By Chirag - May 09, 2025 12:31 PM
The Indian Premier League 2025 playoff race is heating up, and the upcoming clash between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Friday, May 9, at the Ekana Stadium is set to be a high-stakes encounter. For Lucknow, the pressure is mounting. With five wins from 11 matches and a three-game losing streak, every remaining match is now a must-win scenario. A loss here could potentially shut the door on their playoff aspirations.
In contrast, RCB are flying high. They have notched up eight wins in 11 games, accumulating 16 points, and are one step away from sealing a spot in the playoffs. A victory over LSG would take them to 18 points and guarantee qualification.
As both teams eye a crucial win, individual performances with the bat could prove decisive. Let’s take a look at three batters who are most likely to make a significant impact in this vital encounter:
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Although Nicholas Pooran hasn’t had the best run in his recent outings, the LSG vice-captain remains one of their most dangerous batters. In the previous match against Punjab Kings, Pooran managed just six runs from five deliveries, offering little resistance.
However, across the season, the Caribbean power-hitter has been a standout performer for Lucknow. With 410 runs in 11 innings, averaging 41 and boasting a blazing strike rate of 200.98, he has already notched up four half-centuries. Given the importance of the fixture, LSG will be hoping Pooran rediscovers his form and delivers a match-winning knock when it matters most.
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Ayush Badoni has quietly emerged as a consistent performer for LSG this season. Batting in the middle order, the young right-hander has amassed 326 runs from 10 innings at an average of 36.22 and a strike rate of 150.23, including two fifties.
In their recent high-scoring game against Punjab, Badoni stood tall amidst the collapse, hammering 74 off 40 balls, featuring five fours and five sixes. With the top order struggling for runs, the onus may once again fall on Badoni to steady the ship and provide momentum in the middle overs. His recent form makes him a key figure in Lucknow’s must-win battle.
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When it comes to consistency and match-winning contributions, Virat Kohli has been at his very best in IPL 2025. The RCB stalwart leads his team’s run-scoring charts, having racked up 505 runs in 11 matches at an outstanding average of 63.12 and a strike rate of 143.46.
Kohli has compiled seven half-centuries, all of which have come in RCB victories—showing how crucial his form is to the team’s success. Notably, many of these top performances have come in away games, a trend that bodes well heading into the clash in Lucknow. His latest knock—62 off 33 balls against Chennai—was a vintage exhibition of controlled aggression.
If RCB are to cement their place in the playoffs, Kohli will likely be at the center of it once again.
The stakes couldn't be higher as LSG fight to keep their season alive and RCB aim to lock in a top-four spot. With quality batters like Pooran, Badoni, and Kohli set to feature prominently, fans can expect a thrilling contest filled with high-impact moments. Whichever side handles the pressure better—particularly with the bat—will likely emerge victorious in this pivotal IPL 2025 showdown.
Also Read: RCB vs LSG IPL 2025: Head to Head, Playing11 & AI Prediction
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