RCB will win IPL 2025 only if they fulfil this key condition, claims Ex-India batter

Former Team India cricketer Aakash Chopra has said that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) need to finish in the top 2 in the IPL 2025 standings at the end of the league stage. Chopra also added that finishing in the top two is crucial for the team’s hopes of clinching their maiden title in the IPL.

The Rajat Patidar-led team will take on the Chennai Super Kings in Match 52 of IPL 2025 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, May 3. They are currently third on the points table with 14 points from 10 matches. With a win, RCB can move to the top spot, reaching 16 points.

RCB Have To Finish In The Top Two - Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that Royal Challengers Bengaluru are close to securing a playoff spot but should aim for a top-two finish. Chopra pointed out that only once a team outside the top two won the title in IPL history.

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"RCB had never won in Chennai since 2008, but they did that job. It's even-stevens at home. It's not that Chennai come here and beat them every time. They can very well qualify tonight. The 'Q' won't be written against their name, but they will reach 16 points if they win this match, with three more games in hand," Chopra said.

"The qualification won't be confirmed as five teams can finish on 18 points. Only once, which was in 2016, has a team finishing outside the top two lifted the trophy. So if RCB have to lift the trophy, they have to finish in the top two," he added.

Rajat Patidar Needs to Get Back Among the Runs - Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra said that Rajat Patidar has managed the Royal Challengers Bengaluru well, but his batting form needs improvement. Chopra urged him to rediscover his touch with the bat, especially as the tournament heads into its crucial phase.

"Patidar captains very well but hasn’t been in the limelight. He started strong but needs to get back among the runs. I’m hopeful he’ll deliver when it matters most," Chopra added.

Rajat Patidar has scored 228 runs in nine innings at an average of 25.33. However, his recent form has dipped, with just 67 runs at an average of 13.40 across his last five matches.

Can Royal Challengers Bengaluru Finish Top Two in IPL 2025 Standings?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru may be in strong contention for a playoff spot in IPL 2025, but their inconsistent performances at home remain a concern. Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans have dominated on their own turf, but RCB have yet to dominate at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

They ended a three-match home losing streak with a narrow 11-run win over the Rajasthan Royals, but the victory was far from convincing. RCB looked vulnerable during the chase before recovering. RCB must improve their performances with three of their last four league matches to be played at home.

Also read: Pakistan thrown out of Asia Cup 2025, tournament to go ahead without them