Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced a major setback in their quest for a top-two finish in the IPL 2025 points table after a 42-run defeat to SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Lucknow. With just one league match remaining, RCB’s road to the top two is no longer solely in their hands. While a win in their final fixture is now non-negotiable, the team must also rely on other match outcomes and a favorable Net Run Rate (NRR) scenario to edge ahead.

After the loss, RCB remains on 17 points and has slipped to third place, trailing Gujarat Titans (18 points) and equal on points with Punjab Kings but behind on NRR. The Net Run Rate took a considerable hit after SRH posted a massive 231/5 and restricted RCB to 189, handing them their first away loss this season.

Despite the early fireworks from Virat Kohli and Phil Salt, who stitched together a rapid 80-run stand in just 7 overs, RCB’s chase faltered following the middle overs. Kohli, who recently retired from Test cricket, fell once again to left-arm spin, while Salt’s cramps curtailed his momentum after a blazing half-century. The middle order collapsed under pressure, with Rajat Patidar, Romario Shepherd, and Jitesh Sharma falling in quick succession. RCB lost their last seven wickets for just 60 runs.

Now, to finish in the top two, RCB not only needs to win their final game but must also hope that:

1. Gujarat Titans lose their final match, keeping them stuck at 18 points.

2. Punjab Kings either lose or win by a narrow margin, keeping their NRR below RCB’s if RCB can boost theirs with a dominant win.

3. RCB’s own win should be by a large margin to improve their NRR significantly.

In essence, RCB needs a strong all-round performance in their final outing and some favorable results from their competitors to secure the coveted top-two spot, which ensures two chances at reaching the final. Earlier in the game, SRH’s innings was powered by Ishan Kishan’s magnificent 94* off 48 balls. The left-hander stood tall amidst a slew of self-destructive cameos from SRH’s batting unit. His clean striking and calculated aggression were a major difference-maker. The opening partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head gave SRH a flying start, but Kishan’s steady presence anchored the innings to a competitive total.

RCB’s bowlers, including Yash Dayal and Lungi Ngidi, failed to stem the flow of runs as Hyderabad batters attacked from ball one. Despite taking key wickets, the visitors struggled with discipline and length control, allowing SRH to finish with a daunting total.

The BCCI will be closely monitoring these outcomes as IPL 2025 nears its playoff stage. With only a handful of league games left, every run and over can alter playoff fates. For RCB fans, the wait for a maiden title continues, but hope remains alive conditional and slim though it may be. RCB’s journey this season has been one of dominance at home, flashes of brilliance, and occasional slip-ups. Whether that translates into a top-two finish will depend not just on their performance but also on the ever-unpredictable drama of the IPL.