Royal Challengers Bengaluru will aim to regain their batting momentum after an unusual collapse in their last match as they look to boost their playoff chances against bottom-placed Lucknow Super Giants in the return-leg IPL clash on Thursday.

RCB currently sit second in the standings but are level on 12 points with four other teams, making consistency crucial at this stage. They will be eager to bounce back after a four-wicket loss to Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, where their batting faltered dramatically.

In that game, RCB slumped from 79 for 2 to 96 for 6 within just three overs, eventually being dismissed for 155. Despite that setback, their batting approach this season has been built around attacking intent. Virat Kohli has been in exceptional touch with 379 runs, while Devdutt Padikkal and captain Rajat Patidar have provided valuable support.

With opener Phil Salt sidelined due to a finger injury, the onus will be on Jacob Bethell to deliver explosive starts alongside Kohli. Bethell, who impressed during the recent T20 World Cup, is expected to soon showcase his full range of attacking strokes in the IPL.

After a week-long break, RCB are likely to enter the contest feeling refreshed. In contrast, LSG are struggling at the bottom of the table, having suffered six consecutive defeats.

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They recently lost to Kolkata Knight Riders in a Super Over after a tied match and then went down by six wickets to Mumbai Indians in their previous outing. LSG’s campaign has been derailed by inconsistency, questionable tactics, and an inability to close games.

Key players such as Mitchell Marsh, captain Rishabh Pant, Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran have all struggled to find form, while constant changes in the batting order have only worsened their situation. Pant, in particular, has come under scrutiny for his performances in white-ball cricket.

LSG’s batting unit now faces a strong RCB bowling attack led by experienced pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Australian quick Josh Hazlewood. The duo has been highly effective this season, including a dominant display against Delhi Capitals, whom they bowled out for just 75 on April 27. Bhuvneshwar has been among the top wicket-takers with his new-ball success, while Hazlewood has consistently produced impactful spells.

All-rounder Krunal Pandya has also impressed with nine wickets, troubling batters with his clever variations, including an effective bouncer. Suyash Sharma and Romario Shepherd delivered encouraging performances in the previous game, though RCB’s batting collapse proved costly.

For LSG, Prince Yadav and Mohsin Khan have been the standout bowlers with 13 and 10 wickets respectively. Veteran Mohammed Shami started the season well but has struggled recently, conceding runs at a high rate.

LSG’s pace attack has particularly faltered in the death overs, often allowing opponents to accelerate, which could prove costly against RCB’s aggressive batting unit. RCB had won the earlier encounter between the two sides by five wickets and will head into this clash with confidence on their side.