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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) suffered a significant setback in their quest for a top-two finish in IPL 2025, falling to a 42-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Ekana Stadium. Chasing a daunting 232, RCB’s batting collapsed in the final overs, leaving them stranded at 189 and sliding below Punjab Kings (PBKS) on the points table due to a dent in their net run rate (NRR). With only one league match remaining, RCB’s fate is no longer entirely in their own hands — but a top-two finish is still within reach if a few key scenarios unfold in their favour.
What RCB must do to finish in top 2 after defeat against SRH?
RCB’s path to a top-two finish is now a complex equation involving their own performance and the results of other contenders—Gujarat Titans (GT), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Mumbai Indians (MI). Here’s what RCB need to keep their hopes alive:
- Win their final match: RCB must defeat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their last league game. A loss would eliminate them from top-two contention immediately.
- Monitor other results: RCB’s destiny hinges on the outcomes of GT’s clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and PBKS’s remaining games versus Delhi Capitals (DC) and MI. If GT lose to CSK, RCB can secure a top-two spot simply by beating LSG.
- Net run rate battle: If GT win and PBKS win both their matches, RCB cannot reach the top two. However, if PBKS lose at least one of their remaining games, RCB can finish in the top two by beating LSG and maintaining a superior NRR compared to PBKS.
Also READ: IPL 2025: Here’s how Gujarat Titans can still finish in the top two after defeat against LSG
Scenarios that favour RCB in IPL 2025 points table
Several permutations could still see RCB sneak into the top two, despite their heavy loss to SRH:
- GT Lose, RCB Win: If GT lose their final game and RCB win, RCB will leapfrog GT in the standings, provided PBKS don’t win both their matches.
- PBKS slip up: Should PBKS lose at least one of their two remaining fixtures, RCB’s chances improve dramatically. In this case, a win against LSG—especially by a healthy margin to boost their NRR—could be enough for RCB to edge into the top two.
- Three-Way Tie: If PBKS, and RCB all end up with the same number of points, NRR will decide the top two spots. RCB will need to ensure their win against LSG is emphatic enough to overcome their current NRR deficit.
RCB’s first defeat away from home this season has made their journey to the top two far more complicated, but not impossible. With the playoff structure offering a crucial second chance to the top two finishers, RCB will play the last league game in IPL 2025, where they will be desperate to seize any opportunity that arises in the final round of league matches.
Also READ: Netizens react as Ishan Kishan’s blistering 94 powers SRH to a dominant win over RCB in IPL 2025
