IPL 2025 effectively resumed its normal operations on 18th May, after a temporary halt due to external factors. After the garden city - Bengaluru's heavy and incessant downpour washed out the previous evening's clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), dampening the renewed spirits of the fans, the league got its restart at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in the pink city of Jaipur. It was a day game between the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), with a high-scoring affair on the cards, at one of IPL's few dimensionally long grounds. 

Rajasthan had their exit fate locked in before the pause, while Punjab was still in contention for a playoff berth. Having opted to bat after calling it right at the toss, Shreyas Iyer's men scored a mammoth 219 after losing five batters, in their full quota of 20 overs. The protagonists of setting up this gigantic total were Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh, scoring 70 and 59 runs respectively. The Kings have been excellent this term and have clicked as a unit, something rarely said about them, and then it was up to their reputed bowlers to defend those runs on the board. 

The chase was on, and it was palpable from the start. As they are known for, the Royals' openers were at their intrinsically explosive best. The Indian test opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and his partner, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, began their innings with a bang. They went bonkers and smashed the bowling attack of the Punjab Kings to all corners of the ground, on their way towards setting a record for the current season. It was Jaiswal who took the lead and was shortly joined by the 14-year-old cricket prodigy in Vaibhav. Every ball is an event in T20 cricket, but it was more than just that when those two batted sensationally.

See Also: IPL 2025, Match 59: Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings Full Match Highlights

There was a long phase in their innings when none of them ran for a run or two, and instead went about their business dealing in just boundaries. Little did they know that they were on course towards setting a new benchmark this season. It took both of them just 17 balls or 2.5 overs to cross 50 runs and eventually make it the fastest team fifty in IPL 2025. This was also the second fastest team fifty for RR in all IPL after their 2.4 overs vs KKR at the Eden Gardens in 2023. When the record was set, Yashasvi was on 34 off 11 and Vaibhav on 16 off 6. Both remained unbeaten on reaching that landmark.

The Royals, however, went on to lose the game by 10 runs. After their openers got out, only Dhruv Jurel kept them in the hunt with a gritty knock of 53 runs, but without any substantial support from the other middle-order batters. As has been the case this season, RR failed to capitalise on a beast of a start and missed out on closing in the game, affirming pity on their subdue position in the points table this year. 

RR SCORED THE FASTEST TEAM FIFTY OF IPL 2025 - 51/0 IN 2.5 OVERS. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/po5AleYXX1

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 18, 2025

50 up in just 2.5 overs 🔥🔥

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi are on the move... #RRvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/70o5g6em6w

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) May 18, 2025

A look at the second and third fastest team half-centuries of IPL 2025: 

Punjab Kings

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) were up against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the latter's backyard on Saturday, 12th April. Opting to bat first on a belter of a pitch, the Kings' opening pair Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, in an insane display of batting, smashed 50 runs in just three overs. They made Mohammad Shami and the Hyderabad Skipper Pat Cummins look like ordinary bowlers, and hit them for several runs, on their way towards amassing a half-century for their team. PBKS set a target of 246 for SRH, which was unbelievably chased down with nine balls to spare by the home team. Abhishek Sharma made light work of the chase and lit up the Hyderabad sky, striking 141 runs and taking his team home.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) locked horns against the Delhi Capitals (DC) on Thursday, 10th April in Bengaluru. Been sent to bat by DC, the RCB openers Phil Salt and Virat Kohli took on Mitchell Starc and Axar Patel, and in great fashion. Salt took charge and struck boundaries, smashing the Delhi bowlers to all parts of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Englishman was well complemented by Virat, and the team reached fifty in exactly three overs. RCB, however, lost their way in the middle and could manage only 163 runs in their 20 overs. The target was comprehensively chased down by DC, courtesy of KL Rahul's gritty and unbeaten knock of 93 runs.

Shreyas Iyer, in unfortunate circumstances, injured the index finger of his hand while practising for the game against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Jaipur. During the match, Iyer did bat but not at his usual number. The right hand batter came further down, looked down and out, and didn't have the captain's armband too while his side took the field in the second innings. Instead, he was substituted, and Shashank Singh led the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in his absence. However, there has been no confirmation yet from any source, neither him nor the franchise, about his availability in the games ahead. With PBKS affirming their playoff spot last night, and yet having a couple of matches more to play in the league, they must be prepared for all the eventualities. 

