In this high-pressure IPL 2025 encounter between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Krunal Pandya was dismissed in an unusual manner that added to the match drama. While chasing a challenging target of 232 runs, Pandya fell victim to the rare hit-wicket dismissal. While playing an aggressive shot, Pandya accidentally dislodged the bails with his bat before he played the shot, ending his innings far, far earlier than anyone hoped and leaving RCB in dire straits in terms of overall run rate. 

This dismissal was only the 17th hit-wicket in IPL history and the second at the time in IPL 2025, showing how rare this mode of dismissal is at the apex of the sport. As a moment to notice in the match, this dismissal could not have come at a worse time for RCB, as they were already under pressure against an in-form SRH bowling attack led by Pat Cummins and Eshan Malinga. Pandya's exit further destabilized RCB's middle order and contributed to their eventual collapse and defeat by 42 runs. 

In spite of Krunal's unfortunate dismissal, the match had plenty of highlights, from Ishan Kishan's explosive unbeaten 94 to SRH's tremendous bowling performances. The hit-wicket incident, while rare, was a reminder of how even the smallest lapse in concentration or balance can prove costly in the fast-paced IPL environment.

Watch the video here

When was the last time you saw a Hit-Wicket .. courtesy Krunal Pandya.

Only HaaRCB can lose last 7 wickets in 24 balls 🫡🫡#RCBvsSRH pic.twitter.com/KPcQr1ddQR

— Atulya (@DesiMemesTweets) May 23, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 65: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Full Match Highlights

The Impact of a Rare Hit-Wicket Dismissal

Hit-wicket dismissals are easily the most odd ball way on which a batsman can get out and usually only happen when a batsman loses balance or mis-times a shot. For Krunal Pandya, who is typically an aggressive but still composed batsman, the dismissal will be both surprising and unfortunate because hit-wicket dismissals negatively impact a player's confidence and change the momentum to the fielding side.

From the context of the game, Krunal Pandya's dismissals increased the pressure on RCB's batting lineup. Therefore, with wickets falling around him, it was hard for the team to maintain the momentum they needed to chase down a big score. What transpired later was a rare mode of dismissal that in a way, symbolically captured RCB's struggles during the innings. As IPL 2025 moves ahead, players and teams will want to restrain such oddities and focus on being calm and composed under pressure in order to continue to pursue their playoff ambitions.

In Match 65 of IPL 2025, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) defeated the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by 42 runs at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. SRH set a target of 231 runs after a strong batting display, scoring 231/6 in 20 overs on a flat batting pitch thanks to a blistering 94* off 48 from Ishan Kishan, while there were plenty of contributions from Abhishek Sharma and Aniket Verma at the death towards the end, when SRH added over 60 runs in the last 5 (only 7 overs) off the bat, turning a good innings into a big target. 

RCB got off to a positive start, with Phil Salt making a quick-fire 62 off 32 with Virat Kohli scoring a run-a-ball 43 at a good pace, but RCB fell apart after losing their top order. The Sunrisers bowlers executed a disciplined and venomous bowling plan, with star Pat Cummins (3/28) and Eshan Malinga (2/37) taking early important wickets on a good pitch. The turning point for the game came in the middle-order spells when SRH choked RCB's run-scoring and forced them into mistakes. 

RCB was bowled out for 189 in 19.5 overs as scoreboard pressure and an inept middle order performing under pressure led to their demise. RCB has a long road ahead, while SRH recently has been red-hot, and they will be dangerous as we enter the final wildcard playoff race. Here are the reasons why RCB loss to SRH.

1. Powerplay Carnage by Sunrisers Openers

Sunrisers weren’t slow out of the blocks but pandemonium in the power play was instigated by Ishan Kishan and the rest of the top-order players. They treated RCB’s bowlers like they were all bowling the first three overs of IPL, hitting everything out of the park. They gave their innings some structure and consistency that allowed them loads of momentum to create 231 in total. The RCB bowlers weren’t capable of containing runs through the first six overs of the Sunrisers innings, which was a huge cost.

