IPL 2025: How Royal Challengers Bengaluru Can Still Finish in the Top Two

As the IPL 2025 league phase nears its end, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) find themselves in a tense battle for a top-two finish on the points table. Despite a recent setback against Sunrisers Hyderabad, RCB’s path to the top two is still open, though it now depends not only on their performance but also on the outcomes of other key matches in the final round of league fixtures.

RCB’s Performance in IPL 2025 So Far

Strong away performances and some high-scoring wins have marked RCB’s IPL 2025 campaign. The team has shown resilience, especially in away games, winning all six of their matches on the road at one point this season. Key players like Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Krunal Pandya have delivered match-winning performances, while the bowling unit, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, has provided crucial breakthroughs.

RCB have played 13 matches, winning 8, losing 4, and having 1 no-result, accumulating 17 points with a net run rate (NRR) of +0.255.

However, a heavy 42-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last match has complicated their route to the top two. This loss not only dented their NRR but also left them tied on points with Punjab Kings, trailing them on NRR and just behind table-toppers Gujarat Titans.

Current IPL 2025 Points Table (Top Four)

Scenarios for RCB to Finish in the Top Two

1. RCB Must Win Their Final League Match

RCB’s first and most crucial requirement is to win their last league game against Lucknow Super Giants. A loss would almost certainly push them out of the top two, and potentially even to fourth place, depending on other results.

2. Dependence on Other Teams’ Results

Even if RCB wins, their fate is not entirely in their hands. Here are the key scenarios:

1. If Gujarat Titans (GT) lose their final match, GT will remain on 18 points. If RCB wins, they reach 19 points and can finish first.
2. If Punjab Kings (PBKS) lose or draw one of their remaining matches, PBKS could finish with a maximum of 19 points (if they win both), but if they lose one, RCB can overtake them on points or NRR.
3. If both GT and PBKS win their final games, RCB can only finish second if their NRR surpasses one of the two, which is possible if RCB win their last match by a significant margin and the other teams win narrowly.

3. Net Run Rate Could Be Decisive

If teams are tied on points, NRR will decide the rankings. RCB’s NRR (+0.255) is currently behind both GT and PBKS, so a big win in their last match could help them leapfrog into the top two, especially if PBKS or GT suffer heavy defeats in their remaining games.

Why a Top Two Finish Matters for RCB

Securing a top-two spot is vital because it gives RCB two chances to reach the IPL 2025 final. The top two teams play in Qualifier 1, with the winner going straight to the final and the loser getting another opportunity in Qualifier 2. This cushion is especially valuable given the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket.

Key Players and Momentum

RCB’s success with the bat is thanks in large part to Virat Kohli’s consistent play, Phil Salt’s bold tactics, and Krunal Pandya’s flexible approach. Both Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood have hit the mark for their country when under pressure with the ball. But the team cannot afford to collapse, just like it did in the SRH match, losing seven big wickets to give away 60 runs while trying to win.

Conclusion

All things considered, RCB still has a solid chance to end up in the first two spots of the IPL 2025 points table by:

1. India won their last match in the league against Lucknow Super Giants.
2. Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, or Royal Challengers Bangalore win their final few matches in impressive ways so that the latter ends up ahead with a higher NRR.
3. The team continues to play well, use their strengths, and give a strong showing in their last group game.

Because the playoff race is extremely close, RCB knows every run and wicket taken will help their push for the top two places and their first IPL title