RCB have had a solid season so far. They are already in the playoffs, which is a big deal. But now comes the tricky part- can they push into the top two?
That spot gives a big advantage, so every team wants it. And yes, RCB are one of the top contenders right now.
The team is sitting at 17 points and they still have two matches left. If things go their way, they could end up in the top two.
Follow The Sporting News India on WhatsApp
IPL 2025 playoffs: Why finishing top two could be an advantage for RCB?
In the IPL playoff format, ending in the top two gives you a cushion. Teams in first and second place play in Qualifier 1. The winner of that goes straight to the final.
Even the loser gets another chance - they can play in Qualifier 2, where they will meet the winners of the Eliminator match (3rd vs 4th place).
But for teams finishing third and fourth, it is much harder. They play the Eliminator, which is a knockout clash, and a loss in that match sends them home.
So, for RCB, getting into the top two means they can afford one slip and still hold on to their hopes for playing in the final.
What matches are left for RCB? Remaining Fixtures
RCB’s remaining games are against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants (both away at Ekana). These are not the toughest opponents this year, so RCB fans will feel hopeful. Winning both will take them to 21 points, which is a very strong total.
If they manage that, there’s a good chance they’ll finish in the top two, unless other results get in the way.
IPL 2025 playoffs: Will MI, GT and PBKS results affect RCB?
Let’s talk about the Gujarat Titans first. They have 18 points and have one match left to play. Their loss to LSG in the penultimate match meant that they could only reach a maximum of 20 points.
If GT loses both matches, then things become easier for RCB. Even if they win only one of their remaining games, they might still make it into the top two.
But if GT win one and lose one, it gets tight. In that case, both RCB and PBKS could make it to the top two but only if both win their last two games.
MORE: ‘The Hitman of cricket’: Kieron Pollard opens up on Rohit Sharma’s greatness
If RCB loses both games, their dream of finishing in the top two is over. GT will stay ahead of them, and either PBKS or MI will also cross them because the two teams will be playing each other. So it is certain in this case, that either of them will go past RCB.
At the moment, RCB look like one of the better-placed teams to get into the top two. They’ve got good momentum, two games left, and not the toughest opponents. RCB fans will be hoping for two wins and a little bit of luck.