IPL 2025 Playoff Race: Can RCB Still Secure a Top-Two Finish? All Scenarios Explained

With the Tata IPL 2025 entering its final leg, fans are busy crunching numbers and predicting outcomes. If you're one of those following Tata IPL 2025 Match Predictions, then Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) current playoff situation is one of the most discussed topics. After a disappointing 42-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Lucknow, RCB dropped from second to third in the points table. Their net run rate (NRR) also took a significant hit, sliding from +0.482 to +0.255 — a critical detail in a tight playoff race. ? Sign Up on Winexch now and enjoy expert tips, team previews, and all the drama of IPL 2025!

RCB currently sit on 17 points from 13 matches, with just one game remaining. The loss to SRH has put their top-two aspirations in jeopardy, making their final clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 27 a must-win. More than just their result, RCB’s fate also depends on how other contenders perform in the remaining games.

Let’s dive into the complete playoff qualification and top-two finish scenarios for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

? Remaining Matches That Matter

Here are the remaining matches involving playoff-chasing teams that could impact RCB’s position:

• May 24: Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals

• May 25: Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings

• May 26: Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians

• May 27: Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru

❌ Scenario: RCB Misses Out on Top-Two

If RCB lose to LSG, they remain on 17 points. This opens the door for both Gujarat Titans (GT) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) to overtake them. Here's how:

• GT are on 18 points from 13 matches. A win against CSK would take them to 20 points.

• PBKS have 17 points from 12 matches and can finish on 21 points by winning both their remaining games.

In this case, RCB would finish third or lower, missing the top two. Even a win against LSG may not guarantee a top-two spot if both GT and PBKS win all their games.

✅ Scenario: RCB Finishes in the Top Two

For RCB to grab a top-two finish — and the crucial second chance in Qualifier 1 — they must beat LSG and reach 19 points. From there, two possibilities could play in their favour:

1. Gujarat Titans Lose to CSK

• GT stay on 18 points.

• PBKS results become irrelevant, even if they reach 21.

• Final top order: GT – 18, RCB – 19, PBKS – 19 or 21
  RCB will still qualify for the top two since only two teams can be above them in points or NRR.

2. Gujarat Titans Beat CSK

• GT finish with 20 points and claim the top spot.

• RCB (19 points) will need PBKS to lose at least one match, ending with 19 or fewer points.

• If PBKS also reach 19, NRR will decide the second spot.

Currently:

• RCB NRR: +0.255

• PBKS NRR: +0.389

For RCB to edge PBKS on NRR, they’ll need a massive win over LSG and hope PBKS’s winning margin (if any) in their remaining games is minimal, or they suffer a big loss in one of the two.

Ideal scenario:

• GT – 20

• RCB – 19

• PBKS – 17 or 19 (with inferior NRR)

? Where the Teams Stand Now

• Gujarat Titans (GT): 18 points (13 matches)

• Punjab Kings (PBKS): 17 points (12 matches)

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): 17 points (13 matches)

Only GT have their playoff ticket confirmed. PBKS and RCB are locked in a high-stakes battle, while LSG, MI, and DC remain mathematical outsiders.

? Why the Top Two Matters

Finishing in the top two guarantees a spot in Qualifier 1, where the winner advances directly to the IPL 2025 final. The loser gets another shot in Qualifier 2, giving them two chances to make the final. Teams finishing 3rd and 4th enter the sudden-death Eliminator, where one loss means exit.

RCB, chasing their first-ever IPL title, will want that cushion — making their May 27 game against LSG one of the most important in the franchise’s history.

? Stay Updated with IPL 2025

As the playoff drama unfolds, follow every twist and turn on platforms offering real-time updates. Track:

• IPL 2025 Schedule

• Latest IPL 2025 Points Table

• Orange Cap and Purple Cap Leaders

And for fans and analysts alike, now is the perfect time to make your own Tata IPL 2025 Match Predictions and stay ahead in the game.

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