Bengaluru, May 24: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have suffered a significant blow in the race to finish among the top two teams in the IPL 2025 league stage. After a 42-run defeat at the hands of Sunrisers Hyderabad in Match 65, RCB dropped to third place on the points table. This result opened the door for Punjab Kings (PBKS) to leapfrog into the second spot—gaining a strategic edge heading into the playoffs.
RCB’s Top-2 Hopes Take a Hit
Despite having 17 points from 13 matches, the heavy loss against SRH dented RCB’s net run rate, which now stands at +0.255. Punjab Kings, also sitting on 17 points but with a superior net run rate of +0.389, have surged to second place and are well-positioned to challenge for the top spot.
RCB’s fate now partially lies in the hands of others. With just one game left in their league campaign, they must hope for favourable outcomes in remaining fixtures—especially as competition intensifies among the top four.
Gujarat Titans Lead, But for How Long?
Gujarat Titans continue to hold the top spot with 18 points from 13 matches and a healthy net run rate of +0.602. However, that position is far from secure. If Punjab Kings manage a victory today against Delhi Capitals, they could dethrone the Titans and end the league stage as table-toppers.
Mumbai Indians Lurk in Fourth
Mumbai Indians (MI) remain firmly in contention with 16 points from 13 games. Their superior net run rate of +1.292 could become a decisive factor. MI are set to face Punjab Kings in their final league match on May 26, a fixture that could reshape the final standings ahead of the playoffs.
IPL 2025 Updated Points Table (as of May 24)
| Rank | Team | Played | Won | Lost | NR | Points | Net Run Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gujarat Titans | 13 | 9 | 4 | 0 | 18 | +0.602 |
| 2 | Punjab Kings | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 17 | +0.389 |
| 3 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 13 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 17 | +0.255 |
| 4 | Mumbai Indians | 13 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 16 | +1.292 |
| 5 | Delhi Capitals (Eliminated) | 13 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 13 | -0.019 |
| 6 | Lucknow Super Giants (E) | 13 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 12 | -0.337 |
| 7 | Kolkata Knight Riders (E) | 13 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 12 | +0.193 |
| 8 | Sunrisers Hyderabad (E) | 13 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 11 | -0.740 |
| 9 | Rajasthan Royals (E) | 14 | 4 | 10 | 0 | 8 | -0.549 |
| 10 | Chennai Super Kings (E) | 13 | 3 | 10 | 0 | 6 | -1.030 |
Key Matches to Watch
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Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals (May 24): Win here could take PBKS to the top of the table.
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Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings (May 26): A playoff-shaping clash that could determine the final top-2 standings.
With just a few games left in the league stage, the IPL 2025 playoff race is heating up. All eyes are now on the Punjab Kings as they aim to convert this opportunity into a table-topping finish.