by The excitement continues to build as we approach RCB vs SRH (IPL 2025) Match 65, scheduled for May 23, 2025, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. This showdown features a red-hot Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) side, already locked in for the playoffs, against a struggling but dangerous Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) squad playing for pride.
Whether you’re crafting your Dream11 fantasy team or looking for match-day insights, this complete guide has everything you need.
Team Overview – Who’s Got the Edge?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
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Position: 2nd on points table
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Record: 8 Wins, 3 Losses (12 Matches)
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Key Strengths: Top-order batting led by Virat Kohli, consistent bowling attack
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Goal: Secure a top-2 finish for playoff advantage
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
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Position: Bottom half of the table
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Record: 4 Wins (12 Matches)
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Key Strengths: Explosive top order (Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Klaasen)
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Motivation: Finish strong and cause an upset
Dream11 Tips – RCB vs SRH Fantasy Picks
Wicketkeepers
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Heinrich Klaasen (SRH): Destructive and dependable, especially on batting-friendly tracks. Klaasen’s middle-order firepower and past records against RCB make him an ideal captain or vice-captain pick.
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Jitesh Sharma (RCB): A proven finisher who’s had a solid IPL 2024. Good value pick with dual-role potential.
Batters
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Virat Kohli (RCB): Over 8,000 IPL runs, 505 runs in IPL 2025 so far. A must-pick, consistent, and safe choice for captaincy.
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Abhishek Sharma (SRH): Leading scorer for SRH this season with 373 runs at a strike rate of 192.27. Also bowls useful spin.
All-Rounders
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Nitish Kumar Reddy (SRH): Steady contributor with the bat, with the added skill of medium-pace bowling. Versatile for middle-order stability.
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Krunal Pandya (RCB): A big-hitting lower-order batter with slow-left-arm spin skills. Suitable for a pitch that might aid turn.
Bowlers
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Pat Cummins (SRH): Skipper and strike bowler with a knack for breakthroughs in powerplays and death overs.
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Yash Dayal (RCB): May be a backup option but can be considered in Grand League entries.
Suggested Dream11 Fantasy Teams
Team 1 – Safe/Classic League
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Wicketkeeper: Heinrich Klaasen (VC)
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Batters: Virat Kohli (C), Rajat Patidar, Abhishek Sharma
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All-Rounders: Krunal Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy
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Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Zeeshan Ansari, Yash Dayal
Team 2 – Grand League (High Risk, High Reward)
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Wicketkeepers: Phil Salt, Ishan Kishan
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Batters: Virat Kohli (C), Atharva Taide, Abhishek Sharma
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All-Rounders: Tim David (VC), Kamindu Mendis
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Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Suyash Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel
Captain & Vice-Captain Choices
Safe Picks:
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Virat Kohli: Consistency king and top-order anchor
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Heinrich Klaasen: Dangerous against spin and pace alike
Differential Picks:
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Abhishek Sharma: High-impact powerplay player
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Pat Cummins: Wicket-taker in pressure situations
Players to Avoid
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Eshan Malinga (SRH): High economy and less effective on flat pitches
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Rasikh Salam (RCB): Struggles under pressure and inconsistent against top orders
Pitch Report – Ekana Stadium, Lucknow
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Surface Type: Red-soil pitch, known for extra bounce and being batting-friendly
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Average 1st Innings Score: 175+
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Bowling Conditions: Seamers enjoy early swing; spinners come into play in the second half
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Toss Strategy: Teams winning toss likely to bat first and post a big total
Weather Forecast – May 23, 2025
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Expected Conditions: Clear skies and dry
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Rain Threat: Minimal to none
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Reason for Venue Shift: The match was moved from Bengaluru to Lucknow due to poor weather in Bengaluru. Lucknow offers better playing conditions.
Live Streaming & Telecast Info
India
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TV Channels: Star Sports 1, 1 HD, 3, Hindi, Tamil & other regional channels
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Online Streaming: JioHotstar (Free with ads, Premium in 4K)
International
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USA/Canada: Willow TV
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UK: Sky Sports Cricket
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Australia: Fox Sports
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South Africa: SuperSport
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Middle East: beIN Sports
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Pakistan: Tapmad, Geo Super
Match Prediction
RCB come in with all the momentum—17 points from 12 games, playoff qualification in hand, and a strong squad. SRH, though out of the playoffs, have an explosive top order capable of upsetting anyone on their day.
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Win Probability:
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RCB: 60%
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SRH: 40%
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Key Match-Up:
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Virat Kohli vs Pat Cummins – An elite contest between bat and ball
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Heinrich Klaasen vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Middle-over power against seam control
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FAQs
1. When is the RCB vs SRH (IPL 2025) Match 65 scheduled?
The match is on May 23, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST.
2. Why was the match venue changed from Bengaluru to Lucknow?
Due to expected rain in Bengaluru, the match was shifted to Lucknow for uninterrupted play.
3. Who is the best captain pick for Dream11?
Virat Kohli is a safe pick due to his consistency. Klaasen is great for aggressive scoring on flat pitches.
4. What are the pitch conditions in Lucknow?
The red-soil pitch at Lucknow offers bounce and favors batters, but also allows spinners and pacers to exploit bounce and seam.
5. Where can I watch the RCB vs SRH match live?
Watch on Star Sports channels or stream on JioHotstar (Free with ads, or 4K with Premium).
