Royal Challengers Bengaluru elected to bowl first against the inconsistent Lucknow Super Giants, eyeing a crucial victory in their final IPL 2025 league-stage encounter on Tuesday. With a top-two finish within reach, RCB must approach the contest with both caution and conviction, especially as the hosts will be eager to end their underwhelming campaign on a high.

The playoff equation took a dramatic turn following Gujarat Titans' successive defeats, paving the way for RCB, currently third on the table with 17 points, to aim for a coveted top-two position, something they haven't achieved since 2016. Securing a top-two spot is highly significant in the IPL format, as it grants teams two chances to reach the final. The first and second-placed teams play in Qualifier 1, with the winner going directly to the final, while the loser gets another opportunity in Qualifier 2 against the winner of the Eliminator (played between the third and fourth-placed sides).