On Friday, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants are set to face off in a must-win IPL encounter that could determine their chances for the playoffs. RCB are aiming for a seventh consecutive away win, while LSG are hoping for a resurgence in form from their star players, hard-hitter Nicholas Pooran and skipper Rishabh Pant. 

RCB have been on an impressive run, securing six consecutive away victories. Their recent form has been boosted by all-round performances from players like Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Jacob Bethell in the batting department. While their bowling attack has been led by Yash Dayal, Lungi Ngidi and Suyash Sharma. Their consistency so far has made them a formidable side as they look to continue their winning streak and solidify their position in the playoffs.

On the other hand, Lucknow Super Giants are eager to see their key players, Nicholas Pooran and captain Rishabh Pant, return to form. Skipper Pant, who is known to play explosive innings, has had a quiet season by his standards and will be looking to make a significant impact. Pooran, who started well, has been in and out of form but remains a dangerous player capable of turning a game on its head. This clash is highly crucial for LSG to remain alive in the playoffs contention.

Head to head

Matches - 5

LSG won - 2

RCB won - 3

Royal Challengers Bengaluru probable XII: Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi/Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma

Lucknow Super Giants probable XII: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c&wk), David Miller, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Akash Singh, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Digvesh Rathi