RCB VS SRH: IPL 2025 MATCH 65 PREVIEW - WHO WILL DOMINATE AT CHINNASWAMY?

RCB vs SRH: IPL 2025 Match 65 Preview - Who Will Dominate at Chinnaswamy?

RCB vs SRH: IPL 2025 Match 65 Preview - Who Will Dominate at Chinnaswamy?

Blog Article

As the IPL 2025 season progresses into its crucial final stages, all eyes were set on the highly anticipated Match 65 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). This clash, originally slated for the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, was unfortunately shifted to the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow due to unfavorable weather conditions in Bengaluru. Despite the change in venue, the contest remained a vital one, particularly for RCB, as they battled for a top-two finish in the playoffs. SRH, though out of contention, were looking to end their campaign on a high note. For those meticulously planning their IPL fantasy team prediction, understanding the dynamics of this altered fixture was key.

The Chinnaswamy Factor (and its absence)


While the match was eventually played in Lucknow, it's worth reflecting on what the original Chinnaswamy venue would have brought to the table, as it's a staple of IPL action.

  • Chinnaswamy's Batting Paradise: The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is famously known as a batter's paradise. Its short boundaries, true bounce, and generally flat surfaces lead to high-scoring encounters. First innings scores often hover around the 180-200 mark, and even 200+ totals are frequently chased down.

  • Pace vs. Spin at Chinnaswamy: While it's a batting-friendly surface, pacers who can bowl with variations and execute well at the death can pick up wickets. Spinners sometimes find assistance as the pitch wears, but often struggle to contain runs, especially with the short boundaries.

  • Dew's Influence: Like many Indian venues, the Chinnaswamy Stadium also experiences significant dew in evening matches, further aiding the chasing team.


The shift to Ekana fundamentally altered the pitch conditions and, consequently, the tactical approach.

The Actual Battlefield: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow


The match, as played on May 23, 2025, unfolded at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, a venue with a different character:

  • Balanced Pitch: Ekana is known for its more balanced nature, offering something for both batsmen and bowlers. The mixed red and black soil pitch provides pace and bounce but also offers grip and turn for spinners.

  • Chasing Advantage (Still Present): While not as extreme as Chinnaswamy, Ekana also sees a chasing advantage due to the expected dew in the second innings. This was evidenced in the match, where SRH successfully chased down RCB's total.

  • Higher Average Scores this Season: Although historically a tougher wicket, Ekana in IPL 2025 has seen some higher scores, indicating a general improvement in batting conditions as the tournament progressed.


Team Dynamics and Performance in Match 65:


Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): The Playoff Push

RCB entered this game with immense pressure, needing a victory to solidify their top-two chances. They had been in good form prior to the league's disruption, but the loss against SRH highlighted some vulnerabilities.

  • Batting Prowess: RCB's batting line-up, featuring the likes of Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Rajat Patidar, is formidable. They rely on their top order to set strong totals or anchor chases. However, in Match 65, despite a good start, they couldn't capitalize fully, losing wickets in quick succession in the death overs.

  • Bowling Concerns: While RCB has some good bowlers, their ability to defend totals, especially on pitches with dew, has been a recurring concern. In the actual match, their bowlers struggled to contain SRH's aggressive batting lineup.


Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Playing for Pride

SRH, though eliminated from playoff contention, came into this match with nothing to lose and aimed to finish their season with a strong performance. They had also recently spoiled LSG's playoff hopes at Ekana, successfully chasing a 200+ total.

  • Explosive Openers: SRH's opening pair, particularly Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, has been incredibly aggressive in the powerplay, setting the tone for huge scores. In Match 65, they once again provided a flying start.

  • Middle-Order Power: The presence of Heinrich Klaasen and Ishan Kishan (who was the Player of the Match) in the middle order gives SRH immense power-hitting capabilities, allowing them to capitalize on good starts or accelerate rapidly.

  • Strategic Bowling: SRH's bowling, led by Pat Cummins, has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in adapting to conditions and executing death bowling plans. Their pacers, even on balanced pitches, can be effective.


Who Dominated in Match 65?


In the actual Match 65, Sunrisers Hyderabad dominated Royal Challengers Bengaluru, winning by a significant margin of 42 runs. SRH's aggressive batting, especially their opening partnership and middle-order acceleration, proved too strong for RCB's bowling attack. Despite RCB getting a decent start, they lost momentum in the latter half of their innings and couldn't chase down the formidable target set by SRH. This result dented RCB's top-two aspirations, making their final league match against LSG even more critical.

Key Takeaways for Your IPL Fantasy Team Prediction:



  • Prioritize In-Form Batsmen: Regardless of the venue, in-form batsmen who can adapt to different conditions are crucial. For this specific match, SRH's top and middle-order batsmen like Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Heinrich Klaasen proved to be excellent IPL fantasy team prediction choices due to their aggressive approach and ability to score quickly. From RCB, Virat Kohli and Phil Salt remain high-scoring options.

  • Leverage the Toss and Dew: The toss is always critical, especially when dew is expected. Batters from the chasing side often have an advantage. SRH's success in chasing reinforced this.

  • Impact of Venue Shift: The shift from Chinnaswamy to Ekana changed the likely par score and the effectiveness of different bowling types. While Chinnaswamy favors extreme hitting, Ekana still allows for more nuanced batting and can offer some assistance to bowlers.

  • Death Bowling Execution: Good death bowlers, even in high-scoring games, can pick up crucial wickets and be economical. Players like Pat Cummins or Jaydev Unadkat from SRH proved their worth.

  • Differential Picks: Consider players who might not be mainstream but can deliver big points. For instance, in a high-scoring game, a lower-order hitter who gets to bat and smashes a few quick boundaries can be a valuable differential.

  • Stay Updated on Team News: Always check for any last-minute player changes, injuries, or tactical shifts, as these can drastically impact your IPL fantasy team prediction.


The RCB vs SRH Match 65, despite its change in venue, was a clear demonstration of SRH's explosive batting prowess and RCB's ongoing challenge to contain opposition scoring. This result significantly influenced the playoff picture and provided valuable lessons for future IPL fantasy team prediction endeavors.

Report this page