- May 27, 2025
Ah, Royal Challengers Bengaluru – the team that keeps you constantly guessing, and sometimes even by your fingernails! As a supporter of RCB, you know the script – spectacular scenes of cricket, nail-biting endings, and then just when you think they have it all figured out, they make a discovery! We didn’t realize, however, that IPL 2025 was going to be slightly different! With 1 league match to go, RCB have a real chance of finishing in the top 2. Top 2 what? The first time since 2016!!! So, let us take a look at how Faf and the boys can cement that all-important Qualifier 1 spot – and also, if we are lucky, win the trophy this time around!
A Must-Win Clash Against LSG: No Room for Error
It’s simple math: RCB has to beat the Lucknow Super Giants on May 27 in the last league game. No other option. The match will be held at the BRSABV Ekana Stadium, and it’s not just important because it’s the last regular season game; it’s important because it’s the last regular season game that gives RCB a one-shot final or a harder, more difficult way to get to the final.
A win would take them to 19 points, equal to the current table-toppers, Punjab Kings. RCB has a good Net Run Rate (though it did take a little dive after a 42-run loss to SunRisers Hyderabad). RCB needs a strong win here, not just any win, a strong win. It will help if RCB wins with a 20+ run margin or if they chase totals in 16-17 overs. Payoff for style points starts now.
Why Finishing in the Top Two Matters—A Lot
So, let’s talk strategy! There are more bragging rights for finishing in the top 2 than you know what to do with. It also earns you a spot in Qualifier 1, where you most likely have a safety net that is worth killing for. If you lose there? You get to go to Qualifier 2 instead. But if you’re finishing in the third or fourth place, you go straight to the Eliminator, where one loss and you’re done!
For RCB, historically, they seem to lose their way in the Eliminators. They haven’t qualified beyond that stage (2022 was the last time they made it to Qualifier 2, before losing to Rajasthan Royals) so qualifying in the top two isn’t just about being a good position, it’s also about changing the narrative of their playoffs and they in reality, really need to change that narrative.
RCB’s Momentum & Mindset: Are They Ready for the Big Push?
T20 cricket has a strange beast called momentum, which is intangible yet changes everything. After the recent loss to SRH, RCB looks more balanced and dangerous this season. With Kohli batting in anchor style, Faf attacking, and bowlers peaking at the right time, this squad not only looks like a playoff squad, but looks like a title squad.
But here’s the thing: the mind game is just as significant now. This is where the senior players and team culture come into play. Will they be able to put behind the loss against SRH and bring their trademark RCB fire with them to Lucknow? Their loyal RCB army of fans, which is arguably one of the most loyal in IPL history, sure hope so! And if there is any team that can thrive under pressure and chaos, it is this team.
RCB’s destiny is now in their hands. It all comes down to them turning in a performance that doesn’t just get them close. Will they find a way to surprise themselves and give them the best chance at their first IPL title? Or, will it be the case of “so near… yet so far”?
What do you think—can RCB finally deliver and break the curse, and go all the way in IPL 2025? Leave your views below, and let’s keep the discussion going.
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