IPL 2025: Best possible scenario for Royal Challengers Bengaluru to finish in top 2

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has produced some of their best dominating performances in this IPL season compared to their past few campaigns. With Virat Kohli in form, they are one of the most serious contenders to hoist the title. But will they be good enough to conceal a spot in the top 2? Let's find out. 

How does RCB take a confirmed spot in the top 2?

As they lose their last IPL fixture and have only one league match to play, their chances to confirm a top 2 place are now looking far from their grip. RCB now has 17 points and is in third place on the ladder and must win their upcoming match against Lucknow Super Giants on May 27 to keep their top 2 hope afloat. If Gujarat Titans, with 18 points, wins their last league match, they will reach 20 points, and Punjab Kings can get a maximum of 21, which will be more than RCB's possible best of 20. If Gujarat Titans and Punjab can't manage to win their brawls, and Bengaluru wins against LSG with a handsome Net Run Rate, then Rajat Patidar's team can have the best possible scenario to go top of the chart, which is for now, looking not so easy to achieve. 

Why are teams looking for a place in the top 2? 

According to the format, Number 1 and Number 2 position teams will be faced with each other on Qualifier 1 on May 29, and the winner of that match will confirm a ticket to the final match. Teams at Number 3 and Number 4 will play together (Eliminator), and the winner will face the losing team of Qualifier 1 in the Qualifier 2 match. The winning side from the Q2 match will be the second team to book a ticket to the final. So, the teams at number 1 and number 2 get an extra opportunity to go into the final fixture. 

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Teams with their current points:

• Gujarat Titans: 18 points 
• Punjab Kings: 17 points 
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 17 points 
• Mumbai Indians: 16 points 

Gujarat Titans' (GT) remaining group matches:

• GT vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK), May 25

Punjab Kings (PBKS) remaining group matches:

• PBKS vs Delhi Capitals (DC), May 24
• PBKS vs. Mumbai Indians (MI), May 26

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) remaining group matches:

• RCB vs. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), May 27

Mumbai Indians' (MI) remaining group matches:

• MI vs PBKS, May 26