The IPL 2025 season will resume on Saturday, 17 May, after an eight-day halt caused by the military stand-off between India and Pakistan. As the league now heads into its final lap, seven teams remain in contention for the prestigious playoff spots. This break amid tough times has led to a revised schedule, with 17 matches now shifted to six locations. This change also implies that various franchises will lose their home advantage, adding uncertainty to the race for the playoffs.

Teams like Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are the frontrunners as they are placed far better than the other contender teams, who have their task cut out for the playoffs. However, with several matches still to be played, the battle remains wide open. Additionally, it is also expected that it will certainly heat up significantly in the coming week as teams push for crucial points to secure qualification under a tight schedule and neutral venue challenges.

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RCB Qualification Scenario for IPL 2025

Matches Played: 11, Points: 16, Net Run Rate (NRR): 0.482

Upcoming Matches: Home – KKR (17^th May), SRH (23^rd May); Away – LSG (27^th May)

Best Possible Finish: 22 points

RCB have played 11 matches, earning 16 points with a net run rate (NRR) of 0.482. With three league games remaining—against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 17, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 23 at home, and an away game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 27—RCB can accumulate a maximum of 22 points. A single win in these fixtures could be enough to seal a playoff spot, but they still need to remain cautious, depending on how other teams perform in their remaining matches.

Although 16 points could suffice for qualification, it doesn't guarantee a top-two finish. Both GT and Punjab Kings (PBKS) can finish with 20 or more points. GT currently possess a superior NRR, giving them an edge in case of a tie in points. PBKS, on the other hand, can reach 21 points if they win all their remaining games. For RCB, winning two or more matches would certainly strengthen their chances of a top-two finish.