The North Indian franchise's regular skipper became the first player in the history of the tournament to make three teams qualify for the playoffs as captain. He first accomplished this feat as the leader of the Delhi Capitals (DC) in 2019 and 2020. Moreover, in 2020, he took them to the finals, only to get beaten by the Mumbai Indians (MI). Second, he led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the title glory last year, and now this season with PBKS, he, as their captain, has made them qualify for the playoffs after 11 years, and the first time since 2014. PBKS, then known as Kings XI Punjab, had lost in the final to KKR. 

Different jerseys, same leadership DNA 🧬🫡

Will this be the season Shreyas Iyer takes PBKS all the way? 🤔#TATAIPL | @PunjabKingsIPL | @ShreyasIyer15 pic.twitter.com/poIirhscGM

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 19, 2025

See Also: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Harpreet Brar's classic thigh five celebration after dismissing Riyan Parag in RR vs PBKS match

In a worst-case scenario, if PBKS are forced to explore captaincy options due to the possibility of Shreyas' unavailability, then there can be a few candidates for the prestigious role. A deeper look into that might help understand which players can lead the franchise. Add to it the magnitude of the upcoming games, and it would be a serious headache for the team management if it goes that route. 

Shashank Singh 

Having been made the stand-in skipper, in Iyer's absence, against RR, he seems to have the full trust of the head coach, Ricky Ponting, and his backroom staff. Although he was guided by Shreyas and the coach while defending their total, but if left alone, he will feel confident of leading the side in this extremely vital business stage of the tournament. When batting, lower down the order for the Kings, aiming to finish well, he plays maturely and responsibly, and this character might aid him if asked to don the captaincy hat. 

Prabhsimran Singh

Although he has never captained any team, in any format and on any level, now being the first-choice wicketkeeper of the team in Josh Inglis' absence, he can be thrown into the skipper duties. From behind the stumps, he has a bird's eye view of the game and sees the action unfold in front of him.  This game sense can help him while making all the bowling changes and setting the field accordingly. 

Arshdeep Singh

The leader of the bowling attack for the team, he is always seen giving his valuable inputs towards making things happen. He is progressive on the field and would relish if made the captain. Being already in the think tank, he will have an added advantage and would feel strategically confident enough to lead his side in case the regular skipper cannot. 

PBKS would hope that Shreyas Iyer recovers in time for their upcoming games and is deemed fit enough to not only lead but also contribute massively with the bat, as he is known for and has done positively for the team. Taking a player of his calibre out of any side would create a huge hole in their chances to progress and put a stake forward for winning the silverware.  

The skipper and talismanic batter of the Punjab Kings (PBKS), Shreyas Iyer found himself in a very precarious situation. Much to the scare of the team's fans, their leader suffered a nasty blow to the index finger of his hand during a practice session one day before the match. He was seen chatting to the head coach, Ricky Ponting, about it and looked in disbelief. He, however, didn't pull out, and as captains are, gritty and dogged, he went along with it. The ice pack and magic spray came to his rescue for the time being, and only he knew for how long. 

Iyer usually bats one down in the order, but came further down. He could be seen struggling with donning his gloves, and eventually came in the middle at the fall of the third wicket of his team. He faced difficulties in timing the ball and was more often than not in a tentative state while batting in his brief and slow innings of 30 runs in 25 balls. His injured finger made him bat unlike his intrinsic self, and it was a worrying sign for everyone in the dugout and all of Punjab's faithful. 

In the second innings, the explosive batter didn't take the field. He was instead substituted, and Shashank Singh, the finisher, was handed over the captaincy duties. The stand-in captain was helped by Ricky Ponting and Shreyas too from the dugout. Punjab, in the end, managed a victory by 10 runs, and a favourable result in the match, scheduled later in the day, confirmed their playoff spot. 

🚨 A BIG SALUTE TO SHREYAS IYER 🚨

- Shreyas Iyer injured his index finger while training yesterday, he was in pain but played the important game for Punjab Kings. [Sahil Malhotra from TOI] pic.twitter.com/YHbskGnIbH

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 18, 2025

Shreyas Iyer is giving regular inputs to the players from boundary rope 👌

- Injured but giving everything for his team. pic.twitter.com/XQjI7KhmBt

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 18, 2025

See Also: IPL 2025: Why was Shreyas Iyer substituted in match between RR vs PBKS?

Shreyas has been in impeccable form this season, both with the bat and while leading the team. His bowling and fielding changes have been immaculate, and that has fetched the team immense success this season. He is also their second-highest run scorer after Prabhsimran Singh, and his impactful knocks have dealt an irreplaceable punch to the opposition. In an unfortunate scenario, if his finger is unable to heal in time for the rest of the matches in the season, PBKS will have a tough time in his absence and might have to rope in strong replacements.

