Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad 65th T20 Prediction, Dream11 Team, Playing XI, Pitch Report

Related Articles

Lyca Kovai Kings vs Nellai Royal Kings 18th T20 Prediction, Dream11 Team, Playing XI, Pitch Report

24 hours ago

Texas Super Kings vs San Francisco Unicorns 10th T20 Prediction, Dream11 Team, Playing XI, Pitch Report

24 hours ago

Birmingham Bears vs Worcestershire 69th T20 Prediction, Dream11 Team, Playing XI, Pitch Report

2 days ago

In Match 65 of the IPL 2025 , Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Ekana Stadium, Lucknow . RCB have already secured a playoff spot with 17 points from 12 matches and are eyeing a top-two finish to earn an extra shot at the final. On the other hand, SRH are out of the race but have shown signs of improvement in recent games. While RCB come into this clash as strong favorites due to their consistency and form, SRH will look to play spoilers and end their campaign on a high.

Match Details Table:

Details	Information
Match	RCB vs SRH – Match 65, IPL 2025
Date & Time	Friday, 23rd May 2025, 7:30 PM IST
Venue	Ekana Stadium, Lucknow
Pitch Report	Balanced pitch; chasing teams have won 5/6 matches here
Toss Prediction	Toss likely to be won by RCB; expected to bowl first
Weather Forecast	Clear skies, humidity high; no rain interruption

Team Previews

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Preview

RCB have been one of the most consistent teams in IPL 2025, securing a playoff berth with five wins from their last six matches. They rely heavily on the batting prowess of Virat Kohli , who has scored 505 runs at an average of 63.12 and strike rate of 143.46 , forming the backbone of the innings. Phil Salt provides brisk starts, while Rajat Patidar (239 runs, SR 140.58) anchors the middle order effectively.

The lower-middle order, featuring Tim David and Romario Shepherd , offers explosive firepower, especially in the death overs. The bowling unit has had to adapt after losing Josh Hazlewood , but Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya have stepped up with crucial wickets. Youngsters like Yash Dayal and Rasikh Dar need to improve their control under pressure.

RCB’s balanced squad and momentum make them firm favorites for this match. Their predicted XI includes:

• Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Dar, Yash Dayal
• Impact Player : Suyash Sharma / Liam Livingstone

Sunrisers Hyderabad Preview

Despite being eliminated from playoff contention, SRH have found some rhythm recently, defeating LSG in their last match. Abhishek Sharma remains the standout performer with 373 runs at a staggering strike rate of 192.26 , including a blistering 59 off just 20 balls at this venue. If Travis Head returns from isolation, he could add more aggression at the top.

The middle order, featuring Heinrich Klaasen , Ishan Kishan , and Nitish Kumar Reddy , lacks consistency but can deliver if any one batsman gets going. Aniket Verma has contributed useful late runs with a strike rate over 150.

The bowling department is led by Pat Cummins , who’s regaining form, and Harshal Patel , whose variations are effective in the middle overs. Zeeshan Ansari and Eshan Malinga provide support with economical spells.

Predicted Playing XI:

• Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma, Kamindu Mendis, Pat Cummins (c), Harshal Patel, Harsh Dubey, Zeeshan Ansari, Eshan Malinga
• Impact Player : Travis Head / Atharva Taide

Favourites to Win Today’s Match:

Team	Why?
RCB	RCB are in excellent form, with a settled lineup and consistent performances across departments. Virat Kohli is in sublime touch, and their depth in batting ensures they post competitive totals. While SRH have improved lately, they lack the consistency and firepower needed to challenge a confident RCB side. RCB’s experience and momentum give them a clear edge in this must-win encounter for pride.

Fantasy Team XI:

Player	Team	Role	Reason
Virat Kohli	RCB	Batsman	In-form, consistent, anchor of the innings
Phil Salt	RCB	Wicketkeeper	Fast starter, good record at Ekana
Abhishek Sharma	SRH	Batsman	Explosive opener, quick scoring
Devdutt Padikkal	RCB	Batsman	Reliable middle-order option
Heinrich Klaasen	SRH	Batsman/WK	Impact player in SRH’s lineup
Tim David	RCB	All-rounder	Finisher, big-hitter
Krunal Pandya	RCB	All-rounder	Valuable with bat/bowl, experienced
Harshal Patel	SRH	Bowler	Effective in middle overs
Bhuvneshwar Kumar	RCB	Bowler	Experienced seamer
Eshan Malinga	SRH	Bowler	Economical bowler
Rasikh Dar	RCB	Bowler	Spin option, impact player
Impact Player	Either	Any Role	Suyash Sharma or Atharva Taide based on situation

Explanation:

This team combines consistency and match-winning potential. Virat Kohli and Abhishek Sharma offer top-order stability and explosiveness. Krunal Pandya and Tim David bring all-round value. The SRH bowlers like Harshal Patel and Eshan Malinga offer economical options, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rasikh Dar provide variety.

Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions:

Suggestion	Player	Reason
Captain	Virat Kohli (RCB)	Most consistent batter, high-scoring potential
Vice-Captain	Abhishek Sharma (SRH)	Dangerous opener, capable of quick 40+ scores

Players to Avoid in Fantasy Teams:

Player	Team	Reason
Yash Dayal (RCB)	RCB	Struggles with consistency and often leaked runs
Nitish Kumar (SRH)	SRH	Inconsistent, not delivering regularly

Team Squads

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad:

• Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Akash Deep, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Karn Sharma, Himanshu Sharma

Sunrisers Hyderabad Squad:

• Pat Cummins (c), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Aniket Verma, Kamindu Mendis, Harshal Patel, Harsh Dubey, Zeeshan Ansari, Eshan Malinga, Travis Head, Shahbaz Ahmed, Atharva Taide, Umran Malik, Washington Sundar, Mayank Dagar

Probable Playing XI Table:

Team	Playing XI
RCB	Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Dar, Yash Dayal
SRH	Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma, Kamindu Mendis, Pat Cummins (c), Harshal Patel, Harsh Dubey, Zeeshan Ansari, Eshan Malinga

Pitch Report:

• Type : Balanced surface
• Batting Conditions : Moderate scoring initially, easier later
• Spin Bowling : Average turn, helpful in middle overs
• Pace Bowling : Swing early, needs variation later
• Average Score : ~170–190
• Chasing Advantage : Chasing sides have won 5/6 matches at Ekana in IPL 2025

Toss Prediction:

• Likely Winner : Royal Challengers Bengaluru
• Preferred Choice : Bowl First — Given the trend of chases being successful at Ekana

Winner Prediction:

Team	Prediction
RCB	Strongest contender due to form, consistency, and depth. Likely to win comfortably and seal a top-two spot.