RCB’s qualification incomplete despite 17 points, win against SRH will be necessary

How RCB qualify for playoffs remains the biggest puzzle for IPL 2025 fans. After the match against Kolkata Knight Riders was cancelled due to rain on Saturday, RCB grabbed the top position in the points table with 17 points, but the playoff ticket has not been received yet. Let’s know, what will Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar’s team have to do to secure a place in the top-4?
RCB’s current position: 17 points, but why worry now?
- 17 points in 12 matches: RCB got 1 point after the match was cancelled due to rain
- 2 matches remaining: Matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on 23 May and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on 27 May.
- Mathematics of qualification: RCB needs to win at least 1 match to secure a place in the playoffs.
How RCB Qualify for Playoffs: 3 possible scenarios
- Easy way: Win against SRH or LSG
If RCB wins either of its remaining two matches, it will be on 19 points. Punjab Kings (15 points) and Delhi Capitals (13 points) have a chance to make a maximum of 18 points, but RCB will make it to the playoffs due to its better net run rate (NRR).
- Relief if Punjab or Delhi lose
If either team loses in the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match on May 19, RCI can qualify without winning a match. For example:
- If Delhi loses, it will have a maximum of 17 points, and RCB will stay ahead due to its better NRR.
- Punjab’s loss will also benefit RCB.
3. NRR game: Three teams tied
If RCB, Punjab and Delhi all reach 17 points, the Net Run Rate (NRR) will decide who will make it to the top-4. Currently, RCB’s NRR (+0.48) is better than Punjab (+0.38) and Delhi (+0.38). But, if RCB suffer big defeats in their remaining matches, the situation could change.
Challenges for RCB: SRH and LSG match
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 23): SRH are already eliminate from playoff race and the Travis Head-Pat Cummins duo could prove to be dangerous for RCB.
- Lucknow Super Giants (May 27): Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran form could be a cause of concern.
Fans react: “How RCB Qualify for Playoffs?” trending!
RCB fans on social media fiercely discussed the team’s playoff prospects. A fan wrote, “RCB needs just 1 win, but the SRH match will not be easy!” At the same time, some expressed concern about NRR, “RCB should not be out of NRR like in 2022!”
RCB’s strength: Kohli-Patidar’s dominance
- Virat Kohli: 505 runs in 12 matches, 7 half-centuries. Claimant for Orange Cap.
- Devdutt Padikkal: 247 runs with strike rate 150.61.
- Josh Hazlewood: 18 wickets, economy 8.44.
Playoff race: Who is in the race for top-4?
- Gujarat Titans (16 points) – 3 matches left
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (17 points) – Question of How RCB qualify for playoffs
- Mumbai Indians (14 points)
- Delhi Capitals (13 points)
- Punjab Kings (15 points)
We've moved to the top of the table and we’ll fight to stay there! 📈🔝
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 18, 2025
Eyes locked on the 𝑸, vision set something bolder! 🧿🙌#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/zVGpucvwQv
Conclusion: How RCB Qualify for Playoffs? The answer lies in just 1 win!
The answer to How RCB qualify for playoffs is clear: a win against SRH or LSG, or a loss to Punjab/Delhi. Kohli’s team has a chance to write their own destiny, but the fear of rain and NRR will haunt the fans. If RCB make it to the playoffs, the dream of breaking the 17-year drought will remain alive!
Also Read : KKR Knocked Out of Playoffs Race, rain ended the team’s hopes