While Shreyas Iyer is by far an irreplaceable asset for the Punjab Kings, here's a look at a few players who can potentially fill in his shoes for the remainder of the season -

Sarfaraz Khan

India's relatively newer test entrant was unlucky to miss out in the auction. He went unsold at a base price of Rs 50 lakhs, while his brother Musheer bagged a deal with PBKS. He has not had great IPL returns over the years, but his recent exploits with the Indian test team might bring about a change in his attitude and produce the explosive best out of him, if recruited by the Punjab franchise. It is also the time to reward him for his stringent fitness regime that he has been on, off-season.

Anmolpreet Singh

Prabhsimran Singh's cousin went unsold in the auction at a base price of 30 lakhs. Just a few weeks after that, he smashed the quickest List A hundred by an Indian, in 35 balls, and guided Punjab to a comprehensive victory over Arunachal Pradesh in a Vijay Hazare match. Previously, he has been a part of the Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad, but without much impact and a low average. 

KS Bharat

Once in and out of the Indian test team, but still featuring in the World Test Championship final 2023, and now completely off the cards, Bharat can be a decent backup. Bharat, however, has not had many good moments in his IPL career and went unsold this time. His experience is a guarantee, and he has previously represented the Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, and Kolkata Knight Riders. If brought in, he can play an anchor as well as an explosive innings. 

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is returning with exciting cricket action, which is all set to begin on April 22, 2025. This season holds the promise of exciting matches, fierce rivalries, and memorable performances by the best cricketers in the world. Fans globally are eagerly waiting to watch and support their favorite teams. From watching television to streaming online, here is a complete guide to IPL 2025 

Match Details: RCB vs. KKR—IPL 2025

• Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs. Kolkata Knight Riders
• Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM IST
• Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

Players to Watch Out For

• Virat Kohli vs. Sunil Narine—Veteran run-machine versus mystery spin wizard; Kohli’s classic strokeplay meets Narine’s unpredictable variations.
• Rajat Patidar vs. Varun Chakravarthy—The RCB captain’s steady middle-order batting tested against Chakravarthy’s cunning spin arsenal.
• Jacob Bethell vs. Andre Russell—Young all-rounder taking on the power hitter and pace-bowling dynamo in a battle of hitting and finishing skills.
• Tim David vs. Harshit Rana—Death-over power versus emerging fast-bowling talent; explosive hitting faces disciplined yorkers and slower balls.
• Bhuvneshwar Kumar vs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz—swing bowling expertise versus aggressive opening stroke-maker; early wickets or flying starts to decide momentum.
• Lungi Ngidi vs Ajinkya Rahane Express pace and bounce meet calm and technical solidity; the pace attack aims to unsettle the KKR skipper’s rhythm.
• Jitesh Sharma vs. Varun Chakravarthy—Wicketkeeper-batsman’s timing and sharpness challenged by the tricky spin master’s variations.
• Krunal Pandya vs. Venkatesh Iyer—An all-round battle unfolds with Krunal’s crafty spin and handy batting against Iyer’s power hitting and handy bowling.

Also read: Rohit Sharma’s heartwarming moment with fan steals spotlight during Wankhede stand unveiling

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Predicted Playing XI:

Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell, Rajat Patidar (Captain), Mayank Agarwal/Suyash Sharma (Impact Player Sub), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal

Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted Playing XI:

Sunil Narine, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Rinku Singh, Vaibhav Arora/Angkrish Raghuvanshi (Impact Sub), Ramandeep Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Anrich Nortje, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy 

With IPL 2025 set to resume on Saturday, 17th May, after an eight-day gap due to the military conflicts between India and Pakistan, seven teams are still in contention for the playoff berths. This forced break, courtesy of the geopolitical issues, forced the IPL Governing Council to release a revised schedule for the remaining matches. The 17 matches left have been shifted to six different locations, making it quite cramped for the teams, while also eliminating the last benefits of a home or away setting in the current season. 

This temporary pause couldn't have come at a worse time for Gujarat Titans (GT). Standing at the top of the points table, they would've hoped for continuity. But uncontrollable circumstances came their way, and now they would aim to pick up from where they left off, gaining consistency and momentum for one last push for the season. But in the absence of Jos Buttler for the final stretch, the Gujarat-based franchise will have to make some bold decisions in order to fill that void. 