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 65: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Full Match Highlights

2. Underwhelming Bowling Execution

RCB’s bowlers altogether misjudged the pitch, assuming it was a 170-type pitch, and even though there were some individual pieces of good bowling, on the whole, there was a strange inability to execute consistently, especially in the death. A few bowlers, like Bhuvneshwar and Krunal, more importantly, went for over 40 runs, comfortably putting the Sunrisers above the 230 mark.

3. Middle-Order Collapse in the Chase

Despite Phil Salt and Virat Kohli getting a decent start for RCB, the middle order let them down with silly dismissals. After the power play, there were 4 more wickets taken soon with no batter being able to set their foot down hold together the innings or form a consistent partnership. The drastic middle-order collapse and ultimately a score of 42 runs short, despite a reasonable platform.

In Match 65 of IPL 2025, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) put up an impressive display as they defeated the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by 42 runs. After winning the toss and batting first, the Sunrisers made a deafening total of 231/6 in 20 overs with the help of an explosive 94 not out off just 48 balls by Ishan Kishan. While the Royal Challengers made a solid start, finishing on 189 all out in 19.5 overs,. 

Sunrisers Hyderabad Innings

Ishan Kishan was the star of the batting with an outstanding 94 not out from just 48 deliveries, along with Abhishek Sharma, who scored an aggressive 34 from only 17 balls, and Aniket Verma, who thumped 26 from just 9 balls. The Royal Challengers bowlers had no way to halt the run rate with only Romario Shepherd (2/14 in 2 overs) offering a consistently economical and effective option. The Sunrisers bowled out the remaining Royal Challengers batsmen with Romario Shepherd (2/14 in 2 overs), Krunal Pandya (1/38), and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/43) contributing with the ball, with consecutive deliveries going well, nevertheless going for plenty.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Innings

Chasing a significant total, the Royal Chargers made a very good start with good scores across the bat with Phil Salt (62 off 32) and Virat Kohli (43 off 25), directionally, but there were too many wickets that fell to put pressure on it. Jitesh Sharma tried to keep the chase alive with a score of 24 from 15, but unfortunately the rest of their batting lineup didn't offer them much alarm. Pat Cummins for the Sunrisers was again a star performer with the ball, taking (3/28) from his full quota. He was ably supported by Eshan Malinga (2/37) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (1/13 in 2 overs), who ensured the Challengers fell short of the target.

Also Read: Top 3 reasons why Royal Challengers Bengaluru Lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025 Match 65

RCB vs SRH: Post Match Reactions

Ishan Kishan (Player of the Match): Ishan Kishan praised the good opening partnership as the basis for the result. He understood that the wicket was good for hitting and wanted to set a score over 200. He concentrated on hitting through the gaps and in his hitting area because RCB has a strong batting core and would require a big score to defend. Even with the match-winning innings, he is disappointed in himself and the team for the overall season, stressing it is important to keep learning and moving forward.

Pat Cummins (SRH Captain): Cummins was happy with the complete team performance, but a bit too late in the season. He liked the return of Nitish Kumar Reddy as a sixth bowling option and praised Kishan for his strong innings. At first, they miscalculated the pitch, thinking it was a 170 wicket, but adjusted quickly. He also mentioned Malinga's consistent and varied bowling.

Jaydev Unadkat (SRH): Unadkat called it one of the best batting wickets of the tournament. "At the end of the day, it is crucial to break their rhythm through pace variation." He credited the bowlers for their tight execution, especially in the middle overs, with Malinga's work being decisive.

Jitesh Sharma (RCB Captain): Jitesh admitted Sunrisers scored 20-30 runs more than ideal, especially due to their aggressive powerplay. He acknowledged his bowlers’ effort but felt the intensity was lacking early on. While disappointed, he viewed the loss as a learning opportunity. He also mentioned Tim David’s injury was yet to be assessed and stressed the importance of self-analysis after defeat.

Also Read: When and Where to watch Indian Test team announcement?

Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers: Match Scorecard

Sunrisers Hyderabad – 231/6 (20 Overs)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru—189/9 (19.5 Overs)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are currently up against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) without their regular captain, Rajat Patidar, who is reportedly injured and sidelined for the remainder of the season but can make contributions as an impact player with the bat.

