SPORTS
IPL 2025 Playoffs: RCB Still in the Race for Top 2 Spot – Full Qualification Scenario Explained
Despite a 42-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their 13th league match of IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) still have a mathematical chance to finish in the Top 2 of the points table. While the loss dropped them to third place, their dream of reaching Qualifier 1 is not entirely over.
RCB currently have 17 points from 13 matches and are tied with Punjab Kings, but their Net Run Rate (NRR) is lower than PBKS. Gujarat Titans are at the top with 18 points from 13 games. Here’s a detailed look at how RCB can still make it to the Top 2:
🔢 Updated IPL 2025 Points Table (After Match 65)
| Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gujarat Titans (GT) | 13 | 9 | 4 | 18 | +0.602 |
| Punjab Kings (PBKS) | 12 | 8 | 3 | 17 | +0.389 |
| RCB | 13 | 8 | 4 | 17 | +0.255 |
| Mumbai Indians (MI) | 13 | 8 | 5 | 16 | +1.292 |
🧮 How RCB Can Qualify for Top 2 in IPL 2025 Playoffs
RCB will play their final league match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 27 in Lucknow. To reach the top 2, the following scenarios must go in their favor:
✅ RCB can finish at No. 1 if:
- RCB defeat LSG
- GT lose to CSK
- PBKS lose both remaining matches (vs DC on May 24 and vs MI on May 26)
In this case, RCB will finish with 19 points while GT and PBKS remain at 18 or less.
✅ RCB can finish at No. 2 if:
- RCB beat LSG AND
- GT beat CSK, and PBKS win both their matches (RCB ends up behind GT but ahead of MI)
OR - CSK beat GT and PBKS lose at least one of their two remaining matches
OR - GT beat CSK and PBKS lose both matches
- GT beat CSK, and PBKS win both their matches (RCB ends up behind GT but ahead of MI)
Each of these combinations could give RCB the second spot depending on NRR, assuming they win their last match.
❌ If RCB Lose to LSG:
- If both GT and PBKS win their remaining matches, RCB could finish third or even fourth.
- If MI defeat PBKS and reach 18 points with a better NRR than RCB, they could leapfrog RCB into the top three.
🏏 What Happens If RCB Finish in Top 2?
- RCB will play Qualifier 1 on May 29 in Mohali.
- The winner of Qualifier 1 qualifies directly for the IPL 2025 Final.
- The loser will get a second chance in Qualifier 2 (June 1 in Ahmedabad) against the winner of the Eliminator.
🔥 If RCB Finish Outside the Top 2:
- They will play the Eliminator on May 30 in Mohali.
- Losing the Eliminator means immediate elimination from IPL 2025.
📅 Key Matches to Watch:
- May 24: PBKS vs DC
- May 26: PBKS vs MI
- May 27: RCB vs LSG
- May 28: GT vs CSK
RCB fans will not only hope for a big win against LSG, but also keep a close eye on the performance of GT and PBKS to determine their team's playoff position.
