Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continued their relentless march towards a maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title with a dominant six-wicket victory over Lucknow Tremendous Giants (LSG), sealing a top-two end within the league stage and reserving their place in Qualifier 1 on Could 29.
RCB’s assertion win and historic away streak propel them to IPL 2025 Playoffs
Chasing a mammoth 228-run goal of their last league fixture on the Ekana Cricket Stadium, RCB showcased their batting depth and composure beneath strain, guaranteeing they enter the playoffs with confidence and momentum on their aspect. With the triumph in Lucknow, RCB turned the primary group ever to win all seven of their away matches in a single season beneath the home-and-away format. It’s a testomony to their adaptability, unity, and tactical sharpness throughout numerous taking part in circumstances.
RCB concluded the league stage with 19 factors , tied with Punjab Kings (PBKS), however settled for second place resulting from a slightly decrease internet run price (+0.30). This marks RCB’s highest league end for the reason that 2016 season, after they ended as runners-up. An enormous a part of this success has been the type of their top-order batters, significantly Virat Kohli, who just lately crossed 9,000 T20 runs for RCB, additional extending his stature because the franchise’s all-time legend.
Kohli has led the run-scoring charts for RCB this season, amassing 602 runs in 13 innings at a mean of over 60, a significant cog within the group’s marketing campaign. As they put together to face PBKS in Qualifier 1, RCB shall be banking on this newfound steadiness, combining explosive batting with efficient bowling choices. It’s a conflict that guarantees fireworks, particularly with each groups having crossed the 200-run mark on a number of events this season.
Additionally READ: IPL 2025: RCB star Jitesh Sharma earns Suryakumar Yadav’s admiration with his heroic knock against LSG
Qualifier 1: Former RCB head coach urges two essential change vs Punjab Kings
Former RCB head coach Sanjay Bangar has weighed in with essential insights forward of the all-important IPL 2025 Qualifier 1, suggesting strategic modifications to strengthen RCB’s lineup. Talking on Star Sports activities present, recognizing PBKS’s formidable batting prowess, Bangar emphasised the necessity for Bengaluru to bolster their bowling unit by making two calculated modifications. Bangar advocated for the inclusion of Nuwan Thushara rather than England all-rounder Liam Livingstone, citing the latter’s poor kind all through the season.
In line with Bangar, his presence may very well be pivotal towards a PBKS aspect that has crossed the 200-run mark a minimum of six instances this season, typically dominating in powerplay and dying overs. The second suggestion was to exchange West Indian all-rounder Romario Shepherd with Australian finisher Tim David, who alongside Josh Hazlewood missed the earlier match resulting from damage however is predicted to be match for the playoffs
“Livingstone, who’s taking part in as an abroad batter, shouldn’t be scoring runs. So, make your bowling completely sturdy. Play Thushara rather than Livingstone. Then the bowling will grow to be unbelievable. Then Phil Salt, Thushara, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David for Romario Shepherd. I really feel that mixture might be made. The Punjab Kings is towards them and i believe Punjab have crossed 200 six or seven instances this season,” Bangar mentioned.
Regardless of being a high-profile INR 8.75 crore signing, Livingstone has solely mustered 87 runs and brought two wickets in eight matches, failing to make a significant impression in both self-discipline. In distinction, Thushara impressed on debut towards LSG, the place he bowled economically and confirmed nice composure beneath strain. Shepherd conceded 51 runs in 4 overs towards LSG, exposing RCB’s vulnerability within the dying overs with an financial system of 12.75.
Additionally WATCH: IPL 2025: Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma light up Ekana with flying kisses after RCB’s historic triumph vs LSG
