IPL 2025: RCB Banking on Kohli-Maxwell Duo for Must-Win Clash Against Sunrisers
With the playoff race hanging by a thread, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are preparing for their do-or-die encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their final IPL 2025 league stage match. All eyes are on the experienced duo of Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell, who will be key to RCB’s hopes of staying alive in the tournament.
RCB’s Campaign on the Edge
After a mixed season filled with highs and lows, RCB find themselves in a must-win situation. They currently sit just outside the top four in the IPL 2025 points table, and only a convincing win over SRH — along with a boost in Net Run Rate (NRR) — can keep their qualification hopes alive.
Skipper Faf du Plessis has urged the team to “leave it all on the field” as the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Kohli and Maxwell: The Key to RCB’s Revival
Virat Kohli, who is among the top five run-scorers of IPL 2025, has been in stellar touch, anchoring the innings and setting solid platforms in the powerplay. Meanwhile, Glenn Maxwell’s late resurgence with the bat and ball has given RCB an edge in the middle overs.
Their partnership has been crucial in recent wins and will be heavily relied upon in this final league match.
RCB’s Bowling Unit Faces a Tough Test
While the batting lineup looks solid, RCB’s bowling attack remains under scrutiny. Injuries to Reece Topley and inconsistent performances from the death bowlers have created vulnerability in closing out games. Much will depend on how Mohammed Siraj and Hasaranga contain SRH’s hard-hitting top order.
Fan Support Reaches Fever Pitch
With the match set to be played at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, RCB fans are expected to turn up in massive numbers, creating an electrifying home atmosphere. The franchise’s loyal supporters, often referred to as the “12th Man Army,” are already trending hashtags like #RCBvsSRH, #PlayBold, and #KohliForGlory on social media.
Qualification Scenarios: What RCB Needs
To qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs, RCB must:
- Defeat SRH by a significant margin
- Ensure their NRR surpasses at least one of the other contenders (Delhi Capitals or Mumbai Indians)
- Hope no other teams jump ahead with surprise wins in the final round
Will 2025 Be the Year RCB Breaks the Curse?
RCB’s quest for their first-ever IPL title has been ongoing for over a decade. With everything to play for and match-winners in their lineup, this could be the year the bold army finally breaks the drought — but first, they must win this all-important clash.