How Can RCB Ensure A Top Two Finish After Abandoned IPL 2025 Match vs KKR?

Debashis Sarangi

RCB have 2 matches left in the group-stage [Source: AP]RCB have 2 matches left in the group-stage [Source: AP]

Last night, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) witnessed their first-ever washed-out fixture in the IPL 2025. Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB were scheduled to face KKR; but an incessant downpour in Bengaluru meant no play was possible until the match officials called off the game. 

The abandoned match against KKR helped RCB earn one point, taking their tally to 17 points. With two games still remaining, the perennial underachievers are eyeing for a top-two finish, so that they can get two chances to make it into the final. 

As the IPL 2025 playoffs battle intensifies, here's how RCB can ensure a top two finish in the group-stage. 

How Can RCB Finish Among Top Two Teams In Group-Stage?

To conclude the group-stage as one of the top two sides, RCB must remain unbeaten in their upcoming matches. If they emerge victorious against SRH and LSG, they will finish the group-stage with 21 points. 

GT and PBKS are RCB's biggest competitors in the race for a top two finish. Both teams have three games left and can threaten RCB's quest of playing the Qualifier 1. 

So, ideally, RCB must win their remaining games and hope for at least one defeat for both these teams. 

Match
Suitable winner for RCB
RR vs PBKSRR
DC vs GTDC
LSG vs SRHLSG/SRH
CSK vs RRCSK/RR
MI vs DCMI
GT vs LSGGT
RCB vs SRHRCB
PBKS vs DCPBKS
GT vs CSKCSK
SRH vs KKRKKR
PBKS vs MIMI
LSG vs RCBRCB

(Results RCB would like for a sure-shot top two finish)

  • Upon winning two out of their three matches, GT and PBKS will finish the group-stage with 20 and 19 points respectively, confirming RCB's top position in the points table. 
  • On the other hand, if both GT and PBKS win all three games, there'll be a toss-up between RCB and PBKS, with the team with a higher NRR claiming the second spot. 
  • Similarly, if GT lose one match and PBKS win their remaining games, then RCB and PBKS will claim the top two slots, with GT dropping down to number three in the standings. 
  • MI and DC won't be RCB's competitors, unless they lose both their games and make things complicated for themselves.