As the IPL 2025 season nears its climax, the race for the coveted top-two playoff spots has intensified dramatically. In this IPL 2025 match prediction, we analyze the current scenario focusing on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and whether they can still secure a place in the top two to play in Qualifier 1. After a recent setback against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), RCB’s playoff fate hangs in the balance — and every remaining game counts. 

RCB’s Recent Setback and Current Standings

Royal Challengers Bengaluru suffered a heavy 42-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad in Lucknow, which saw them slip from second to third place on the points table. Their net run rate (NRR), an important tiebreaker, dropped from +0.482 to +0.255, making their situation more precarious.

Currently, RCB have 17 points from 13 matches. Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans (GT) lead with 18 points from 13 matches, and Punjab Kings (PBKS) have also been strong contenders with 17 points from 12 matches. This tight points spread means RCB’s path to the top two is still open — but only if certain results go their way.

Remaining Matches Impacting the Playoffs

With the regular season winding down, here are the crucial remaining matches involving playoff-contending teams:

• May 24: Punjab Kings vs. Delhi Capitals

• May 25: Gujarat Titans vs. Chennai Super Kings

• May 26: Punjab Kings vs. Mumbai Indians

• May 27: Lucknow Super Giants vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Each match will significantly affect the final points tally and net run rate, especially for teams battling for those two top spots.

Scenario 1: RCB Finishing Outside the Top Two

RCB’s 17 points put them in a vulnerable position. If they lose their final match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 27, RCB will likely drop out of the top two, regardless of other results. Here's why:

• If Gujarat Titans win their final match against Chennai Super Kings, they will reach 20 points.

• If Punjab Kings win their remaining two matches (against Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians), they will reach 21 points.

In this case, RCB’s points (17 or 18 depending on other outcomes) won’t be enough to break into the top two, pushing them into third or lower and missing out on Qualifier 1.

Scenario 2: RCB Finishing in the Top Two

For RCB to secure a top-two finish, they must beat LSG on May 27, which will take them to 19 points. But just winning isn’t enough; other teams’ results will also play a crucial role:

Option 1: Gujarat Titans lose to Chennai Super Kings

• GT will remain stuck at 18 points.

• RCB with 19 points will leapfrog GT.

• Mumbai Indians (MI) can only reach a maximum of 18 points, and PBKS’ position becomes less threatening in this scenario.

Final standings example:

• RCB – 19 points

• GT – 18 points

• MI – 18 points

• PBKS – fewer than 19 points or irrelevant to RCB’s position

Option 2: Gujarat Titans beat Chennai Super Kings and finish with 20 points

• RCB has 19 points (after beating LSG).

• PBKS must lose at least one match to finish on 19 points or less.

• If PBKS finishes on 19 points, RCB’s net run rate (+0.255) will be crucial against PBKS (+0.389 currently). Ideally, PBKS loses both remaining matches, which will help RCB’s chances.

Net Run Rate Battle

Net run rate is often the decider in IPL playoffs qualification battles. Currently:

• RCB: +0.255

• PBKS: +0.389

PBKS holds the edge here, so RCB not only needs to win but also improve their net run rate significantly if PBKS remains on the same points. The margin of victory in RCB’s last match and PBKS’s performances in their remaining games will be key.

What to Watch in the Final Matches

• RCB vs. LSG: This is a must-win game for RCB to keep their top-two hopes alive. RCB’s batsmen and bowlers need to perform under pressure, especially with the net run rate in mind.

• GT vs. CSK: GT will look to close out the season strongly and seal a top-two finish, while CSK will aim to spoil GT’s party.

• PBKS vs. DC & MI: PBKS has two winnable matches, but losing either could benefit RCB’s chances.

Stay Updated with IPL 2025 Action and Winexch

As the IPL 2025 drama unfolds, fans can stay updated with the IPL 2025 schedule, the latest IPL 2025 points table, and track the performances of top players competing for the Orange Cap and Purple Cap. For those looking to enhance their IPL experience, don’t forget to sign up with Winexch — your premier platform for IPL 2025 match predictions, expert analysis, and exclusive cricket content.

Conclusion

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s chance to finish in the top two in IPL 2025 remains alive but is precariously balanced on the outcomes of the final matches. They must win their last game and rely on favorable results from other contests to secure a Qualifier 1 berth. With so much at stake, the final week promises to be thrilling for cricket fans everywhere.

Stay tuned and keep following all the IPL 2025 action right here. And remember — for the most reliable IPL 2025 match predictions and insider insights, Winexch is your go-to destination.