NEW DELHI: Already assured of a playoff spot, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will look to safe a top-two end within the league stage for the primary time since 2016 once they tackle Sunrisers Hyderabad of their IPL 2025 conflict on Friday.The final time RCB completed within the high two was in the course of the 2016 season, which noticed them find yourself as runners-up.Presently second on the factors desk with 17 factors from 12 matches, RCB can doubtlessly seal a top-two berth with wins of their remaining two fixtures.Friday’s encounter, which was initially slated as a house recreation for RCB, needed to be shifted because of the arrival of the monsoon season.Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra weighed in on the circumstances anticipated on the new venue — the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow — and predicted a low-scoring contest.“Don’t anticipate a high-scoring recreation – Ekana received’t permit it. It’s a giant floor, not Chinnaswamy. Nevertheless it’ll nonetheless be a great contest. Don’t rely out SRH. That stated, the cube is loaded in favor of the group Virat Kohli performs for,” Chopra stated on the JioHotstar Community.He additional shared his ideas on the playoff race. “A change is coming. RCB vs PBKS – I believe considered one of them drops a recreation. MI vs PBKS can be essential. Don’t rule out SRH – they beat LSG and have game-changers. One massive innings, like Marsh’s at present, can shake issues up. I received’t be stunned if the highest 4 look utterly totally different,” he stated.RCB’s kind has been bolstered by the excellent run of Virat Kohli, who has struck seven half-centuries in 11 innings, offering constant begins on the high.
The group was driving a four-match profitable streak earlier than the league was disrupted because of the India-Pakistan army battle. Nonetheless, their return match after a 20-day hiatus was washed out, halting their momentum. It stays to be seen if they’ll recapture the rhythm and depth that marked their pre-break performances.Chasing a long-awaited IPL title, RCB are having fun with considered one of their most constant seasons in recent times.