The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season delivered another captivating twist in its final league stage match, as the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pulled off a stunning upset against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Playing at their home ground, the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, LSG, already out of playoff contention, played the role of ultimate spoilers, defeating an RCB side desperate to secure a top-two finish. This dramatic encounter not only provided an enthralling end to the league phase but also significantly reshaped the playoff bracket, setting the stage for an even more intense knockout stage.
RCB’s Quest for the Top Two: High Hopes and Familiar Foes
Royal Challengers Bengaluru entered this final league game with everything to play for. Sitting third on the points table, a victory would guarantee them a coveted top-two finish, offering two chances to reach the IPL final through Qualifier 1. This would be a significant achievement for RCB, who have historically struggled for consistency and often found themselves navigating the tougher Eliminator route in the playoffs. Their journey to this point had been impressive, marked by a strong resurgence in the latter half of the tournament.
RCB’s batting lineup, spearheaded by the prolific Virat Kohli, has been a major strength throughout the season. Kohli, who had been in exceptional form, was expected to once again anchor the innings. The likes of Phil Salt and Mayank Agarwal at the top, along with the all-round capabilities of Liam Livingstone and Romario Shepherd in the middle order, provided depth and power. Rajat Patidar, despite missing out on captaincy due to injury, was listed as an impact player, a testament to his value to the team.
On the bowling front, RCB had a mixed bag. While the spin duo of Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma had been economical, their pace attack, featuring Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara, and the returning Josh Hazlewood, needed to fire to contain the explosive LSG batting lineup on a pitch that generally offers something for both batsmen and bowlers.
LSG’s Pride and Power: Ending on a High
For the Lucknow Super Giants, this match was about pride and finishing their season on a strong note. Having already been eliminated from playoff contention with six wins and seven losses prior to this game, LSG aimed to spoil RCB’s party and provide their home crowd with a memorable victory. Their previous match at the Ekana Stadium had seen them secure a convincing win against the Gujarat Titans, demonstrating their comfort and capability on their home turf.
LSG’s batting unit, while inconsistent at times throughout the season, possesses immense power and the ability to post daunting totals. Their opening pair of Mitchell Marsh and the debutant Matthew Breetzke was tasked with providing an explosive start. The middle order featured destructive batsmen like Nicholas Pooran and, most notably, captain Rishabh Pant, who had been gradually finding his rhythm after a challenging season. Pant’s ability to take the game away from the opposition in quick succession made him a crucial figure for LSG. Young talents like Ayush Badoni and Abdul Samad also provided valuable contributions.
On the bowling side, LSG relied on a blend of pace and spin. Captain Pat Cummins led the attack, supported by Avesh Khan and Will O’Rourke. The spin department, featuring the likes of Shahbaz Ahmed and Digvesh Rathi, was crucial in controlling the middle overs, especially given the Ekana pitch’s tendency to offer turn as the game progressed.
The Match Unfolds: Pant’s Masterclass and a Resilient LSG
The game began with RCB winning the toss and electing to bowl first, a common strategy at the Ekana Stadium where chasing has often proven successful. However, LSG had other ideas. Despite losing an early wicket, Mitchell Marsh and Rishabh Pant took charge, stitching together a commanding partnership. Marsh displayed his characteristic aggression, but it was Rishabh Pant who stole the show. He played a sensational innings, reaching a quickfire half-century and continuing his onslaught to bring up a magnificent century. His blistering knock, featuring powerful hits and audacious strokes, not only put LSG in a dominant position but also marked a significant return to form for the LSG skipper.
Pant’s century, combined with valuable contributions from other batsmen, propelled LSG to a formidable total of 219 for 2 in their 20 overs, a score that immediately put RCB under immense pressure. The RCB bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, with only Nuwan Thushara managing to pick up a wicket early on.
In response, RCB needed a strong start from their prolific opening pair. While Virat Kohli and Phil Salt began positively, the sheer size of the target meant they had to maintain an exceptionally high scoring rate. The LSG bowlers, buoyed by their team’s massive total, bowled with renewed confidence and discipline. They managed to pick up crucial wickets at regular intervals, preventing RCB from building significant partnerships. Despite some valiant efforts from the RCB middle order, the pressure of the chasing a mammoth total proved too much. LSG’s bowlers, particularly their pacers and spin options in the middle, executed their plans effectively, limiting RCB’s scoring opportunities and ultimately securing a comprehensive victory.
Playoff Implications: A Shift in Momentum
LSG’s victory, while a consolation for their season, had significant implications for the IPL 2025 playoffs. By defeating RCB, they effectively denied the Bengaluru franchise a top-two finish. This result meant that Punjab Kings, who had already secured their playoff berth, would now finish first on the points table, earning a direct spot in Qualifier 1. Gujarat Titans, despite their recent form, would likely finish second, setting up a clash with Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1.
For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the loss meant they would drop to third or fourth place, depending on other results. This outcome forces them into the Eliminator match, a much tougher route to the final, where they will face either the Mumbai Indians or another team vying for the last playoff spot. The momentum gained from their recent winning streak has been momentarily halted, and they will need to regroup quickly for the high-pressure knockout stage.
The LSG vs RCB match was a perfect encapsulation of the unpredictable nature of the IPL. While one team played for pride, the other fought for a crucial playoff advantage. In the end, LSG’s explosive batting, spearheaded by Rishabh Pant’s sensational century, proved too much for RCB, creating a dramatic conclusion to the league stage and setting the stage for an exhilarating playoff battle.
