IPL 2025: How RCB can finish in the top 2 of Points Table?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been one of the best teams in the IPL 2025. They have balanced batting and bowling line-ups with individuals who can win matches from nearly impossible situations. Despite missing some of their key players like Phil Salt and Josh Hazlewood in some of their matches, RCB have displayed great bench strength to qualify for the playoffs.

The three-time runners-up do have what it takes to win the title for the first time in their IPL history. However, given their recent past, where they have fumbled in qualifying for the Qualifier 1 in almost every season from 2020 to 2024, barring the 2023 season, RCB have failed to get past the Qualifier 2.

Hence, the Rajat Patidar-led side would love to qualify for Qualifier 1, which would provide them two shots at qualifying for the final. It is also about gaining momentum at the right time, just before the start of the big matches, which could make them favourites to beat other equally strong teams at this point in the tournament, like the Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians (MI), and Punjab Kings.

IPL 2025 Points Table for Top 4 Teams

Gujarat Titans have completed all their 14 scheduled matches and have 9 wins and 5 losses to their name with a net run rate of +0.254, the least for a team in the Top 4. All of PBKS, RCB, and MI have 8 wins each and a match left to be played. PBKS and MI will compete directly for a spot in Qualifier 1, as their match in Jaipur will act as a direct qualification round for the top 2 spots.

Scenarios for RCB's top-two finish in league stage

Scenario 1 - Win against LSG

Irrespective of all these scenarios, RCB has a simple method to qualify for Qualifier 1. Their match against LSG in Lucknow will mark the end of the League stage of the IPL 2025. All RCB needs to do is to win it, by any sort of margin, to finish the points table in the top 2. RCB has the fate in their own hands and must make the most of it.

Scenario 2 - Match ends in No Result

If the match on Tuesday, which is also the last league stage game of the season, ends without a result, the two teams will share a point each. Now in terms of position, RCB will be tied with Gujarat Titans at 18 points. However, to add the most dramatic twist to the story, RCB will qualify on the basis of a better net run-rate. RCB currently have an NRR of 0.255, whereas, GT are behind by the barest of margins with an NRR of 0.254. This will help the Rajat Patidar-led side move to the top of the table.

Scenario 3 - How can RCB move to the top of the table?

While a simple win would ensure a Qualifier 1 spot for the three-time finalists, they also have a chance to move to the top of the table. For this, RCB don't just require a win, but there are some criteria for margin as well. For instance, RCB scoring 200 in the first innings against LSG will require them to restrict the hosts for a minimum 34-run win at the Ekana. If they chase, they will have to do so with at least 21 balls to spare to dethrone PBKS from No.1 position on the table, and then clash it out in the Qualifier 1 in New Chandigarh.