Rajat Patidar-led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to clash with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Stadium on Friday, May 9, in a crucial encounter for both franchises. A loss for LSG in this match would spell their exit from the tournament, adding significant pressure to their performance. Meanwhile, the RCB side, who are currently reigning supreme at the top of the IPL 2025 points table, will be aiming for a win which will ensure their spot in the playoffs.
Josh Hazlewood set to return to RCB playing XI in clash against LSG
Ahead of this crucial fixture, the three-time finalists Royal Challengers Bengaluru, have received a massive boost with the expected return of their leading wicket-taker this season Josh Hazlewood to the playing XI against LSG. Hazlewood had notably been absent from their important match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), with reports indicating a shoulder injury. While the team management had not provided a specific timeline for his recovery, a report from Business Standard has hinted that Hazlewood is slated to return for the game against Lucknow Super Giants.
Josh Hazlewood has been a key player for RCB this season, having claimed 18 wickets in 10 innings with an economy rate of 8.44. Consequently, Lungi Ngidi, who stepped in for Hazlewood in the match against CSK and took three wickets, is likely to make way for the Australian pacer's return in the upcoming game against LSG.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have encountered a significant setback with the news that their star batter, Devdutt Padikkal, has been ruled out for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season. Padikkal will be sidelined due to a right-hamstring injury, and the franchise has announced Mayank Agarwal as his replacement in the squad.
Mayank Agarwal has been brought in by RCB for a sum of INR 1 crore. Regarding Devdutt Padikkal's contribution this season, he has had a commendable run, scoring 247 runs which included two half-centuries. Padikkal played several impactful innings that contributed to the team's success and even earned praise from Virat Kohli for his valuable performances.
While RCB are just one win away from sealing their playoff spot, LSG are precariously placed at seventh spot in the standings with five wins against six defeats