Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is undoubtedly one of the most popular franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and with the way they have started the season RCB Playoffs chances for IPL 2025 look pretty good. We delve into the RCB qualification scenarios and breakdown their matches so far in the season.
Every year, fans eagerly speculate, “Will RCB qualify?” and hope for their team’s chances to clinch the playoffs spot. The IPL 2025 season began on an optimistic note for RCB, sparking fresh enthusiasm among supporters about their playoff qualification prospects.
With a balanced mix of young talent and seasoned veterans, RCB seemed well-equipped to tackle the challenges of this highly competitive league.
However, as the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike meticulously dissect every performance, pondering the crucial question: “How can RCB finish in top 2?”.
Consistency has always been the key issue haunting RCB. Fans constantly monitor scenarios, discussing “how RCB can qualify” and evaluating their team’s net run rate, a critical factor that often decides the playoff scenario in the highly contested IPL points table.
This article will look at RCB playoffs chances in IPL 2025. We will look at their current performance and review their upcoming matches.
Let us look at what will determine if RCB makes it to the playoffs this season.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) began their IPL 2025 campaign on a strong note, and they’ve now taken a major step forward in the playoff race with a crucial home win over Rajasthan Royals — their first at the Chinnaswamy this season. After three successive losses at home earlier in the campaign, this victory not only broke the streak but also reaffirmed their top-two credentials.
While their away record remains flawless — with wins at Chepauk, Wankhede, Eden Gardens, Jaipur, and Mullanpur — RCB finally showed they can get the job done in Bengaluru too. This breakthrough result may prove to be a turning point as they approach the business end of the league.
RCB now sit third in the points table with 12 points from 9 matches and an improved Net Run Rate. Their playoff scenario looks strong, and with three of their last five matches at home, consistency — now both away and at home — will be crucial if they are to convert playoff qualification into a top-two finish.
RCB IPL 2025 Summary (Updated on April 13, 2025):
RCB began their season impressively, winning by 7 wickets. Their bowling unit restricted KKR effectively, allowing their batters to chase comfortably, laying the groundwork for good RCB qualification chances.
RCB continued their solid form, winning comprehensively by 50 runs against Chennai Super Kings. Their robust batting and disciplined bowling significantly enhanced their chances to qualify for playoffs.
Despite an excellent start, RCB suffered a heavy defeat by 8 wickets to Gujarat Titans. This match exposed vulnerabilities, especially in their bowling, slightly affecting their playoff spot scenario.
RCB secured a crucial 12-run win against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede, defending a total of 222. Despite a late scare from Hardik Pandya, who hammered 42 off 15 balls, RCB held their nerve to clinch their first victory over MI at this venue since 2015. The result gave a major boost to RCB’s playoff chances.
RCB slumped to their second home defeat of the season, losing to Delhi Capitals at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Despite a blazing start with 53 runs in the first 3 overs and a late 20-ball 37 from Tim David, RCB managed just 163. DC chased it down comfortably, with KL Rahul’s composed fifty and a brutal 22-run over off Hazlewood sealing the result. The loss raised fresh concerns around RCB’s home form, with both defeats this season coming in Bengaluru.
Rajasthan Royals bat first to make 173 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium with Yashasvi Jaiswal top-scoring with 75. RCB blazed away in the run-chase with Phil Salt firing on all cylinders. The England opener slammed 65 off 33 balls, putting together a stand of 92 in 8.4 overs with Virat Kohli. The Indian maestro was also in great touch, smashing a fine half-century, his 100th in all T20s. After Salt’s dismissal, Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal ensured that the RCB NRR got a significant boost with a quick finish.
A third consecutive loss at home came after Punjab Kings bowlers wreaked havoc in a rain-shortened game at Chinnaswamy. RCB batters came out with high intent on a pitch that had early help for the bowlers and within no time were reduced to 42/7 before a fiery half-century from Tim David took them to a decent total of 95/9. David finished off the innings with three successive sixes in the final over off Harpreet Brar. Punjab Kings, in response, looked uncomfortable vs Josh Hazlewood but took down the target with 5 wickets and 1.5 overs to spare to leap above RCB in the points table.
RCB restricted Punjab Kings to 157/6 with disciplined death bowling from Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar, and Krunal Pandya’s key strikes in the middle overs. In reply, Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal scored fluent fifties to seal RCB’s fifth straight away win.
RCB secured a thrilling home win over Rajasthan Royals, defending 205 in a high-pressure finish. Josh Hazlewood starred with 4 wickets, including two in the penultimate over, to seal the victory despite Dhruv Jurel’s late charge.
