Last Updated on 4 weeks by Charbel Coorey
It’s been a while since Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have played a match. Their last encounter was more than two weeks ago with a suspended match against LSG and abandoned match against KKR keeping them waiting.
They will now return to action in the 65th match of IPL 2025. Rajat Patidar’s team are seeking a win against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to go towards sealing a crucial top two spot. They are hot favourites to do so here, with a functioning batting lineup and efficient bowling unit performing well especially away from Bengaluru.
In this game in Lucknow, efficiency and consistency will be key for RCB again. Even though SRH have had a poor season, they have players who can cause problems on the day. A strong start with both bat and ball in the powerplay is key, before RCB’s death-overs stars will be looking to produce more of the same.
In this article, we will look at the possible playing XIIs, Lucknow pitch report, fantasy cricket tips and Dream11 Prediction for the 65th Match of IPL 2025.
IPL 2025 65th Match: RCB vs SRH Possible Playing XIIs
Phil Salt is available for selection after recovering from illness. “Rajat Patidar’s right hand (finger injury) had time to recover, making him fit to bat again. Additionally, Salt, who had been sick, got a chance to recharge his batteries and is now back at full force,” said coach Andy Flower.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 1. Phil Salt (OS), 2. Virat Kohli, 3. Mayank Agarwal, 4. Rajat Patidar (c), 5. Jitesh Sharma (wk), 6. Tim David (OS), 7. Romario Shepherd (OS), 8. Krunal Pandya, 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10. Lungi Ngidi (OS), 11. Yash Dayal, 12. Suyash Sharma
According to Sportstar, Travis Head is available for selection. “As far as I’m aware, he’s [Head] declared fit and ready to go for selection,” said SRH pace-bowling coach James Franklin.
Also, SRH may give Mohammed Shami a game as he has a good head-to-head record against Virat Kohli in the IPL: 77 balls, 107 runs, five wickets.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: 1. Abhishek Sharma, 2. Travis Head (OS), 3. Ishan Kishan (wk), 4. Heinrich Klaasen (OS), 5. Kamindu Mendis/Atharva Taide, 6. Aniket Verma, 7. Nitish Kumar Reddy, 8. Pat Cummins (c, OS), 9. Harshal Patel, 10. Harsh Dubey, 11. Eshan Malinga/Mohammed Shami, 12. Zeeshan Ansari
Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow Pitch Report and Weather
This game has been moved to Lucknow due to adverse weather conditions in Bengaluru. The average first innings score on this ground is 180.67, with the chasing team winning five of the six matches. Pace bowlers have taken 38 wickets at Lucknow in IPL 2025. Spinners have taken 21.
A hot and mostly clear night is forecast with a top of about 35 degrees.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for RCB vs SRH: Top Picks/Key Players to Watch
Top wicket-keeper picks:
- Phil Salt is expected to return and can make a big impact. SRH have taken just 18 powerplay wickets this season at an overall economy rate of 9.96.
Key batter picks:
- Virat Kohli will be itching to get back to the crease. The great batsman has struck four consecutive half-centuries (73*, 70, 51, 62) and has scores of 100 and 51 in the past two seasons against SRH.
- Travis Head’s fitness levels are in question after testing positive to Covid. Also, Head has had a quiet season by his standards. But, he can fire on his day.
Top all-rounder picks:
- Krunal Pandya has had an excellent season with 14 wickets at an economy of 8.57 and strike rate of 15.00. He will be key against Heinrich Klaasen who has been dismissed twice by left-arm orthodox in IPL 2025 at an average of 17.5 and strike rate of 125.
- Abhishek Sharma comes into this game off the back of two consecutive half-centuries. He struck a 20-ball 59 in the last game against LSG.
Key bowler picks:
- Harshal Patel is SRH’s leading wicket-taker this season with 15 at a strike rate of 15.20. Patel will be key in the death overs; he has overall figures of 1/2 off six balls against Tim David.
- Pat Cummins went wicketless in the last game against LSG on this ground. However, he took six wickets in three games before that and can contribute with the bat.
Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams
- SRH have lost 20 wickets in the powerplay this season. Their struggles in the first six overs represents an opportunity for Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
- Romario Shepherd can be a strong differential pick if RCB bats first. SRH have conceded 19 scores of 200 or more since 2022 – the most of any IPL team in this period.
- Yash Dayal has a good head-to-head record against Abhishek Sharma (see below).
- Eshan Malinga has taken the third-most wickets for SRH this season despite playing just five games. Five of his nine wickets have come with fuller deliveries, which is key at the death.
- Ishan Kishan has had a poor season. But, he has recent scores of 44 and 35. Also, he has 384 runs against RCB at an average of 29.50 and strike rate of 158.7.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy bowled for the first time this season and has improved with the bat in recent matches.
Other Stats and Important Matchups
- Head-to-head: Matches 25, RCB 11, SRH 13, N/R 1.
- Abhishek Sharma vs RCB: 9 inns, 197 runs, avg. 24.6, SR 166.9.
- Pat Cummins vs Virat Kohli (all T20s): 49 balls, 66 runs, one wicket.
- Yash Dayal vs Travis Head in the IPL: 10 balls, 21 runs, no wickets.
- Yash Dayal vs Abhishek Sharma in the IPL: 23 balls, 34 runs, two wickets.
- Harshal Patel vs Virat Kohli in the IPL: 42 balls, 72 runs, two wickets.
IPL 2025 65th Match: RCB vs SRH Dream11 Prediction
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
Option 2:
IPL 2025 65th Match: RCB vs SRH Match Prediction – Who will win?
RCB should win this match.
