Credit: IPL
As the league stage of IPL 2025 nears its end, the final playoff spots are almost sealed. With PBKS, GT, RCB, and MI already qualifying, one final clash RCB vs LSG will determine who grabs the coveted top two finish and earns a spot in Qualifier 1.
Let’s break down the points table and explore all possible outcomes from tonight’s big game.
Current Points Table (as of May 26, 2025)
| Rank | Team | Played | Won | Lost | NR | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PBKS | 14 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 19 | +0.372 |
| 2 | GT | 14 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 18 | +0.254 |
| 3 | RCB | 13 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 17 | +0.255 |
| 4 | MI | 14 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 16 | +1.142 |
| 5-10 | Eliminated (DC, SRH, LSG, KKR, RR, CSK) |
Tonight’s Match: RCB vs LSG
This final group stage match carries massive implications for RCB. Let’s look at the possible scenarios:
Scenario 1: RCB Wins
- RCB moves to 19 points.
- Ties with PBKS on points.
- Final top 2 rankings will be determined by Net Run Rate (NRR):
- PBKS: +0.372
- RCB (before match): +0.255
- Unless RCB wins by a huge margin, PBKS is likely to finish 1st, and RCB 2nd.
- Result: RCB qualifies for Qualifier 1, getting two chances to make the final.
Scenario 2: RCB Loses
- RCB stays on 17 points.
- GT (18 points) holds onto 2nd spot.
- Result: RCB slips to 3rd, and plays MI in the Eliminator.
Scenario 3: Match Abandoned (Rain)
Both teams get 1 point.
- RCB moves to 18 points, equal with GT.
- Now the race comes down to NRR:
- RCB: +0.255
- GT: +0.254
- RCB edges past GT by a minuscule margin!
- Result: RCB qualifies for Qualifier 1, GT plays in Eliminator.
What About PBKS?
- PBKS has already secured a top 2 finish with their emphatic win over MI.
- They will host Qualifier 1 in Chandigarh on May 29th, facing either RCB or GT.
Tonight’s game is a high-stakes showdown for RCB. A win or even rain will put them into Qualifier 1. A loss will push them down to the Eliminator against MI. For LSG, it’s a matter of finishing the season on a high note.
The playoff puzzle is almost complete—only this final piece remains.
Stay tuned for a thrilling end to the league stage!
