LSG vs RCB Predicted Playing XI: Hazlewood returns while Patidar as captain still doubtful, Pant's X-factor Rathi available but Markram leaves camp

The final league stage of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is not a dead rubber. While Rishabh Pant's Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have nothing to lose, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have Qualifier 1 spot at stake. A win for RCB will confirm their meeting with Punjab Kings (PBKS). If they lose, they face five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI).

With Aiden Markram leaving to link up with South Africa's World Test Championship (WTC) squad, captain Pant has an option to hand IPL debut to another Proteas batter, Matthew Breetzke. Pant can open the innings as well like he did earlier in the season or hand IPL debut to uncapped Indian batter Aryan Juyal. Spinner Digvesh Rathi's return after one-match suspension is a major boost for LSG. While Akash Singh may play ahead of Shardul Thakur, Pant also has a chance to test the bench strength.

LSG Predicted Playing XI plus impact player -

Mitchell Marsh, Aryan Juyal/Matthew Breetzke, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant(wk/c), Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur/Akash Singh, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, Shahbaz Ahmed, Digvesh Singh Rathi, William O'Rourke

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There is still no clarity whether Rajat Patidar will play as an impact player or lead the side again. If Patidar plays as a batter, Jitesh Sharma will continue to lead the side. A major boost for them is Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood's return. Hazlewood is their leading wicket-taker in the season with 18 scalps from 10 games. His economy rate is impressive as well. Mayank Agarwal is likely to get another chance until and unless RCB hand debut cap to an uncapped Indian batter.

RCB Predicted Playing XI plus impact player -

Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma(wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma

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LSG vs RCB pitch report -

It is expected to be a batting-friendly track at Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. Rain is unlikely to play spoilsport. Once again, the top order of both teams will be under the spotlight.

LSG vs RCB Full Squads:

LSG Squad: Mitchell Marsh, Aryan Juyal, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, William ORourke, Akash Maharaj Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Manimaran Siddharth, David Miller, Arshin Kulkarni, Shardul Thakur, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Prince Yadav, Matthew Breetzke, RS Hangargekar, Yuvraj Chaudhary

RCB Squad: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarawal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Tim David, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Swapnil Singh, Liam Livingstone, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara, Blessing Muzarabani