LSG vs RCB Live Score, IPL 2025: RCB eye top-two finish as LSG look to end on a high
LSG vs RCB Live Score, IPL 2025: The stakes are sky-high as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a decisive IPL fixture in Lucknow. For RCB, the equation is straightforward: win the game, and secure a top-two finish in the league standings. But the path isn't without its complications. RCB suffered a significant defeat at this very venue recently against Sunrisers Hyderabad, raising questions about their adaptability. However, that loss remains their only blemish outside their home ground of Chinnaswamy Stadium. With the playoffs set to be played across Lucknow, Mullanpur, and Ahmedabad, RCB will be keen to shake off any psychological baggage and reassert their dominance.The inclusion of Josh Hazlewood, returning from a shoulder injury, is a massive boost to their pace attack. If he's not risked, Zimbabwe's Blessing Muzarabani might make his debut. Rajat Patidar's form dip and fitness are concerns, but Virat Kohli's excellent track record against LSG pacers—particularly Shardul Thakur and Avesh Khan could prove pivotal.LSG, already out of playoff contention, are playing for pride. Their victory over Gujarat Titans broke a four-match losing streak, and finishing their campaign with a home win would be a morale-lifting conclusion. While Aiden Markram's absence due to national duty is a blow, it opens doors for promising domestic talent like Aryan Juyal. Rishabh Pant, slowly finding form after a quiet restart to the season, will be key again his sixes in the last match served as a reminder of his match-winning prowess.Tactically, LSG's strength against spin will be tested against an RCB spin unit that recently came under fire. LSG have scored the most runs and lost the fewest wickets to spin this season, making this a fascinating mini-battle. Meanwhile, pitch conditions whether black or red soil is expected to impact scoring rates and power-hitting feasibility, especially given the long boundaries and persistent heat.Historically, RCB lead the head-to-head 3-2, including a victory at this venue in 2023. With RCB pushing for playoff security and LSG eager to spoil the party, expect a spirited and possibly explosive contest that could shape the final IPL standings.
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The Hindu
39 minutes ago
- The Hindu
When triumph turned into tragedy
On June 3, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) claimed its maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. When Virat Kohli announced that night that celebrations would extend to Bengaluru the next day, the atmosphere turned electric. Fans in Bengaluru celebrated with gusto the entire night, with firecrackers and full-throated chants and slogans. The wait for the title for 18 long years led to a burst of emotions and joy. What added to this excitement and the hurry to celebrate immediately was the imminent departure of Kohli the next day to London. Unheeded advice What was missing in this tremendous build-up to the victory parade was a calm and rational response from the administrative arm of the government. Amid the frenzy, according to reports, the Police Commissioner, B. Dayananda, rightly advised restraint and suggested that the celebrations be held a few days later. But the government allegedly did not listen to his advice. There there is no clarity yet on why this was the case. It is well known that any State government would like to cash in on such an event for political gains. This government was clearly no different. A Police Commissioner can directly talk to top hierarchy of the government. He should have got a clear 'yes' or 'no' from the Chief Minister. If the Chief Minister wanted to go ahead with the function, the police would have had no choice but to make the arrangements. What actually seems to have happened is that no one took a clear decision. Thus the celebrations in the crowded metropolis were ill-conceived and the messaging unclear, which became a recipe for disaster. It was clear that the State government made the event look like a State function. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar went to the airport to receive the champions. The government invited the team to Vidhana Soudha, the seat of State Legislature and Secretariat. There, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and and Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot congratulated the team. Another function was held for fans at the Chinnaswamy Stadium and Mr. Shivakumar was present at that event. The function at Vidhana Soudha gave the public adequate time to throng the stadium. More than 2 lakh people reportedly congregated at the gates, leading to the stampede that claimed 11 lives. The police were clearly overwhelmed by the sheer numbers and the lack of medical and other facilities. According to reports, the passes or tickets that were to be given to fans to go inside the stadium were to be given near the gates. Communication completely collapsed. It was claimed that news of the stampede did not reach the venue of the function. The celebrations inside the stadium happened even after tragedy unfolded outside. Where were the officials? It was surprising that Mr. Dayananda was finally suspended. After all, he was the one who had apparently warned the government against holding the function at such short notice. After being out on the streets the entire night of June 3-4, the police force was hardly in a position to make arrangements for a massive victory parade of the RCB team. It is also surprising that the Chief Minister did not have the correct picture of the potential consequences of holding such massive celebrations the next day. The Intelligence chief is mandated to give such information and assessment beforehand. In this case, a massive crowd at the stadium was expected. What were the Home Secretary and Chief Secretary doing? They too must have been aware of the impending law-and-order situation surely? And what about the head of the force — the Director General of Police? Should he not have taken a stand? So, is the Police Commissioner the fall guy? Support has been pouring in for him on social media for advising the government correctly. Not one Minister has been able to give a justifiable, logical argument as to why this happened or how it was allowed to