See Also: BCCI drops bomb shell update on replacement players of remainder of IPL 2025

GT Qualification Scenario for IPL 2025

Matches Played: 11, Points: 16, Net Run Rate (NRR): 0.793

Upcoming Matches: Home – LSG (22^nd May), CSK (25^th May); Away – DC (18^th May)

Best Possible Finish: 22 points 

Gujarat Titans (GT) have bagged 16 points so far in their campaign and have 6 more points to play with. Their remaining matches are against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at their fortress, Ahmedabad. They also play an away game against fellow playoff chasers in Delhi Capitals (DC), in Delhi. They're a force to reckon with at their home and can ensure destiny by winning their first two games after the resumption.

GT, though, are just one win away from making the playoffs. 18 points will assure a team of a top-four finish. However, if they lose their three remaining games, they could get knocked out as four teams can still finish on 17 or more points. Titans have a favourable itinerary too, with their last two games scheduled at home in Ahmedabad, where they have a formidable 4-1 record so far this season. Their net run rate is currently second only to Mumbai Indians (MI), which could aid them with qualification and a top-two finish.

With IPL 2025 restarting from Saturday, 17th May, after a week-long break due to the geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, seven teams are still in the race for the playoff positions. This unprecedented stoppage and now the resumption have led the BCCI to release a revised schedule for the remaining matches. The 17 games left have been shifted to just six venues, making it a squeezed calendar for the teams, eliminating the last given benefits of a home or away setting in the current season, and also raising uncertainties about foreign players' availability for this extended duration. 

Punjab Kings (PBKS) were the team in play when the IPL was halted, midway through the match, amid a larger issue of National Interest. During the season, they have performed exceedingly well and are in third position in the points table. They are yet to win an IPL title and have been competing since its inception in 2008. The current season holds great promise for them as their players have been in a purple patch, and they would now aim for a great run until the end of the season, under the coaching eyes of an Aussie great in Ricky Ponting. Can this finally be their glorious title-winning campaign, spearheaded by the skipper Shreyas Iyer? 

See Also: IPL 2025: Good news IPL franchise as South Africa cricket board's decision brings relief to franchises

Punjab Kings Qualification Scenario for IPL 2025.

Matches Played: 11, Points: 15, NRR: 0.376

Upcoming Matches: Away – RR (18^th May); Jaipur – DC (24^th May), MI (26^th May)

Best Possible Finish: 21 points

PBKS need two wins to be certain of qualification, as just one won't assure that. Five teams can get to 17 points or more. For instance, if they beat Rajasthan Royals (RR) but lose to Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI), and if DC beat Gujarat Titans (GT) but lose to MI, then Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), GT, MI, DC, and PBKS can all finish on 17 or more points. PBKS will be playing all their remaining matches in Jaipur, and this might be an advantage as there will be minimal travel, plus having better knowledge of the playing conditions than their opponents. 

However, PBKS can qualify with 17 points if they beat DC and lose their other two matches, as in that case, only one of MI or DC can finish on 17 or more points, since they play each other. PBKS can sneak through even if they lose all three matches and stay on 15, but for that to happen, DC will have to lose their two other matches, so that they stay on 15, and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will have to win no more than two of their three games. It'll then come down to run rates between PBKS and DC (and Kolkata Knight Riders - KKR, if they win both matches) for one spot.

With IPL 2025 beginning again from Saturday, 17th May, after a week-long pause due to the war-like circumstances between India and Pakistan, seven teams are still in the fray for the playoff positions. This brief stoppage and the upcoming restart have led the IPL GC to release a revised timetable for the remaining matches. The 17 games left have been allocated to just six venues, making it a tight calendar for all the stakeholders involved, including players, teams, broadcasters, sponsors, officials, and several more. 

The serial winners in the Mumbai Indians (MI) have their tasks cut out this time around. They are currently positioned fourth and were on a terrific run, bagging victories in six straight matches. They have looked unstoppable of late. They, however, lost a very close rain-affected encounter against the Gujarat Titans (GT), just before the tournament temporarily stopped. They would hope for similar consistency in the last part of the season to make it six titles in their hat and become the most successful IPL side ever. 

See Also: WATCH: Mumbai Indians gear up for IPL 2025 resumption with training at Wankhede stadium

Mumbai Indians (MI) Qualification Scenario for IPL 2025

Matches Played: 12, Points: 14, NRR: 1.156

Upcoming Matches: Home – DC (21^st May); Jaipur – PBKS (26^th May)

Best Possible Finish: 18 points

Despite that narrow loss to Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians are still in control of their destiny. Wins in their last two matches will ensure a place in the playoffs. For them to go through and qualify for the top four on 16 points, though, they will need help from other results. While defeats in their two remaining fixtures will eliminate them.

