Virat Kohli’s RCB Set to Secure Top-Two Finish in IPL 2025
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are on the cusp of securing a top-two finish in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, with former India cricketer Aakash Chopra predicting a favourable outcome for Virat Kohli’s team.
According to reports from the Times of India, RCB can potentially seal a top-two berth with wins in their remaining two fixtures, having currently accumulated 17 points from 12 matches, placing them second on the points table. The last time RCB finished in the top two was during the 2016 season, which saw them end up as runners-up.
The upcoming clash between RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) was initially slated as a home game for RCB but had to be shifted due to the arrival of the monsoon season. The match will now take place at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Chopra, speaking on the JioHotstar Network, opined that the conditions at the new venue would likely result in a low-scoring contest. "Don’t expect a high-scoring game – Ekana won’t allow it. It’s a big ground, not Chinnaswamy. But it’ll still be a good contest. Don’t count out SRH. That said, the dice is loaded in favour of the team Virat Kohli plays for," Chopra stated.
Chopra further shared his thoughts on the playoff race, suggesting that a change is imminent and that teams like SRH, with their game-changers, could potentially upset the standings. "A change is coming. RCB vs PBKS – I think one of them drops a game. MI vs PBKS is also crucial. Don’t rule out SRH – they beat LSG and have game-changers. One big innings, like Marsh’s today, can shake things up. I won’t be surprised if the top four look completely different," he added.
RCB’s form has been bolstered by the outstanding run of Virat Kohli, who has struck seven half-centuries in 11 innings, providing consistent starts at the top. The team was riding a four-match winning streak before the league was disrupted due to the India-Pakistan military conflict. However, their return match after a 20-day hiatus was washed out, halting their momentum. It remains to be seen if they can recapture the rhythm and intensity that marked their pre-break performances.
As per the Times of India, RCB are enjoying one of their most consistent seasons in recent years, chasing a long-awaited IPL title. With their current form and a favourable prediction from Chopra, RCB fans will be optimistic about their team’s chances of securing a top-two finish and making a deep playoff run.
The Times of India also reports that SRH, with their game-changers, will look to cause an upset and derail RCB’s momentum. The stage is set for an exciting encounter between the two teams at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. As the IPL 2025 season heats up, fans will be eagerly anticipating the outcome of this crucial match and its implications on the playoff standings.
