IPL 2025: RCB test awaits struggling LSG

LUCKNOW: As a struggling LSG prepare to take on RCB here on Friday, they know they only have an outside chance of making it to the playoffs. Lucknow’s remaining three matches are vital, two at home and one away. Even if they win all three, they will need a lot of other results to go their way. Lucknow’s poor NRR of -0.469 could also cost them even if everything else magically goes in their favour.If Rishabh Pant’s men can simply stay alive after Friday’s tie, it will be a big boost.RCB, on the other hand, are red hot and will look to secure a playoff spot. They have enjoyed one of their most consistent seasons. Importantly, Virat Kohli has continued to pile on the runs, providing the platform for the likes of Romario Shepherd to explode at the end. One big reason for RCB’s success has been the spin duo of Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma.LSG know they will need to come up with something special. Their overseas top order has looked out of sorts and Pant has continued to struggle. Only Ayush Badoni and Abdul Samad have held their own. Luckily for them, the match will be played on a black soil surface, on which LSG have won two matches.