the experience of their key players, complemented by a supporting cast that has stepped up when needed. Their recent two-run win over Chennai Super Kings was a high-octane encounter and a solid reminder of their resilience under pressure.
Batting Brilliance Led by Kohli
Virat Kohli has been the talisman of this campaign. The former RCB skipper has found vintage form, amassing 505 runs in 11 innings at a staggering average of 63.12 and a strike rate of 143.46. His ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a brisk scoring rate has been instrumental. In the previous match, his 33-ball 62 against CSK was a masterclass in controlled aggression.
Opening alongside him, Phil Salt hasn’t posted huge numbers but has been a tone-setter with his aggressive starts. With a strike rate north of 150 in the powerplay, Salt has helped RCB seize early momentum.
Rajat Patidar, who is leading the side in place of the rested Faf du Plessis, has been another positive. With 239 runs at a strike rate of 140.58, he has ensured that the middle order doesn’t lose momentum.
The real X-factor, however, has been Romario Shepherd. His 53* off just 14 balls against CSK was one of the most explosive innings of the season. Backed by Tim David and Devdutt Padikkal, RCB’s lower middle order is equipped to finish strongly.
Bowling: A Mixed Bag
On the bowling front, RCB have delivered solid, if occasionally inconsistent, performances. Josh Hazlewood’s injury was a setback, but the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya have helped maintain control.
Lungi Ngidi stood out in the last match, picking up 3/30 against CSK. His ability to hit hard lengths and bowl effectively in the middle overs makes him an asset. Yash Dayal has shown promise, taking crucial wickets and bowling with composure under pressure.
Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma offer spin options, especially important in conditions like the Ekana Stadium, where the pitch may offer turn. However, their effectiveness against aggressive hitters could be tested.
The challenge will be for RCB’s bowlers to adjust quickly after a long break and deliver precise execution in what could be a slow, low-scoring contest.
Fielding and Leadership
RCB’s fielding has been sharp, with players like Salt, David, and Kohli providing energy in the outfield. Rajat Patidar’s captaincy has been tactically sound, and he’s shown a calm presence in pressure situations.
Key Players to Watch
- Virat Kohli: In prime form and leading the Orange Cap race.
- Romario Shepherd: Capable of changing games with both bat and ball.
- Lungi Ngidi: Reliable in the middle and death overs.
RCB are one of the most complete teams in IPL 2025. With strong performances across departments, the only concern might be rustiness due to lack of game time. If they can hit the ground running, a top-two finish is well within reach, giving them two shots at reaching the final—a fitting reward for a consistently dominant campaign.
Sunrisers Hyderabad Preview
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) entered IPL 2025 with hopes of a turnaround season but have once again fallen short of expectations. With just four wins from 12 matches, they are out of the playoff race. However, their most recent performance against Lucknow Super Giants was a reminder of their potential when things click.
With two games remaining, including one against playoff-bound RCB, SRH have a chance to end on a high, play spoilsport, and build confidence ahead of future campaigns.
Season Review and Struggles
SRH’s 2025 campaign has been one of missed opportunities. Despite boasting a powerful lineup, they haven’t been able to string together consistent performances. Injuries, form slumps, and a lack of finishing prowess have contributed to their downfall.
Nevertheless, their recent six-wicket win over LSG gave them some respite. Chasing 206, they showed composure and aggression—a template they’ll hope to replicate.
Abhishek Sharma: The Lone Constant
Abhishek Sharma has been SRH’s standout performer. With 373 runs in 11 innings at a mind-blowing strike rate of 192.26, he’s been a one-man wrecking crew at the top. His 59 off 20 balls in the last game was brutal and set the tone early.
He’s been effective against both pace and spin and will be key against RCB’s varied bowling attack.
There’s some uncertainty around Travis Head, who missed the last game due to COVID protocols. His availability could significantly bolster SRH’s top order, especially on a tricky Ekana pitch.
