Royal Challengers Bengaluru Face Setback in Race for IPL 2025 Playoffs After Costly Defeat
In a season filled with highs and lows, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are once again grappling with uncertainty as their playoff chances in IPL 2025 take a serious hit following a disappointing defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). With this critical loss, RCB’s position in the IPL Points Table 2025 has weakened, and their once-promising campaign now hinges on other teams’ results and net run rate.
Match Recap: SRH Outplay RCB in Must-Win Game
In what was billed as a must-win match for RCB, Sunrisers Hyderabad delivered a clinical performance, outclassing the Bengaluru-based franchise in every department. Chasing a target of 172, Hyderabad’s top order fired in unison, securing a convincing victory with overs to spare.
RCB’s bowling attack, led by Mohammed Siraj and Reece Topley, failed to contain the SRH batsmen, while their middle order once again collapsed under pressure, raising questions about the team’s depth and consistency.
Updated IPL 2025 Points Table: Where Does RCB Stand Now?
As of May 24, 2025, RCB finds itself outside the top four, making their path to the IPL 2025 playoffs increasingly difficult. With just one match left in the league stage, the team now faces an uphill battle to qualify, relying not only on a win in their final game but also on favorable results from other teams.
Current Scenario:
- Matches Played: 13
- Wins: 6
- Losses: 7
- Net Run Rate: -0.145
- Points: 12
Unless multiple results swing in their favor and they secure a dominant win in their last match, RCB’s hopes of advancing to the IPL 2025 Eliminator look increasingly slim.
What Went Wrong for RCB in IPL 2025?
While RCB started the season with a couple of strong wins, their momentum fizzled out as inconsistency plagued both their batting and bowling units. Here’s a breakdown of their key shortcomings:
- Top-order dependence: Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis shouldered most of the responsibility, with limited support from the middle order.
- Lack of finishing power: Glenn Maxwell and Dinesh Karthik failed to deliver consistent performances in the death overs.
- Unreliable bowling unit: Even with experienced players like Siraj and Topley, RCB struggled to build a consistent attack capable of defending scores in crucial moments.
- Injuries: Key injuries to all-rounder Will Jacks and spinner Karn Sharma disrupted team balance mid-season.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
As RCB’s playoff chances dwindle, the fanbase has taken to social media to express disappointment and frustration. The hashtag #RCBPlayoffsHope is trending on X (formerly Twitter), with fans demanding structural changes to the squad and management.
Some supporters remain optimistic, hoping for a miraculous turnaround in the final fixture, while others are already discussing what the team needs to do differently in IPL 2026.
Coach and Captain Speak Out
Following the defeat, RCB’s head coach Sanjay Bangar spoke to the press, saying:
“We had the opportunities but couldn’t capitalize when it mattered most. The boys fought hard, but cricket can be unforgiving at this level.”
Captain Faf du Plessis echoed similar sentiments:
“It’s a tough pill to swallow. We were in control of our destiny, and now it’s out of our hands. We’ll fight till the last ball in our final match.”
Can RCB Still Qualify for IPL 2025 Playoffs?
Mathematically, RCB is still in the race — but the equation is complicated. They need:
- A commanding victory in their last league game to improve their net run rate.
- Multiple teams ahead of them to lose their remaining matches.
- A net run rate swing large enough to surpass other contenders like Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants.
Though improbable, such scenarios have played out before in the IPL, making the final round of league matches even more exciting for fans and analysts alike.
What Lies Ahead for RCB?
Regardless of whether they make the playoffs, RCB’s performance this season will likely prompt a rethink of their strategy moving forward. Areas of concern include:
- Strengthening the middle order
- Improving death bowling options
- Building a younger bench for future resilience
Major transformations may be ahead as the Mega Auction approaches prior to IPL 2026.
Final Thoughts: Is It the End of the Road?
RCB has often found itself in such must-win scenarios, but 2025’s late-season stumble may mark yet another unfulfilled campaign. Still, in a tournament as unpredictable as the IPL, hope remains — even if it’s hanging by a thread.
As the season nears its conclusion, all eyes will be on RCB’s final league match, as fans, critics, and competitors watch to see whether they can pull off a miraculous comeback or bow out yet again with lingering questions about what could have been.
