Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has undergone an important setback in its quest for one finish among the two in IPL 2025falling to a 42 -point defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) At the Ekana stadium. Chasing an intimidating 232, the RCB striker collapsed in the last overs, leaving them blocked in 189 and sliding below Punjab Kings (PBKS) On the point table due to a bump in their net execution rate (NRR). With a single remaining championship match, the RCB fate is no longer entirely in their hands – but one finish among the first two is still at hand if some key scenarios take place in their favor.
What should RCB do to finish in the top 2 after the defeat against SRH?
The RCB 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 is what RCB needs to keep their hopes alive:
- Win their last match: RCB must overcome Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) In their last championship match. A loss would immediately eliminate them from the top two.
- Monitor other results: RCB’s fate depends on the results of GT’s conflict against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the remaining games of pbks against Delhi Capitals (DC) and mid. If GT loses against CSK, RCB can secure a top two place simply by beating LSG.
- Net race rate battle: If GT wins and PBKS wins its two games, RCB cannot reach the first two. However, if the PBKs lose at least one of their remaining matches, RCB can end in the first two by beating the LSG and maintaining a higher RRR compared to PBKS.
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Scenarios that promote RCB in the 2025 IPL point table
Several permutations could still see RCB sneak in the first two, despite their heavy loss against SRH:
- GT lose, RCB Win: If GT loses its last match and the RCB victory, RCB will jump in the standings, provided that the PBKs do not win their two games.
- PBKS Slide: If the PBKs lose at least one of their two remaining lights, the chances of RCB improve considerably. In this case, a victory against the LSG – in particular by a healthy margin to increase their NRR – could be sufficient for RCB to put itself in the first two.
- Ergue to three: If PBKS and RCB all end up with the same number of points, NRR will decide in the first two places. RCB will have to ensure that their victory against the LSG is categorical enough to overcome their current RRR deficit.
RCB’s first defeat far from her house this season made her trip to the first two much more complicated, but not impossible. With the structure of the playoffs offering a second crucial chance to the two best finish, RCB will play the last championship match in the 2025 IPL, where they will be desperate to seize any opportunity that presents itself in the last round of the championship matches.
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