Without Patidar, RCB management sent Jitesh Sharma as their stand-in skipper against SRH at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. Sharma won the toss and decided to field first against the side led by Pat Cummins.

SRH, already knocked out of the playoff contention, and RCB, already into the round of four, the scenario makes the match a little bit pale on pen and paper, but both of the teams stepped onto the ground to confirm 2 more points. RCB needs those points to confirm their spot in the top 2, and for SRH, it is the battle for saving their pride.

Read More: ENG vs ZIM: Who is Ben Curran representing Zimbabwe in one off against England?

Sharma said about his past experience as a captain in IPL

The weather is humid, and the surface is not familiar for RCB, so Jitesh chose the safest option— bowl first to utilize most of the moisture from the pitch. The 31-year-old wicketkeeper batter has a very brief experience as a captain in the past.

 In one IPL match with Punjab Kings, Sharma was the captain against the same opponent, Sunrisers Hyderabad. After winning the toss, he said, "It's my first time captaining RCB. I captained PBKS against SRH last year. We are thinking of fielding first and want to take most of the surface from the moisture. We are looking forward to finishing the league on top of the table and entering the playoffs."

Watch the toss here

HUGE ROAR FOR JITESH SHARMA - The Craze is massive for RCB 🤯 pic.twitter.com/INLtEwLylf

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 23, 2025

In the 65th match of the IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru stunned everyone when Jitesh Sharma came to toss for his team against SunRisers Hyderabad in Lucknow on Friday evening (May 23). Here, we will know the reason for RCB regular captain Rajat Patidar's absence during the toss of the match.

While we have already got four teams for the IPL 2025 Playoffs, the battle for the first two places is still on strongly among the four teams. Royal Challengers Bengaluru are one of the favourite teams to finish in the top two places in the IPL 2025 points table. 

See Also: Good news for RCB fans: Major update on star player’s availability ahead of upcoming clash

IPL 2025, RCB vs SRH: Captain Rajat Patidar missed the toss

The Lucknow match against SRH is the 13th game for the second-placed RCB. However, RCB regular captain Rajat Patidar didn't join in the toss, while Jitesh Sharma was present at the toss, as he is leading the team in the match. 

Rajat Patidar is suffering from a hand injury, which he got during their last match against Chennai Super Kings on May 3. While there is no official statement, RCB team management may have taken a tactical decision to keep their regular skipper fresh for the Playoffs, along with avoiding any further injury scare. 

However, the RCB regular captain isn't fully out of the match against SRH. He has been added to the list of the Impact subs, so we can still see him in the game, if his service requires. He has an important role for his team to produce powerful performances in the IPL 2025, as the right-handed batter has scored 239 runs in 10 innings this season with an average of 23.90 and a strike rate of 140.58, including two half-centuries. 

Is it Jitesh Sharma's first IPL captaincy?

Meanwhile, Jitesh Sharma became the ninth RCB captain. However, it isn't his first IPL match as a captain. In the IPL 2024, he led Punjab Kings in one match, and interestingly, it was also against SunRisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad.  

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is returning with exciting cricket action, which is all set to begin on March 21, 2025. This season holds the promise of exciting matches, fierce rivalries, and memorable performances by the best cricketers in the world. Fans globally are eagerly waiting to watch and support their favorite teams. From watching television to streaming online, here is a complete guide to IPL 2025 

MI vs DC: Match Details 

•  Teams: RCB vs SRH
• Date: 23rd May, 2025
• Time: 7:30 pm.
• Venue: Ekana Stadium

DC VS MI Live Streaming  TV Broadcast by Country

ALSO READ:Australian all-rounder shares witty take on his IPL rivalry with RCB

IPL 2025, Match 65: RCB vs SRH Probable Playing XI

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Predicted Playing XI: Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell/Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (Captain), Mayank Agarwal/Suyash Sharma (Impact Player Sub), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal

SunRisers Hyderabad Predicted Playing XI: Atharva Taide/Mohammed Shami (Impact Subs), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Aniket Verma, Pat Cummins (Captain), Harshal Patel, Zeeshan Ansari, Eshan Malinga 

IPL 2025: RCB vs. SRH—Player Battles to Watch Out For

Match: Royal Challengers Bangaluru (GT) vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Date: May 23, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Ekana Stadium

Virat Kohli vs. Pat Cummins—The Indian legend meets the Aussie tactician; a classic battle of technique versus pace leadership.

