Tata IPL 2025 Match Predictions are heating up as the playoff race enters its final stretch. One of the biggest talking points is whether Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) can still manage a top-two finish after their recent defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). With net run rates and remaining fixtures now playing a huge role, fans and analysts are diving deep into the possibilities. Here’s a detailed breakdown of all the scenarios. 👉 Sign up on Winexch for detailed match predictions, player stats, and live updates during the IPL 2025 playoffs!

RCB’s hopes of securing a top-two position took a major hit when they lost to SRH by 42 runs in Lucknow. That defeat didn’t just cost them points—it dropped them from 2nd to 3rd in the IPL 2025 Points Table. Their net run rate (NRR) fell sharply from +0.482 to +0.255, leaving them in a vulnerable spot heading into the final leg of the group stage.

Current Standings and Upcoming Matches

Here’s a snapshot of the teams still fighting for a top-two finish and the remaining key fixtures:

• RCB: 17 points from 13 matches

• GT: 18 points from 13 matches

• PBKS: 17 points from 12 matches

Remaining Matches:

• Punjab Kings vs. Delhi Capitals – May 24

• Gujarat Titans vs. Chennai Super Kings – May 25

• Punjab Kings vs. Mumbai Indians – May 26

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

How RCB Could Miss the Top Two

RCB’s fate is no longer completely in their hands. If they lose to LSG, they will end with 17 points and are guaranteed to miss out on the top two. Worse, even if RCB beat LSG, they could still miss out depending on other results.

Here’s the worst-case scenario for RCB:

• RCB beat LSG – end on 19 points

• GT beat CSK – end on 20 points

• PBKS beat DC and MI – end on 21 points

In this situation, RCB will finish third behind GT and PBKS, losing out on the chance to play in Qualifier 1, which offers two opportunities to reach the final.

RCB’s Best-Case Scenario for Top-Two Finish

For RCB to still finish in the top two and get that crucial Qualifier 1 spot, they must beat LSG and reach 19 points. But that's only step one. At least one of the following must also happen:

Scenario 1:

• GT lose to CSK – stay on 18 points

• PBKS result becomes immaterial

• Final top three: PBKS (if they reach 21), RCB (19), GT (18)

Scenario 2:

• GT beat CSK – end on 20 points

• PBKS lose at least one match – end on 19 or 17 points

• If PBKS also finish on 19, their NRR must be lower than RCB’s +0.255

Currently, PBKS have a superior NRR of +0.389. So, RCB needs either:

• PBKS to lose both remaining matches, OR

• PBKS to win one and lose one, and suffer a big defeat to drop their NRR below RCB's

This means RCB’s top-two chances are alive, but only just—and heavily dependent on how Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans perform in their remaining fixtures.

Importance of Net Run Rate

RCB’s fall in net run rate could turn out to be the decisive factor. After the loss to SRH, their NRR dropped to +0.255. PBKS, on the other hand, sit at +0.389. If both teams finish on 19 points, the NRR becomes the tie-breaker. This makes Punjab’s margin of victory or loss in their last two games incredibly important.

Final Word

With so many variables in play, RCB fans will be watching every match this week with intense interest. From Gujarat Titans’ clash with CSK to PBKS’s double-header finish, every ball could shift the playoff landscape. RCB must focus on beating LSG convincingly while hoping other results fall their way.

For more Tata IPL 2025 Match Predictions, stay tuned to the latest updates from every game. From the IPL 2025 Schedule and Points Table to Orange Cap and Purple Cap races, every stat and scenario matters now more than ever.