With 3 playoff spots sealed and one more to be finalised, four teams are running in the competition for a spot in the playoffs, and the top three teams are eying a spot in the top 2 to be on the safe side. As the IPL is heading towards its business end, Sunrisers Hyderabad will welcome the current table toppers, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, to their home ground, which will be the last league game for both teams. For both of the teams, the equation of staying in the top two is easy; the team that will win this game is going to stay in the top two. Though SRH will need a solid win with a big margin, as the situation has changed after GT’s win against CSK.
What RCB needed right now
With 18 points and the best net run rate in the league, Royal Challengers Bengaluru is firmly in control of its top-two destiny heading into the business end of the season. One more victory would guarantee a first-place finish, giving RCB the crucial advantage of two opportunities to qualify for the final through Qualifier 1.
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What has stood out most in Bengaluru’s campaign is its consistency under pressure. Unlike previous seasons, the side has avoided major collapses or extended losing streaks, showing remarkable calm in tense situations. Captain Rajat Patidar has led with composure, while senior players and emerging talents have contributed equally throughout the tournament.
PLAYOFFS ✅
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 22, 2026
TOP 2? STILL UP FOR GRABS 💪
A win will guarantee a Top 2 finish for #RCB, while #SRH will look to strengthen their push for that coveted spot! 🤯🔥👊#TATAIPL Race to Playoffs 2026 👉 #SRHvRCB | FRI, MAY 22, 6:30 PM pic.twitter.com/PxUMvjRybO
At the heart of RCB’s success remains Virat Kohli, whose 542 runs have once again provided stability and momentum at the top. Strong support from Devdutt Padikkal, Patidar, Tim David and Romario Shepherd has further strengthened RCB’s balanced batting unit, making it one of the strongest contenders for a top-two finish and a direct route to the IPL final.
SRH will need a big win
Despite sitting outside the top two positions, Sunrisers Hyderabad are still mathematically alive in the race for a direct qualification spot. The equation, however, borders on the extraordinary. SRH would need to defeat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by more than 87 runs, or successfully chase a target of 180 within just 11 overs, to overturn RCB’s superior net run rate and climb to second place behind Gujarat Titans.
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While the scenario appears highly unlikely, Hyderabad’s explosive batting lineup means they cannot be completely ruled out. Few teams in the tournament possess the kind of power-hitting depth SRH can unleash once momentum swings in their favour. When their aggressive approach clicks collectively, even the strongest bowling attacks can quickly come under pressure. That unpredictability remains SRH’s biggest strength and the reason their supporters can still hold onto a slim but fascinating hope heading into the crucial clash.
