EXPLAINED: Why RCB Are Playing 'Home' Match Vs SRH In Lucknow And Not Bengaluru
Photo : AP
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 65th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on May 23 (Friday). This is RCB's final 'home' game of the season and their 13th game overall. However, the match is not being played in the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Rather, it is being played at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, which is a neutral venue to both RCB and SRH.
Why RCB Are Playing Home Match In Lucknow
The RCB vs SRH match was originally supposed to be held in Bengaluru. However, the weather has been pretty inclement in the city for the past few days with consistent heavy rainfall and flooding too in some parts. The IMD had issued a yellow alert for the day of the RCB vs SRH match. Hence, the BCCI shifted the match from Bengaluru to Lucknow for favourable weather conditions.
"The TATA IPL Match No. 65 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has been relocated to the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, due to unfavourable weather conditions in Bengaluru," a statement issued by the IPL governing council stated.
FOLLOW: RCB Vs SRH Live Score
No Rajat Patidar In RCB Playing XI Vs SRH
Rajat Patidar suffered an injury to his finger in the IPL 2025 match between RCB and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The extent of the injury was such that it has been reported that he has been ruled out for the remainder of the IPL 2025. This injury is the reason that he is not playing in the regular playing XI for RCB tonight. In his place, it is Jitesh Sharma who is captaining the side
Even though he is not captaining the side vs SRH, Rajat Patidar will play a role in the match for RCB. At the toss, Jitesh Sharma confirmed that he will play in the side as an impact player, meaning that he will only come out to bat.
