RCB Top Two Finish IPL 2025 What Needs to Happen After SRH Defeat
1. A Golden Opportunity Slipped Away in Hyderabad
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were handed a harsh reality check in their recent IPL 2025 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), as they fell short by 42 runs in a high-octane run chase. With a top-two finish in sight, the pressure was immense, and although the chase began with promise, it ended in disappointment. SRH, powered by a sublime 94* from Ishan Kishan, posted a daunting 231/4. RCB, despite a strong start, were bowled out for 189 — a defeat that marked their first loss on the road this season.
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2. Ishan Kishan’s Brilliance Sets the Stage
SRH’s innings was anchored by a scintillating knock from Ishan Kishan, who smashed an unbeaten 94 off just 48 balls. He was in total control, mixing aggression with finesse, and made full use of the flat surface. Kishan’s knock was studded with boundaries and sixes, making life difficult for RCB’s bowlers. His powerful strokeplay ensured SRH posted a total that put the pressure back on Bengaluru right from the start.
3. Promising Start for RCB, Powered by Salt and Kohli
RCB’s chase began on a positive note. Phil Salt and Virat Kohli gave them a blistering start, adding 80 runs in the first seven overs. Kohli, fresh off his retirement from Test cricket, looked in vintage T20 form. He took the attack to Harshal Patel and Eshan Malinga, showcasing his trademark drives and a confident swatted six over midwicket. Salt, after a watchful start (14 off 12), exploded with a series of strokes, reaching 62 off 32.
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4. Kohli Falls to Familiar Spin Woes
Just as RCB looked in control, Kohli fell to his recurring T20 weakness — left-arm spin. He was dismissed by 22-year-old Harsh Dubey, the leading wicket-taker in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 and a rising star from Vidarbha. This marked the 22nd time Kohli has been dismissed by a left-arm spinner in T20 cricket, a troubling trend for RCB’s batting lynchpin.
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5. Momentum Lost as Salt Crumbles to Cummins
Phil Salt’s aggressive momentum kept RCB afloat. A forehand-style six off Nitish Kumar Reddy reflected his growing confidence. He completed his fifty in 27 balls but soon succumbed to cramps, which affected his movement. Eventually, he fell to Pat Cummins, and with his wicket, the run chase began to derail.
6. Patidar-Jitesh Spark Hope, but Mix-up Proves Costly
Rajat Patidar (18) and Jitesh Sharma (24) added a brisk 44 runs for the fourth wicket, momentarily reviving RCB’s hopes. However, a disastrous mix-up between the two led to Patidar being run out — a moment that completely shifted the momentum back to SRH. From 173/3 in the 16th over, RCB’s innings spiraled.
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7. Collapse in the Death Overs Seals RCB’s Fate
After Patidar’s run-out, RCB’s innings collapsed. Tim David, who appeared to suffer a hamstring injury, fell cheaply along with Jitesh. The lower order failed to handle the pace and pressure. Cummins (3/28) and Malinga (2/37) cleaned up the tail efficiently, as RCB lost their last seven wickets for just 60 runs, eventually being bowled out for 189.
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8. Updated Points Table Scenario: What the Loss Means for RCB
The loss leaves RCB at third place with 17 points, trailing Gujarat Titans (18) and marginally behind Punjab Kings (17) due to net run rate. While they are still in playoff contention, their hopes of finishing in the top two have taken a severe blow. Even if they win their final league game, qualification into the top two will now depend on other results and favorable net run rate equations.
9. What Needs to Happen for RCB to Finish in the Top Two
For RCB to secure a top-two finish, the following scenarios must unfold:
• RCB must win their final league game, and ideally, by a big margin to boost their net run rate.
• Gujarat Titans must lose their last game, keeping them at 18 points.
• Punjab Kings must either lose or win by a narrow margin so that their net run rate doesn’t exceed RCB’s if both finish on 19 points.
• RCB’s net run rate (currently dented) needs a boost; thus, a win with a margin of 40+ runs or chasing a target within 15-16 overs might be required.
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10. Injury Concerns: Tim David’s Hamstring Adds to RCB’s Woes
Adding to RCB’s problems, Tim David’s potential hamstring injury could rule him out of the final league game or affect his performance. With the middle order already inconsistent, his absence could further weaken their finishing firepower. RCB might have to look towards Mahipal Lomror or Glenn Maxwell (if fit) to fill the gap.
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11. RCB’s Positives Amidst the Setback
Despite the defeat, RCB can take heart from their top-order form. Salt and Kohli looked in great touch, and even Jitesh Sharma continued to be aggressive in the middle. If they can fix their middle-order and fielding lapses, they have the firepower to win big when it matters most. The bowling unit, however, needs to tighten their lines — especially in the powerplay.
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12. Conclusion: Still Alive, But the Path is Narrow
RCB’s dream of a top-two finish in IPL 2025 isn’t over yet — but the road is now out of their hands. They must deliver a statement win in their final match and hope for results to go their way. While the team still holds promise, this defeat has exposed their vulnerabilities at a critical juncture. Fans will be keeping a close eye on the points table and calculators — because RCB’s playoff journey just got a lot more dramatic.
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