RCB is well-positioned and can hope for a top-two finish: Saba Karim

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is only one victory away from a certain playoff berth as the IPL 2025 draws to a close. They play the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 59 on Friday at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium.

With 16 points from 11 games, RCB is now ranked second in the standings and is only one victory away from securing a postseason berth. It’s noteworthy that they want to become the first team in IPL history to win every away game in a season.

Conversely, LSG is in a must-win situation and is struggling with 10 points after 11 games. Under new captain Rishabh Pant, a defeat would mean their elimination from the competition and the end of their hopes of qualifying for the playoffs. Regarding RCB’s chances of qualifying, former Indian cricketer Saba Karim said candidly.

“RCB has a good chance of winning this match. At this point, LSG appears to be struggling; neither their bowling unit nor their hitters have clicked. “Even Rishabh Pant, their captain, has had difficulties,” he stated on JioStar.

RCB ought to force their will, as Punjab did against Delhi: Saba Karim

Karim made a point of pointing out the Bengaluru-based team’s structure and performances this season. He cited Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and other players as having been instrumental in getting the team into a comfortable position.

“RCB is capable of finishing in the top two. Tim David and Jitesh Sharma are both making valuable contributions, Rajat Patidar is a promising leader, and Virat Kohli is playing at his best. With Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya’s spin, and right-arm leg-spinner Suyash Sharma all playing well, their bowling attack appears to be powerful. You can dominate a struggling team like LSG if you want to guarantee a play-off berth and a top-two position. As Punjab did against Delhi, RCB ought to force their will,” he continued.

But entering into the game, the 2016 finalists do have some injury concerns. Mayank Agarwal has been substituted for Devdutt Padikkal, who is sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Additionally, even though Phil Salt and Josh Hazlewood practiced before the match, their availability is still in doubt. In the meantime, LSG has lost a number of games as a result of several of its players’ declining form.