Heinrich Klaasen vs. Yash Dayal—Klaasen’s explosive middle-over striking clashes with Dayal’s deceptive variations.

Tim David vs. Harshal Patel—Death-over fireworks expected as David’s raw power faces Harshal’s slow-ball tricks.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar vs Abhishek Sharma—  Swing master Bhuvi challenges SRH’s aggressive lefty with early movement.

Rajat Patidar vs. Zeeshan Ansari—RCB’s anchor up against SRH’s mystery spin; brains and footwork will be tested.

Romario Shepherd vs. Ishan Kishan—Two power-packed performers, one with the bat, the other with the ball; expect fireworks if they cross paths.

Krunal Pandya vs. Kamindu Mendis—Dual-role dynamos from both sides; their all-around show could tip the balance.

Also read: Australian all-rounder shares witty take on his IPL rivalry with RCB

IPL 2025, Match 65: RCB vs SRH Probable Playing XI

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Predicted Playing XI: Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell/Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (Captain), Mayank Agarwal/Suyash Sharma (Impact Player Sub), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal

SunRisers Hyderabad Predicted Playing XI: Atharva Taide/Mohammed Shami (Impact Subs), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Aniket Verma, Pat Cummins (Captain), Harshal Patel, Zeeshan Ansari, Eshan Malinga 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 23, 2025, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. This thrilling contest between two strong teams will be influenced by the weather and pitch conditions, which will play a crucial role in determining the result of the match.

Match Details 

• Date: May 23, 2025
• Time: 07:30 PM IST
• Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
• Win % Batting First: 47%
• Win % Bowling First: 53%

Follow for more: https://www.cricketwinner.com/

Weather Report:

Lucknow’s weather forecast for match day indicates a clear evening with no rain interruptions. The temperatures will hover around 27-30°C, making it comfortable for players and spectators. Humidity levels will be moderate, and there will be light winds throughout the match.

• Temperature: Ranging between 27°C and 30°C.
• Winds: Light breeze with no significant impact on gameplay.
• Precipitation: No rain is forecast, ensuring an uninterrupted match.
• Humidity: Moderate humidity levels (around 70%), but not extreme.

Also read: WATCH: Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma paired up for pickleball event ahead of RCB vs SRH match

Pitch Report:

The pitch at Ekana Stadium is known for assisting both batsmen and bowlers. While the surface is generally batting-friendly, pacers may get early movement under lights. The pitch tends to slow down in the second inning, making chasing slightly difficult.

• Balanced Surface: The pitch offers an initial swing for pacers while supporting stroke play for batsmen.
• Spinners’ Role: Spinners might come into play in the latter part of the match as the pitch slows down.
• Boundary Dimensions: The stadium has large boundaries, making six-hitting slightly challenging.

Also read: Good news for RCB fans: Major update on star player’s availability ahead of upcoming clash

Venue Records:

• Highest Team Total: 235/6 by Kolkata Knight Riders against Lucknow Super Giants.
• Lowest Team Total: 108/10 by Royal Challengers Bangalore against Lucknow Super Giants.
• Average First Innings Score: Around 165-170 runs.

As the league phase of IPL 2025 is about to come to an end, on May 23, 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will meet Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Match 65 at 7:30 PM IST. It will be played at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, moved from Bengaluru due to storms/floods in South India. With 17 points already, RCB has qualified for the playoffs but is now pushing to finish in the top two in order to get an advantage in the playoffs. SRH, meanwhile, has been eliminated and will be looking to end their campaign on a positive note and take RCB's momentum. 