Middle Order Woes
The middle order has been inconsistent. Heinrich Klaasen remains their most reliable batter after Abhishek. With 47 off 28 in the last game, Klaasen showed he still has the touch. If he gets going, he can single-handedly swing games.
Ishan Kishan, Nitish Reddy, and Kamindu Mendis have shown glimpses but haven’t consistently delivered. Their failure to rotate strike in the middle overs and build partnerships has often put pressure on the lower order.
Aniket Verma, though, has been a positive. His strike rate of 156 and quick cameos down the order have added depth and urgency in the death overs.
Bowling: Flashes of Brilliance
SRH’s bowling unit has lacked sting but has had its moments. Pat Cummins hasn’t been at his best but brings invaluable leadership. Harshal Patel has been one of the better bowlers in the squad with his variations.
In the last match, Eshan Malinga impressed with 2/28 in four overs. His ability to bowl slow cutters and back-of-the-hand deliveries on dry pitches makes him a threat.
Harsh Dubey has also stepped up recently, picking 2/44 against LSG, showing confidence to attack despite the runs conceded.
Zeeshan Ansari and Nitish Reddy have played supporting roles, often used to plug overs in the middle. However, their inability to pick up key wickets has hurt SRH at crucial moments.
The challenge for SRH will be in adapting to the slow surface of Ekana. Their bowlers need to keep lengths tight and use variations effectively to counter RCB’s power-hitters.
Captaincy and Tactical Decisions
Pat Cummins has had a tough job juggling a relatively inexperienced side. His bowling changes and field placements have been mostly on point, but execution by the players has been inconsistent.
SRH have also been guilty of making too many changes in the playing XI, which has hampered rhythm and chemistry.
Key Players to Watch
- Abhishek Sharma: SRH’s leading run-getter and the most explosive top-order batter.
- Heinrich Klaasen: Capable of turning matches if he settles in.
- Eshan Malinga: Could be a major threat on a sluggish pitch with his slow deliveries.
Sunrisers Hyderabad will look to end a disappointing campaign with dignity. While they no longer have playoff stakes, matches like these are a chance to build confidence and test bench strength. Against an in-form RCB, they will need early breakthroughs, standout performances from Abhishek and Klaasen, and disciplined bowling to compete.
RCB vs SRH Squad
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad: Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarawal, 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 Squad: Ishan Kishan (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma, Kamindu Mendis, 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
RCB vs SRH Probable Playing XI
Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
- Rajat Patidar (C)
- Virat Kohli
- Philip Salt (WK)
- Mayank Agarwal
- Tim David
- Romario Shepherd
- Krunal Pandya
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Blessing Muzarabani
- Yash Dayal
- Rasikh Dar
Sunrisers Hyderabad:
- Abhishek Sharma
- Ishan Kishan (WK)
- Travis Head
- Heinrich Klaasen
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Aniket Verma
- Harshal Patel
- Pat Cummins (C)
- Eshan Malinga
- Zeeshan Ansari
- Rahul Chahar
Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction For Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | Batter |
| Abhishek Sharma | Batter |
| Rajat Patidar | Batter |
| Travis Head | Batter |
| Philip Salt | WK-Batter |
| Tim David | All-rounder |
| Romario Shepherd | All-rounder |
| Pat Cummins | Bowler |
| Harshal Patel | Bowler |
| Krunal Pandya | Bowler |
| Eshan Malinga | Bowler |
Fantasy Analysis
- Captain Pick: Virat Kohli – consistent form, big-match player.
- Vice-Captain Pick: Abhishek Sharma – explosive strike rate and good recent form.
- Players to Avoid:
- Nitish Kumar Reddy – inconsistent with both bat and ball.
- Blessing Muzarabani – likely to struggle on slower Lucknow pitch.
Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favorite Team Today – Royal Challengers Bengaluru
RCB are the clear favorites in today’s match. They’ve got consistency, form, and match-winners across departments. Kohli is in sublime touch, and their bowling attack looks well-rounded despite some absentees. In contrast, SRH are inconsistent, and while they possess individual brilliance, they’ve failed to fire collectively. RCB’s intent to secure a top-two finish will drive them harder in this match, making them strong contenders for victory in this RCB vs SRH face-off.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru T20 History
RCB have always been a batting-heavy side with several playoff appearances.
| Matches | Wins | Losses | No Result | Ties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 273 | 130 | 137 | 6 | 0 |
Sunrisers Hyderabad T20 History
Sunrisers Hyderabad, champions in 2016, have struggled with consistency in recent seasons.
| Matches | Wins | Losses | No Result | Ties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 191 | 91 | 97 | 3 | 0 |
Head-to-Head Stats – RCB vs SRH
These two sides have had intense battles over the years.
| Matches | RCB Wins | SRH Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 11 | 13 | 1 |
SRH have a slight edge historically, but RCB have been more dominant in recent years.
Pitch Report – Ekana Cricket Stadium
The pitch at Lucknow has typically been slow and low, favoring bowlers, especially spinners. Batsmen need to apply themselves before going big. Scores between 150–170 are considered competitive here.
| City | Lucknow | ||
| Country | India | ||
| Matches Played | 20 | ||
| Matches Won Batting First | 8 (40.00%) | ||
| Matches Won Batting Second | 11 (55.00%) | ||
| Matches Won Winning Toss | 13 (65.00%) | ||
| Matches Won Losing Toss | 6 (30.00%) | ||
| Matches with No Result | 1 (5.00%) | ||
| Highest Individual Innings | 89* | M P Stoinis (Lucknow Super Giants) | 16/05/2023 v Mumbai Indians |
| Best Bowling | 5/14 | M A Wood (Lucknow Super Giants) | 01/04/2023 v Delhi Capitals |
| Highest Team Innings | 235/6 (Kolkata Knight Riders) | 05/05/2024 v Lucknow Super Giants | |
| Lowest Team Innings | 108 (Lucknow Super Giants) | 01/05/2023 v Royal Challengers Bengaluru | |
| Highest Run Chase Achieved | 177/2 (Punjab Kings) | 01/04/2025 v Lucknow Super Giants | |
| Average Runs per Wicket | 27.17 | ||
| Average Runs per Over | 8.55 | ||
| Average Score Batting First | 170.00 | ||
Weather Report
- Temperature: 32°C
- Humidity: 55%
- Rain: 5% chance – minimal threat
- Conditions: Clear evening, dew could play a role in the second innings.
Broadcast Details
- TV: Star Sports Network
- Live Streaming: JioCinema (Free)
RCB vs SRH Score Prediction
- If RCB bat first: 167/6
- If SRH bat first: 156/8
Toss Prediction
- Toss Winner: Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Decision: Bowl First (due to dew factor)
Match Prediction – Who Will Win?
Winner: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
RCB have more in-form players and greater motivation to win. Expect them to prevail in this Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad prediction battle.
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
FAQ – RCB vs SRH 65th IPL T20
Q1. Who will win today’s match between RCB and SRH?
Based on form and depth, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are favorites to win today.
Q2. What is the pitch report for RCB vs SRH?
The Lucknow pitch is expected to be slow, offering turn and bounce for spinners.
Q3. What is the head-to-head record between RCB and SRH?
In 25 matches, SRH lead 13-11 over RCB with 1 no result.
Q4. Who is the best captaincy choice for fantasy in RCB vs SRH?
Virat Kohli – He has been the most consistent performer for RCB this season.
Q5. Where can I watch RCB vs SRH live?
The match will be broadcast on Star Sports and streamed on JioHotstar.
Q6. Which team has a better chance to finish top two?
RCB, if they win both remaining games, are likely to finish in the top two.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
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