IPL 2025: How Can RCB Finish In Top 2 - EXPLAINED

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have had an impressive IPL 2025 season, gathering 17 points from 13 games. As they gear up for their final league match, there's still a mathematical possibility for them to finish in the top two of the points table, crucial for gaining two chances at making the final.

RCB currently sits in the top half of the IPL table with 17 points and a net run rate (NRR) of +0.255. They are closely competing with Gujarat Titans (GT) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), who are also strong contenders for a top-two finish.

To stay in contention, RCB must win their final match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 27. A victory will take them to 19 points, which is the minimum required to potentially break into the top two.

If RCB ties on points with teams like PBKS or GT, the net run rate will decide the ranking. RCB’s current NRR is decent, but not unbeatable. They will need a convincing win over LSG to boost their NRR further and secure the edge in case of a tie.

GT currently has 18 points. If they lose their final game against CSK, they will stay on 18, opening the door for RCB to leap ahead with a win. RCB fans will hope CSK can deliver that blow.

PBKS still have two games left and can reach a maximum of 21 points. However, even if they finish with 19 (same as RCB), their higher NRR (+0.389) makes them a strong threat. RCB must either surpass that NRR or hope PBKS loses at least one match.

If RCB loses their final match, they will end with 17 points, which may not be enough, let alone a top-two spot. This result would depend entirely on other teams’ performances and could push RCB to 3rd or 4th place.

RCB's best-case scenario:

Beat LSG to reach 19 points

GT loses to CSK (GT stays at 18)

PBKS loses one of their last two games or finishes below RCB in NRR

This sequence would put RCB in the top two comfortably.

RCB loses to LSG

GT and PBKS win all remaining games

CSK or another mid-table team improves NRR

In this case, RCB could be overtaken on both points and NRR, missing the playoffs or finishing outside the top two.

RCB's fate is partly in their hands and partly dependent on results elsewhere. A strong win over LSG is essential, but they’ll also need favorable outcomes from GT, PBKS, and CSK. Regardless, their resilience in the league has kept fans hopeful until the very end.