How Can RCB Still Qualify for Top 2 in IPL 2025? Here’s What Needs to Happen After 42-Run Loss to SRH

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have played good cricket in IPL 2025, but their recent 42-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has shaken up their chances of finishing in the top two of the points table.

Finishing in the top two is important because it gives teams two chances to reach the final: one in Qualifier 1 and, if they lose that, another in Qualifier 2.

Here’s a look at how RCB can still end up in the top two, despite the setback.

RCB’s Current Situation

• Points: 17
• Matches Played: 13
• Net Run Rate: Now lower than Punjab Kings
• Remaining Match: vs Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 27

What RCB Need to Do

Win the Final Match

RCB must beat LSG in their last league game. A loss will officially knock them out of the top-2 race, as Gujarat Titans (GT) already have 18 points, and either Mumbai Indians (MI) or Punjab Kings (PBKS) will go past RCB’s 17 when they face each other.

Scenarios for RCB to Finish in Top-2

Scenario 1:

• RCB win their last match and finish at 19 points
• Punjab Kings lose both their remaining matches
• Gujarat Titans lose their final match
  Result: RCB qualify for Qualifier 1.

Scenario 2:

• RCB win
• GT lose
• PBKS win one and lose one
  In this case, RCB need to improve their net run rate to go past PBKS and finish in second place.

Scenario 3:

• RCB win
• GT lose
• PBKS win both matches
  Even then, RCB can qualify for the top-2 if they win big and their net run rate jumps over PBKS.

If RCB Lose to LSG…

RCB’s chances for top two are over. In fact, they may not even make it to the playoffs if other results don’t go their way. A loss would leave them stuck at 17 points, and at least two teams GT and the winner of MI vs PBKS will go past them.

RCB’s path to the top-2 has become complicated. Their only option now is to win big against LSG on May 27 and hopeother results fall in place. It’s a do-or-die game, and RCB will need to bring out their best.