The much-anticipated IPL 2025 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders was cut short by relentless rain in Bengaluru on Saturday, forcing both teams to share a solitary point each. This washout marked the resumption of the tournament after a week-long break but ultimately proved bittersweet for the fans and teams alike.
The defending champions KKR’s campaign came to an unfortunate end, finishing with just 12 points from 13 matches, thereby confirming their exit from the playoffs contention. On the other hand, RCB, having enjoyed a stellar season so far, moved to the summit of the points table with 17 points following the shared point, reinforcing their position as strong contenders for the playoffs.
Yet, despite this advantage, a win to seal qualification continues to elude the three-time finalists. The increasingly competitive nature of this season means that even 17 points might not guarantee a spot in the knockout phase, underscoring the fine margins that define this IPL edition.
Fans present at the stadium, many donning white jerseys to honour Virat Kohli’s illustrious Test career, were undoubtedly disappointed by the absence of any play. However, the loyal RCB supporters will undoubtedly welcome the single point, recognising that six teams remain mathematically in contention and that the washout marginally improves the Men in Red’s playoff prospects.
The playoff scenario tightened further following Punjab Kings’ hard-fought 10-run victory over Rajasthan Royals on Sunday. PBKS now sit just below RCB on the points table, also with 17 points, intensifying the competition. Should RCB lose both their remaining fixtures against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants, their fate will hinge on Punjab Kings losing their last two matches against Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians. Additionally, Delhi would need to secure victories in at least two of their remaining three games to influence the outcome.
This set of results could culminate in a three-way tie at 17 points among RCB, PBKS, and DC, with MI and Gujarat Titans holding superior net run rates and effectively ahead of all three. Consequently, even with 17 points, RCB risks elimination if they suffer heavy defeats to Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants, as net run rate could prove the decisive factor.
RCB now find themselves reliant on either Punjab Kings or Delhi Capitals slipping up to guarantee their playoff berth. Punjab’s recent win over Rajasthan Royals has made RCB’s path more arduous. Had Punjab lost and Gujarat Titans triumphed over Delhi Capitals, both RCB and Gujarat Titans could have sealed playoff qualification. However, with PBKS maintaining momentum and Gujarat Titans still in contention, the playoff picture remains fiercely competitive. If both Punjab and Delhi emerge victorious in their upcoming matches, none of the teams vying for a spot can claim qualification outright just yet.
Leave a Reply