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NEW DELHI: Already assured of a playoff spot, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will look to secure a top-two finish in the league stage for the first time since 2016 when they take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in their IPL 2025 clash on Friday.The last time RCB finished in the top two was during the 2016 season, which saw them end up as runners-up.Currently second on the points table with 17 points from 12 matches, RCB can potentially seal a top-two berth with wins in their remaining two fixtures.Friday’s encounter, which was initially slated as a home game for RCB, had to be shifted due to the arrival of the monsoon season.Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra weighed in on the conditions expected at the new venue — the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow — and predicted 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 favor of the team Virat Kohli plays for,” Chopra said on the JioHotstar Network.He further shared his thoughts on the playoff race. “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 said.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.Chasing a long-awaited IPL title, RCB are enjoying one of their most consistent seasons in recent years.