Ekana Stadium Stats and Records

• Total Matches: 19
• Batting 1st Won: 8
• Batting 2nd Won: 10
• No Result: 1
• Highest Total: 235/6 by Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants in 2024
• Lowest Total: 108 all out by Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2023
• Highest Run-chase: 199/3 in 19 overs by Rajasthan Royals vs Lucknow Super Giants in 2024
• Lowest Total Defended: 126/9 by Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Lucknow Super Giants in 2023
• Average 1st Innings Score: 167

Weather and Pitch Report

The weather in Lucknow on May 23, 2025, will be pleasant (25-30 degrees with 50-60% humidity) with no rain expected. There will be dew in the second innings, and low humidity will favor teams chasing running hits as the ball slides and bowlers struggle for grip. Although early movement seamers would start well, it will progress into a spinning pitch and will need careful shot selection. 

Match preview 

RCB will enter this match with Rajat Patidar at the helm in full form. With top run-scorer Virat Kohli (505 runs in 11 matches) taking pride at the top, despite the injured Devdutt Padikkal, their will about Josh Hazlewood and Lungi Ngidi's replacement to support disciplined bowling from their seamers Yash Dayal and spin Krunal Pandya has been regulated. Phil Salt’s return may add depth to their top order; however, it may push Jacob Bethell out. RCB’s middle overs (7-16) have been restrictive, giving up just 7.85 runs per over.

Also Read: IPL 2025: RCB vs SRH Match 65 - A Head to Head breakdown

SRH has struggled with artifacts in bowling and has by far the worst away bowling in IPL 2025. The core of their batting, Heinrich Klausen and Ishan Kishan opening in place of Travis Head, will drive the batting, but to lose 23 wickets in the powerplay is indicative of how fragile this top order is. Lack of playoff stakes makes them underdogs, but their aggressive powerplay approach could challenge RCB’s bowlers early. RCB's team and being familiar with the not-quite home-like slower pitch, I will assume that RCB goes into the match as the favorite.

Match 64 of IPL 2025 will see Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 23, 2025, at BRSABV Ekana criket stadium, Lucknow, at 7:30 PM IST. RCB is already qualified for the playoffs and is looking to finish in the top two spots for a favorable route to the IPL 2025 final, similar to their previous seasons. SRH, out of the playoffs, are playing for pride and aim to challenge RCB’s dominance at Ekana. Historically, the rivalry has been tense, with RCB's fireworks outplaying anticipation of SRH's disciplined but fine bowling.

Head-to-Head Record

• RCB Wins: 11
• SRH Wins: 13
• No Result: 1
• Total Matches: 25
• Win %: SRH leads with a 52% win percentage (13/25) against RCB.

Key Matches: RCB vs SRH

IPL 2024, Match 41 - April 25, Hyderabad

• RCB: 206/7 in 20 overs
• SRH: 171/8 in 20 overs
• Result: RCB won by 35 runs

RCB made a strong total with Virat Kohli (78) and Cameron Green (52), while their bowling attack, including Alzarri Joseph (2/31) and Yash Dayal, did not permit SRH to chase down the total while Abhishek Sharma (44) did his best. Joseph received Player of the Match for his critical breakthroughs.

Also Read: IPL 2025: RCB vs LSG Match 65 - Ekana stadium stats and preview

IPL 2023, Match 65 - May 18, Hyderabad

• RCB: 186/5 in 20 overs
• SRH: 187/2 in 19.2 overs
• Result: SRH won by 8 wickets.

RCB's Virat Kohli century (100 off 63) sat atop a tremendous total for RCB while SRH openers Abhishek Sharma (66) and Rahul Tripathi (74*) were able to chase it down easily. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/30) earned Player of the Match for controlling and limiting RCB's scoring early. 

IPL 2023, Match 36 - April 25, Bengaluru

• SRH: 134/7 in 20 overs
•  RCB: 137/2 in 16.1 overs
• Result: RCB won by 8 wickets

Faf du Plessis (62*) and Glenn Maxwell (59) chased down SRH’s total of 134 with ease after their bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj (3/22), restricted SRH's batting. Siraj was Man of the Match for his fiery spell.