Will RCB finish in top-two on points table?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have received a massive boost ahead of their final league-phase match in IPL 2025, with ace pacer Josh Hazlewood rejoining the squad. Let us look at whether Will RCB finish in top-two on points table?
Hazlewood, who had been sidelined with a shoulder injury and returned home during a temporary IPL shutdown due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, is back after a successful rehab and training stint in Brisbane.
He had also been part of Australia’s preparatory camp for the upcoming World Test Championship final, and his return to full fitness comes at just the right time for RCB.
Despite missing the last few matches, Hazlewood remains RCB’s leading wicket-taker with 18 scalps from just 10 appearances, underlining the impact he has had this season. His return adds depth and firepower to RCB’s bowling unit as they gear up for their final league encounter against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 27.
Will RCB finish in top-2?
RCB have already secured a playoff berth but will be aiming for a top-two finish on the points table, which would give them an extra shot at reaching the final.
They currently sit third with 17 points and a Net Run Rate (NRR) of +0.255, narrowly behind Punjab Kings, who have the same number of points but a slightly better NRR (+0.327). A strong performance against LSG, preferably a win, could potentially push RCB into the top two.
RCB’s campaign so far has been a mix of strong comebacks and a few missed chances. Their recent 42-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad hurt their momentum, but it hasn’t derailed their top-two aspirations.
With Hazlewood back and the likes of Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, and Rajat Patidar in form, RCB look well-poised to finish strong and enter the playoffs with confidence.
The final league stage game of IPL 2025 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants will be played at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Tuesday.
DOWNLOAD: STUMPSANDBAILS FANTASY CRICKET APP
DOWNLOAD: DRAGOZ SPORTS FANTASY CRICKET APP
