As the IPL 2025 season approaches its business end, the playoff race is closer than ever — and weather might just have an enormous say in determining the final four. The humdinger of a contest between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is in the balance due to rain threats, and a washout might have seismic implications for both teams.

If the game is abandoned and points are shared, RCB will go to 17 points, remaining very much in the running for a top-four spot. But for KKR, a no-result would officially eliminate them from the playoff contention, as they'd miss the qualification point. RCB, however, would lose out only in an extremely unique situation: when Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI) both win all their pending matches and end up with 18 or above, and Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) win their upcoming matches and both have 16 points. This would lead to a multi-team tie with Net Run Rate (NRR) as the differential.

The scenarios, in case it doesn't stop 🌧️#IPL2025 #RCBvKKR pic.twitter.com/MeKaYleK6V

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) May 17, 2025

Also read: DC vs GT : Match 60 Weather and Pitch Report – IPL 2025

What RCB Need To Qualify: A Watch on PBKS and DC

For RCB, the math gets much easier if either PBKS or DC loses tomorrow—a single loss for either of them would virtually assure RCB a spot in the playoffs, independent of today's result. Their NRR puts them currently with a slight margin, but that could get put under strain if PBKS and DC win convincingly in their last matches. RCB will thus be following those games with great interest since their ultimate position could hinge on them.

For KKR, it's much worse. A mutual point from a washout will leave them below the playoff line with no chance to recover, closing their season out. Having battled hard in a closely fought season, such an end would be unfortunate for the two-time champions. While RCB are still hovering on the edge of playoff certainty, KKR's destiny rests solely on obtaining a full game — and winning it.