Currently, RCB sits at 3rd position after nine matches, and have good chances to qualify (updated on April 24, 2025)
| Teams | Mat | Won | Lost | Tied | NR | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gujarat Titans | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 12 | +1.104 |
| Delhi Capitals | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 12 | +0.657 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 9 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 12 | +0.482 |
| Mumbai Indians | 9 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 10 | +0.673 |
| Punjab Kings | 8 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 | +0.177 |
| Lucknow Super Giants | 9 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 10 | -0.054 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 6 | +0.212 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 9 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 4 | -0.625 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 4 | -1.361 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 4 | -1.392 |
Typically, teams need at least 16 points to safely secure a playoff spot in the IPL. With 12 points now from nine matches, RCB need to win at least two — ideally three — of their remaining five games to confidently book a place in the IPL 2025 playoffs.
Key fixtures remain against a struggling Sunrisers Hyderabad and a depleted Lucknow Super Giants side — both must-win opportunities that could shape RCB’s qualification path. Dropping points in these games could complicate their top-four push.
Crucially, RCB must continue to capitalise on their remaining home games — especially against CSK and KKR — to add momentum and improve their Net Run Rate. With their Chinnaswamy struggles now seemingly behind them after the RR win, converting home advantage will be key to sealing qualification and pushing for a top-two finish on the IPL 2025 points table.
As the IPL 2025 moves ahead, several players hold the key to RCB’s qualification scenario. These four crucial stars will significantly shape whether RCB will secure their playoff spot.
Virat Kohli’s consistent batting form is vital for RCB and so far he has delivered on and off for the team. If Kohli can turn things around at home and start scoring runs, RCB qualification chances will significantly improve, making him central to their playoff aspirations. He hit his 100th T20 fifty vs Rajasthan Royals to help RCB win four successive away games.
Rajat Patidar, known for his explosive batting, is crucial in the middle order for RCB given that he is their best spin hitter. His ability to score quickly against all types of bowling and in crucial moments will influence RCB’s chances to qualify significantly.
Josh Hazlewood’s disciplined bowling is key for RCB’s defensive strategy and it’s already showing. His performances affect the team’s chances of qualifying. Good bowling helps control matches and keeps a strong net run rate. If the Aussie can deliver in home games, RCB playoff chances will get a good boost.
As a senior fast bowler, Bhuvneshwar Kumar must consistently deliver economical spells. So far, Bhuvi has been impressive, but he also needs to start taking new ball wickets. His form will play a significant role in whether RCB will qualify for playoffs.
Several factors will decide RCB’s playoff spot this season. Before we head into the details of what will determine RCB playoffs chances, we need to understand the factors influencing it.
Star players like Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Josh Hazlewood, and Phil Salt must be consistent for RCB. This is important because of how their line-up is set up. Their chances can hugely hinge on these players and these 4 can make or break RCB’s playoff aspirations.
RCB must maximize their home advantage to strengthen their qualification scenario. Strong home performances will significantly increase their chances to qualify.
They aren’t known to fare too well at home historically but they have made significant tweaks in their line-up structure to counter this with big hitting batters and quality defensive bowlers.
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RCB depends heavily on overseas batters like Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, and Tim David. All big hitters, these three can clear the biggest boundaries.
In fact, Phil Salt has hit one of the longest six in IPL 2025 so far. With batting surfaces across the country, this RCB overseas batting trio and their performances can determine RCB playoff chances. Their form can decisively impact RCB’s playoff spot.
The defensive bowling trio of Josh Hazlewood, Krunal Pandya, and Bhuvneshwar needs to perform consistently. Tight bowling in crucial games will ensure RCB maintains a strong net run rate, crucial for playoff qualification.
The spinner’s role is crucial for RCB, with Suyash Sharma’s volatile nature adding uncertainty. Krunal Pandya’s control and Livingstone’s supportive overs are essential. Backup spinners Mohit Rathee and Swapnil Singh could also become vital in supporting roles, impacting how RCB can qualify.
Overall, RCB’s playoff chances remain strong provided they capitalize on their strengths and address bowling concerns promptly. Their solid start offers hope, but maintaining consistency is crucial for ensuring that RCB will go to playoffs.
Yes. As of April 24, 2025, RCB has 12 points from 9 matches. They remain firmly in contention with 5 matches still to play and enough time to bounce back.
Typically, 16 points ensures qualification. However, depending on how the table shapes up, RCB might still qualify with 14 points if their Net Run Rate is strong and other results go in their favour.
RCB currently has 12 points from 9 matches and sits third position in the points table. Their Net Run Rate is still healthy and could help if the race for the fourth spot gets tight.
RCB still has to play against Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders. These matches will be decisive in determining their playoff chances. Three of these five games are at home where they have won only one of four games.
Yes, 14 points could be enough if other teams in the mid-table bracket lose crucial matches. Net Run Rate will play an important role in such a scenario. RCB qualified in 2024 with 14 points, but 16 points is still the safer target.
RCB needs to avoid a run of losses and must start winning more at home. Continued struggles at the Chinnaswamy and defeats against fellow playoff contenders could significantly hurt their chances, especially if their Net Run Rate begins to drop.
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