RCB vs SRH Playing 11, IPL 2025: Bengaluru vs Hyderabad Predicted Lineups, Team News

RCB vs SRH: Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to resume their IPL 2025 journey with a clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Match 65 of the tournament. The encounter is scheduled for Friday, May 23, at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

Interestingly, this fixture was originally slated to take place in Bengaluru but was shifted due to persistent bad weather affecting South India.

Under Rajat Patidar's leadership, RCB have already secured their place in the playoffs, thanks to Gujarat Titans' win over Delhi Capitals. With 17 points to their name and positioned second on the points table, Bengaluru will be eager to notch up wins in their remaining two league matches.

A top-two finish would earn them a spot in Qualifier 1 and provide an extra chance to make it to the final.

Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad, last season's runners-up, have had a disappointing run this year and have already been knocked out of the playoff race. Despite their early exit, they will aim to finish the season on a positive note.

With nothing to lose, SRH will look to play fearless cricket in their remaining fixtures and potentially disrupt RCB's push for a top-two spot. Their morale will be boosted by a recent victory over Lucknow Super Giants, and they'll hope to carry that momentum forward.

RCB vs SRH Team News, Injury Update

Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Travis Head has returned a positive COVID-19 test result ahead of their recent fixture against Lucknow Super Giants, putting his participation in the upcoming match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in doubt. His availability will depend on further health assessments and recovery progress.

In a positive development for RCB, Rajat Patidar is expected to be back in contention for the playing XI. The batter had suffered a hand injury before the IPL break but is now believed to be fit and ready for selection ahead of their crucial fixture.

RCB vs SRH Key Players

With Josh Hazlewood sidelined, the responsibility of spearheading Royal Challengers Bengaluru's bowling unit may fall to veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Interestingly, Bhuvneshwar will be facing off against his former franchise, Sunrisers Hyderabad-a side he served loyally for over a decade until 2024. The seasoned campaigner has already surpassed his wicket tally from last season, taking 12 wickets this time around despite featuring in six fewer matches.

On the Sunrisers' side, young pacer Eshan Malinga has quietly made a strong impact. Despite appearing in just five matches, he is currently the team's third-highest wicket-taker, trailing only Harshal Patel (15 wickets) and captain Pat Cummins (13 wickets). His efficiency stands out, with only Jaydev Unadkat posting a better strike rate. Malinga's knack for striking with the fuller-length delivery is evident-five of his nine wickets have come using that length, highlighting his effectiveness with the new ball.

RCB vs SRH Playing 11: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Predicted Lineups

RCB Predicted XI: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma.

Impact Sub: Rasikh Salam

SRH Predicted XI: Atharva Taide, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Kamindu Mendis, Aniket Verma, Nitish Reddy, Pat Cummins, Harshal Patel, Zeeshan Ansari, Eshan Malinga.

Impact Sub: Harsh Dubey