The Blues also have an excellent Net Run Rate (NRR) of 1.156, which could yet be extremely crucial if qualification comes down to that. Their points tally could best stop at 18 points, which might be just enough for a top-two finish. Such a finish would provide them an extra chance to reach the IPL finals, as they would be playing the qualifier 1, losing which they'll have another go. Two of the playoffs are expected to be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The MI Paltan would surely hope for a game or two there and further boost their chances of winning the silverware.  

With the IPL 2025 continuing from Saturday, 17th May, after a short suspension due to the military rift between India and Pakistan, seven franchises are still in the pool for the playoff spots. This pause and the forthcoming restart have led to a revised schedule of remaining fixtures. The timetable for the pending 17 matches has been communicated to all the teams, and the games have been shifted to just six venues, making it a hectic ten odd days ahead until the final day on the 3rd of June. Questions loom large on the balance of the squads, considering players' availability, their form, and international commitments. 

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), led by India's talismanic wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant, have had a topsy-turvy season so far. They have failed to click as a unit on the majority of the occasions, and their skipper has not yet come into form. Nicholas Pooran, on whose batting prowess LSG managed to win their initial games, has unfortunately lost form too. With a top-heavy side, LSG need to rely on their Indian crop of batters more than ever. Their bowling has been good and needs to continue from where they left off. It'll be interesting to see if this break brings any reversal of poor form for the Sanjeev Goenka-owned team. 

See Also: IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians sign in Sri Lankan all rounder for remainder of tournament

LSG’s Qualification scenario for IPL 2025 Playoffs.

Matches Played: 11, Points: 10, NRR: -0.469

Upcoming Matches: Home – SRH (19^th May), RCB (27^th May); Away – GT (22^nd May)

Best Possible Finish: 16 points

 The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are struggling for momentum, having lost three in a row and four of their last five fixtures. The best they can do now is win the three remaining matches, finish on their maximum possible 16 points, and hope that one or more of the in-form teams suffer a sudden reversal of fortunes. If they lose another match, though, they will be eliminated.

They first play at home against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and would hope for a victory there. Their next and the last couple of league matches seem tough as they are against the in-form teams of the current season - Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT). It would be tough to gather points in them. Their terrible Net Run Rate (NRR) of -0.469 doesn't help their cause either.

With the IPL 2025 slated to resume on Saturday, 17 May, after a temporary halt due to the military deadlock between India and Pakistan, seven franchises are still in contention for the playoff spots. This pause-enforced extension has led to a modified schedule for the remaining games, and the same has been circulated to all the teams. Unlike originally, only six grounds have been selected to host the remainder of the season, and the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, is not among them. This also takes away the opportunity to host the final, as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are the defending champions.

The Knights have had a not-so-great IPL campaign in 2025. The change in their coaching staff, as compared to their victorious run last year, made them look depleted of ideas. The squad has largely been the same, with a noticeable change in the leadership. The Ajinkya Rahane-led team has been below par this season and finds themselves on the verge of exit. They have failed to find the right playing eleven on the majority of occasions. Their batting has been submissive, and it has usually been their spin duo of Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine, in the bowling department, that has bailed them out from tough situations.  Their star and retained players (Venky Iyer, Andre Russell, and Rinku Singh) have been average this term, and thus, it justifies their current position.

See Also: WATCH: Dwayne Bravo shares video of West Indian player touchdown in India for IPL 2025

KKR’s Qualification scenarios for IPL 2025 Playoffs.

Matches Played: 12, Points: 11, NRR: 0.193

Upcoming Matches: Away – RCB (17^th May); Delhi – SRH (25^th May)

Best Possible Finish: 15 points

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are on the brink of elimination as the maximum they can finish with is 15 points. There are already two teams who have more than 15 points, while Punjab Kings (PBKS) are on 15 with three games to go. Assuming that those three teams go through, KKR will have to hope that Mumbai Indians (MI) lose their two remaining matches and stay on 14 points. Since one of their matches is against Delhi Capitals (DC), who are currently on 13 points, that will take DC to 15. 

In this scenario, the fourth spot will come down to a Net Run Rate (NRR) battle between KKR and DC. On the other hand, if PBKS lose their three remaining matches, then MI will go past 15 points, while DC, PBKS, and KKR could all be on 15 points, fighting for the fourth spot. KKR's hopes rest on a lot of factors - fortune above anything. 

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.

See Also: IPL 2025: RCB fans come up with great initiative to pay tribute to Virat Kohli's Test legacy

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.