RCB in Playoff Race – Final League Game Decides Top-Two Finish
As the IPL 2025 league stage enters its final stretch, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) remain firmly in the playoff race, but their hopes of a top-two finish hang in the balance. With one league game left, a high-stakes clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will determine whether RCB can claim a direct entry into Qualifier 1 or settle for the Eliminator.
RCB’s Current Standing
RCB currently sit in third place on the IPL 2025 points table with 17 points from 13 matches. Their strong run in the second half of the season — including wins over Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans — secured a playoff berth, but a recent loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad dented their Net Run Rate (NRR) and made the final league game a must-win encounter.
What RCB Need to Secure Top-Two Spot
To finish in the top two and gain the advantage of two opportunities to reach the final, RCB must:
- Win against Lucknow Super Giants, preferably by a big margin
- Hope that Delhi Capitals or Mumbai Indians either lose or win by smaller margins
- Maintain or improve their NRR over rivals
This scenario keeps RCB in the hunt for a top-two finish, which offers a safety net in the knockout phase.
Kohli, Maxwell, Hazlewood Key to RCB’s Fate
Virat Kohli, leading the Orange Cap race with over 720 runs, will be central to RCB’s batting once again. Glenn Maxwell’s middle-order stability, along with the return of Josh Hazlewood to the pace unit, provides RCB with a balanced squad heading into the all-important game.
Skipper Faf du Plessis emphasized the team’s focus:
“We’ve got one more job to do. We’re here to win — and to win big.”
Final Match Details
- 🏟 Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
- 📅 Date: May 27, 2025
- 🕖 Time: 7:30 PM IST
- 📺 Live on: JioCinema, Star Sports
Fans across the globe are set to tune in, with expectations running high for a playoff-worthy performance.
The Stakes: Direct Route or Sudden Death
If RCB finish in the top two, they’ll play in Qualifier 1, giving them two chances to reach the IPL final. If they drop to third or fourth, they’ll enter the Eliminator, a sudden-death match where one loss ends the title dream.
RCB Fans Rally with Full Force
RCB’s ever-passionate fanbase, known as the 12th Man Army, is louder than ever on social media. Hashtags like #EeSalaCupNamde, #RCBTopTwo, and #PlayBold are trending as the franchise chases its elusive first IPL title.