Just when Royal Challengers Bengaluru supporters thought this might finally be their year, a massive 42-run defeat to SunRisers Hyderabad has thrown a curveball into their hopes of finishing in the top two. With only one league game to go, the equations are becoming more complicated, anxiety is building, and the fans are back to being anxious (again)! But then again, that’s RCB — it’s in their nature to tease us. So, is it still possible for them to sneak into the top two teams in the IPL 2025 table? Let’s find out.
The Loss Against SRH: A Wake-Up Call or the Beginning of the End?
The” home” game for Bengaluru was against Ishan Kishan’s SRH in Lucknow, and on a day of bad weather in Bengaluru, they got smashed by Kishan’s brutal 94 off 48. RCB had starting pairs that hit, Phil Salt and Kohli looking like they would get going, and it was very sad to see the middle-order collapse, RCB went from 120/1 to 189 all out, simply painful for any RCB fan!
Jitesh Sharma, who stepped in as captain, was transparent in his post-match reflection — “We were rusty.” To be fair to Jitesh, he wasn’t wrong. The intensity wasn’t there, and that 20-30 run “extra” buffer SRH had was most definitely damaging. But if there’s ever a blessing in defeat, it could be the reset RCB needs before the most important game of their season.
What Needs to Happen for RCB to Climb Back into the Top Two
Let’s consider scenarios. Currently, RCB is 3rd in the points table with 17 points from 13 matches and a net run rate of 0.255. It is non-negotiable that they win their final match – that is step one. The real twist?
Scenario 1: The Perfect Upset Package
RCB now needs the Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings to lose all of their remaining matches. GT has to play CSK, and PBKS have 2 matches remaining. If both falter, and RCB can beat Lucknow Super Giants on May 27, they could vault to number one. Crazy right?
Scenario 2: The Plan B route
If GT wins their last game, but PBKS loses both of their games, RCB can still sneak into second, assuming they are also able to beat LSG. So yes, it is not impossible, and the door is not sealed shut, only bolted a few times. Bengaluru has to get results in their favour and show up with their A-game to Lucknow.
Read Also: RCB on Top but Still Not Safe?
It’s Not Just Math—RCB Need Momentum, Fast
Let’s not mislead ourselves: numbers are useful, but form is even more valuable when it comes to playoffs. RCB has to recover mentally and tactically. The top of the order still looks prolific; the middle and lower order, however, need a stern talking to (and perhaps a new bat). The bowling has also been hit or miss, and in this format of the game, you can’t afford to have that luxury when it matters.
Technically, Yes! It will take some magic, some luck, and some scoreboard assistance. Assuming they clinically beat LSG, anything can happen, and if they do, do not be shocked when they are back in the top two elite category of IPL.
But, hey, that is the charm (or perhaps anguish) of being an RCB devotee, isn’t it? Always hoping, waiting for that one magic moment that changes everything. So, what do you think – is this calm before the storm or just another act in the RCB craziness? Please share your final thoughts in the comments!
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