RCB players in the game against SRH (Source: AP Photos)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have played good cricket this season, but a loss to SRH by 42 runs has dented their chances of finishing in top-2 of the points table of IPL 2025. The teams that finish in top-2 would play Qualifier 1 and will get an extra chance to make it to the final. Thus, taking one of those positions is crucial for all the teams, and here is how RCB can achieve it after their big loss to SRH.
Scenarios For RCB To Finish In Top-2
- RCB are currently at 17 points in 13 matches and need to win their final game to make it to the top-2. However, it might not be enough, as they will reach a maximum of 19 points while GT, PBKS can go past their tally if they win their remaining matches.
- RCB's net run-rate of 0.255 is now lower than Punjab Kings' 0.389 after their loss to SRH by 42 runs. Thus, firstly, they can make it to top-2, if they win the final game and Punjab Kings lose both the games.
- Secondly, if GT lose their final game and RCB win their last, they can make it to top-2 even if Punjab Kings win their both games. RCB can also play Qualifier 1 if Punjab Kings win one and lose one of their games. However, for that to happen, RCB would need to take their net run-rate over Punjab Kings.
- If RCB lose their final game, they cannot qualify for the playoffs as GT already have 18 points in their kitty and MI will play their last game against Punjab Kings. Thus, the winner of that game will move over 17 points, and in that case, RCB would have to play Eliminator.
Therefore, the loss to SRH have made things tricky for RCB, and they need to make a strong comeback in the next match against LSG on May 27.
