Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Jitesh Sharma made a puzzling remark during the post-match presentation following their 42-run loss to SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Lucknow on Friday, May 23. Despite the defeat potentially hurting RCB’s chances of securing a top-two finish, Sharma claimed the loss was actually beneficial for the team.
After Gujarat Titans (GT) lost the previous night, RCB needed to win both of their remaining league games to guarantee a spot in the top two ahead of the playoffs. However, the team struggled from the start, allowing SRH to post a huge total of 231/6. RCB showed some fight while chasing but ultimately fell short in the final stages of the match.
Reflecting on the loss at the post-match presentation, Jitesh stated (via Cricbuzz):
“I think 20-30 runs were extra, I don’t have any answers (how RCB lost from that situation.) We were rusty and I think intensity wasn’t there, but it’s good to lose this game. I think losing this game was good, the positive things are that we are batting well. After this loss I think it’s good to get this setback, we will bounce back in a good way in the upcoming games.”
Jitesh Sharma served as the stand-in captain for RCB in this match, as regular captain Rajat Patidar was recovering from an injury and played only as the Impact Player. Jitesh scored a quick 24 runs off 15 balls, but after his dismissal, the team suffered a collapse, losing their last five wickets for just 15 runs.
Can RCB Still Secure a Top-Two Spot in the IPL 2025 Standings?
Despite their heavy loss to SRH, RCB still has a chance to finish in the top two of the IPL 2025 points table—but their fate is no longer entirely in their hands. First, they must win their final league match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to move up to 19 points.
Beyond that, RCB will have to rely on other results going their way. They need either Gujarat Titans (GT) to lose their last match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) or hope that Punjab Kings (PBKS) lose one or both of their remaining games. If RCB and PBKS both finish with 19 points, the team with the superior net run rate will claim the higher position.
It’s important to note that in the 14 seasons since the playoff system was introduced, only one team has won the IPL after not finishing in the top two—highlighting how crucial a top-two finish can be.
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