IPL 2025 Playoffs Heating Up: Can RCB, GT Secure Top Four Spots?

IPL 2025 Playoff Picture Gets More Exciting

The race for the top four in IPL 2025 is reaching fever pitch after the washout between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday. The upcoming double-headers on Sunday, May 18, featuring Rajasthan Royals (RR) vs Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) vs Gujarat Titans (GT), will significantly shape the playoff picture.

Points Standings

Here’s a look at the current standings:

• Delhi Capitals: 11 matches, 13 points, NRR +0.362, 3 matches left
• Gujarat Titans: 11 matches, 16 points, NRR +0.793, 3 matches left
• Punjab Kings: 11 matches, 15 points, NRR +0.376, 3 matches left
• Royal Challengers Bangalore: 12 matches, 17 points, NRR +0.482, 2 matches left

Possible Scenarios

The outcome of these crucial matches can lead to various playoff scenarios:

Scenario 1: RR Beat PBKS, GT Beat DC

Qualification: RCB Qualify: If RR defeat PBKS, RCB secure a playoff spot immediately with their 17 points and superior NRR.
GT Qualify: If GT beat DC, they will claim 18 points, confirming their playoff berth.
Impact:
DC: DC remain at 13 points and need massive wins in their remaining two games to make the top four. They need both wins to reach 17 points, but this depends on other results and NRR. A loss to GT puts them on the brink of elimination.
PBKS: PBKS stay at 15 points, with their playoff hopes depending on winning their remaining two games to reach 19 points. If they win just one game, their qualification may depend on NRR as they will finish with 17 points.
GT: With 18 points, GT are safely through and can aim for a top-two finish with wins in their last two games.
RCB: RCB are locked in for the playoffs and can focus on securing a top-two spot with additional wins in the remaining two games.

Scenario 2: PBKS Beat RR, GT Beat DC

Qualification: PBKS, RCB, GT Qualify: If PBKS defeat RR and GT beat DC, three teams—PBKS (17 points), RCB (17 points), and GT (18 points)—secure playoff spots.
Impact:
DC: DC stay at 13 points, needing to win both remaining games to reach 17 points. Even then, qualification is uncertain, relying on other teams’ losses and a favorable NRR, making their chances slim.
PBKS: A win takes PBKS to 17 points, confirming their playoff berth. They can push for a top-two finish by winning one or both of their remaining games (19–21 points).
GT: GT will reach 18 points, securing qualification. Wins in their final two games (vs. LSG, CSK) could ensure a top-two finish (20–22 points).
RCB: RCB will qualify with 17 points due to their strong NRR and the elimination of DC. Additional wins could secure a top-two spot.

Scenario 3: RR Beat PBKS, DC Beat GT

Qualification: RCB Qualify: RR defeating PBKS ensures RCB’s playoff spot, as PBKS will remain at 15 points and RCB’s 17 points with a better NRR keep them safe.
No Other Team Qualifies Immediately
Impact:
DC: DC will move to 15 points, keeping their playoff hopes alive. They need at least one more win against MI and PBKS to reach 17 or 19 points for a strong chance of qualifying.
PBKS: PBKS stay at 15 points, needing to win both remaining games to reach 19 points and ensure qualification. A single win will make them stuck at 17 and they will be dependent on NRR and other results.
GT: GT will remain at 16 points, still in a strong position. One win in their final two games will guarantee qualification (18 points), while two wins secure a top-two finish (20 points).
RCB: RCB will be through to the playoffs and can aim for a top-two spot with further wins.

Scenario 4: PBKS Beat RR, DC Beat GT

Qualification: No Team Qualifies Immediately
Impact:
DC: DC will reach 15 points, significantly boosting their chances. Winning one of their last two games will give them 17 points, with a good chance to qualify based on NRR. Two wins (19 points) ensure qualification and a possible top-two finish.
PBKS: PBKS will move to 17 points, in a strong position to qualify. One more win (19 points) confirms their playoff spot, while two wins (21 points) secure a top-two finish.
GT: GT will stay at 16 points, needing at least one win in their final two games to reach 18 points and qualify. Two wins (20 points) ensure a top-two spot, but their strong NRR (+0.793) keeps them in good stead.
RCB: RCB will remain at 17 points, with qualification based on their NRR. However, they need at least one more win to secure their spot.