What does RCB need to do to secure a top-two finish in IPL 2025?
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has entered its final stretch, and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are still in the hunt for a top-two finish. However, their hopes took a significant hit after a heavy loss to SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Friday, May 23. With only two matches left in the league stage, RCB must now rely on other results going their way to secure a top-two finish.
As it stands, RCB are currently third in the points table with 14 points from 12 matches, while Gujarat Titans (GT) and Punjab Kings (PK) are ahead of them with 16 and 15 points, respectively. To finish second, RCB must now rely on other teams losing and their own results going their way.
So, what does RCB need to do to secure a top-two finish in IPL 2025? Let’s break it down.
Must-win against Lucknow
RCB’s first task is to win their next match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 27. A loss in this match would make it extremely difficult for RCB to finish in the top two, and they cannot afford to drop any more points. This match is a must-win for RCB, and they will be looking to bounce back from their recent loss to SRH.
Hope Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings lose
Even if RCB win their next match against LSG, they still need other teams to lose. Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings are currently ahead of RCB in the points table, and RCB need them to drop points. If Gujarat wins their next match, RCB will need Punjab Kings to lose both their remaining matches to finish second.
Complicated scenario
If Gujarat wins but Punjab loses both their remaining matches, RCB still need to win their final match against Delhi Capitals (DC) to finish second. This scenario is complicated, but RCB fans will be hoping that Punjab Kings can stage a dramatic turnaround and lose their remaining matches.
What if RCB don’t make it?
While RCB are still in the hunt for a top-two finish, the reality is that they may not make it. If they lose to LSG and Punjab Kings win their remaining matches, RCB will be left out of the top two for the first time in IPL history. This would be a huge blow for the team and their fans, who have been waiting for a long time to see the team win the IPL title.
Conclusion
RCB’s hopes of finishing in the top two took a hit after their loss to SRH, but they still have a chance to finish second. They must win their next match against LSG and hope that Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings lose their remaining matches. If they can achieve this, they will be in the driving seat to finish second and set up a mouth-watering clash against the top team in the playoffs. However, if they don’t make it, they will be left to ponder what could have been.
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