IPL 2025: How does the latest defeat affect RCB's chances of a Top 2 finish?

The eliminated teams are making sure that the qualified sides don’t have an easy ride heading into the playoffs. Sunrisers Hyderabad dealt a major blow to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Lucknow on Friday. The 42-run defeat in the RCB vs SRH IPL 2025 match has significantly dented Bengaluru’s chances of securing a spot in Qualifier 1. Teams that finish third or fourth before the playoffs get only one chance to advance. With an eye on gaining a cushion in the IPL 2025 playoffs, the likes of GT and RCB are battling to secure a Top 2 finish. However, first LSG against GT and now SRH against RCB have hurt their chances of an ideal finish.

How can RCB still qualify in a Top 2 spot for the IPL 2025 playoffs?

The defeat of Bengaluru in the RCB vs SRH IPL 2025 match has thrown the IPL 2025 playoffs race wide open as the league stage enters its final stretch. Originally set to be played in Bengaluru, the fixture was moved to the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow due to logistical challenges. However, the venue switch did little to change RCB’s fortunes on the field. This marked RCB’s fourth defeat of the season, and with just one group-stage match remaining, they’re now placed in third spot with 17 points from 13 games. They are tied on points with Punjab Kings but lag behind in net run rate, giving PBKS the edge.

The scenario for RCB to finish in the Top 2 spots is straightforward, but a mighty ask from Rajat Patidar and his team. A win against Lucknow Super Giants on May 27, combined with favorable outcomes in other matches would land RCB in a likable spot. Apart from a win in the RCB vs LSG match, the Challengers also need Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings to lose their upcoming matches at the group stage. They could also claim second place if they win and only one of PBKS or GT notch a victory in their final matches.

However, things take a turn for the worse if RCB falter in Lucknow. A defeat against LSG could see them drop to fourth, especially if both GT and PBKS win their remaining games. If Gujarat Titans beat CSK on May 25 and PBKS secure victories over Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians respectively, then an RCB loss would push them out of the top two, making their playoffs path more difficult.

Securing a Top 2 finish guarantees a place in Qualifier 1 on May 29 in Mullanpur, giving teams two chances to make the final. Falling to third or fourth, however, would force RCB into the Eliminator on May 30, also in Mullanpur, with the winner having to take on the loser of Qualifier 1 in Ahmedabad on June 1. Despite their strong start earlier in the tournament, RCB now find themselves in a high-pressure situation where their destiny no longer lies entirely in their hands. When they take the field for the RCB vs LSG match, it will be a must-win scenario, with no margin for slip-ups.