happen. We also need to ask why the government chose to be associated with this programme. This is not the Karnataka Ranji Team. It is a cricket league run by a private franchise. During the IPL, a couple of cricket teams owned by rich people select players through an auction. Money pours in from advertisers and sponsors because the public loves to see sixes flying all over the stadium. Yet the cricket mania seems to have gripped politicians too. By holding a State function and having politicians meet the players elevated this championship victory to a much higher status. The RCB management and the Karnataka State Cricket Association clearly took advantage of the government's indecision and went ahead with their plans to glorify themselves and market their achievements. The police have said that they did not grant permission for a victory parade, but the RCB management took to social media on the morning of June 4 and announced a victory parade nevertheless. The State government ignored the advice of the key official and joined in the premature celebrations. Worse, instead of owning up to it and asking one of its own to resign, it suspended the Police Commissioner, holding him solely responsible for the tragedy. As usual, the government has constituted a one-man judicial commission to probe the tragedy. As the commission goes about its work, the real issues — the unforgivable lapses in administration — will remain obfuscated and slowly get buried in the sands of time. Yashovardhan Azad, IPS officer (retd.), is former Central Information Commissioner; former Special Director, Intelligence Bureau; and former Secretary, Security, Government of India
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Prithvi Shaw Is Back! Star Batter Smacks 75 From 34 Balls In T20 Mumbai
Last Updated: Shaw opened the innings for North Mumbai Panthers on Sunday and, with the help of 12 fours and three sixes, scored 75 runs from 34 balls. Prithvi Shaw is back with a bang! The 25-year-old right-handed batter from Mumbai, who went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auctions last year, hammered 75 runs from just 34 balls for North Mumbai Panthers in the T20 Mumbai match played against Triumphs Knights MNE on Sunday, June 8. Shaw opened the innings for North Mumbai Panthers at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai and smacked 12 fours and three sixes during his stay at the crease. He added 62 runs for the second wicket with Arjun Jaiswal (9 from 12 balls) and 30 runs for the third wicket with Harshal Jadhav (46 runs from 30 balls) before being sent back to the pavilion by Suryansh Shedge on the fifth ball of the 10th over. Shaw's attacking show with the bat helped his team post a total of 207 runs on the board for the loss of six wickets, which in the end proved to be enough to win the match. Shaw, who has played five Tests, six ODIs and one T20I for India since making his international debut against the West Indies in October 2018, overall has 137 runs to his name in five matches played so far in T20 Mumbai 2025. Shaw kicked off the season by scoring 5 runs from four balls in the match which his team lost by 40 runs against NaMo Bandra Blasters at Wankhede Stadium on June 4, and in the next fixture against SoBo Mumbai Falcons, Shaw made 5 runs from 11 balls, and his side once again suffered a defeat, this time by nine wickets. In North Mumbai Panthers' third match of the season, Shaw made 33 runs from 23 balls with the help of four fours and one six and helped his side secure a five-wicket win over ARCS Andheri at Wankhede Stadium on June 6. In the rain-hit match played between North Mumbai Panthers and Shams Mulani-led Aakash Tigers MWS on June 7, Shaw scored 19 runs from 12 balls but failed to help his side avoid defeat by 22 runs. Shaw's team finished fourth in the league stage and will now face SoBo Mumbai Falcons in the second semifinal match of T20 Mumbai on June 10 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Star Indian batter Shreyas Iyer is part of the SoBo Mumbai Falcons team. First Published:
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Indore Pink Panthers has firepower to lift the trophy, says skipper Iyer
Indore: With the Madhya Pradesh League 2025 commencing in just two days, , who takes over leadership duties this season for Indore Pink Panthers, believes that while the team has the firepower to lift the trophy. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "We have the ingredients to be champions. But temperament, not just talent, decides the outcome. If we handle pressure well, we'll be right in the race. Our aim is clear—we're playing to lift the trophy," said Venkatesh Iyer, as he prepares to lead Indore Pink Panthers. With a refreshed squad and a focused strategy, the team is looking to make a strong impact in the tournament, scheduled to be held in Gwalior from June 12 to 24. Iyer, India all-rounder and KKR vice-captain in IPL 2025, takes over as captain from Rajat Patidar in what marks a new chapter for the team. "The basic plan is always to win," Iyer told TOI. "But I've played enough cricket to understand that in a tournament like this, success comes from taking one game at a time. My first priority is to ensure every player aligns their personal goals with the team's larger mission." Calling it a "special honour" to lead his hometown team, Iyer said, "For any cricketer, it's a dream to play in front of packed stadiums. MPL has become a platform that allows young cricketers from across the state to live that dream. " This season brings a near-complete overhaul of the Panthers' line-up, with only three players retained from the previous edition. IPL pacer Kulwant Khejroliya (Gujarat Titans) has joined the squad, adding firepower to the bowling unit. The franchise has also introduced emerging talents like all-rounder Siddhant Agarwal and wicketkeeper-batter Mehfooz Patel, both nurtured through the team's Player Development Program in collaboration with MPL. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Talking about Madhya Pradesh's cricketing rise, Iyer credited the growing seriousness around domestic cricket. "Today, teams take us seriously. The mindset in Ranji and Mushtaq Ali tournaments is to win. A lot of that shift is thanks to Chandrakant Pandit sir's leadership and discipline. MP cricket is no longer underestimated."
