The race to the IPL 2025 trophy has taken a thrilling turn, but not in favor of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). With just one league match remaining, RCB finds itself in a do-or-die scenario—win, and face a surging Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1; lose, and go up against the playoff giants, Mumbai Indians, in the eliminator.

Here’s how the playoff equation is shaping up—and why Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings might just have the edge this time:

🔴 RCB’s Narrow Escape Routes

• Final League Match: RCB vs LSG on Tuesday, May 27, at Ekana Stadium.

➤ If RCB Wins:

• They finish in the top 2.

• Face Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1.

  • Advantage: Punjab is in playoffs after 11 years and may lack big-match experience despite Shreyas Iyer’s leadership.

  • But: PBKS has won 9 out of 14 matches—form is on their side.

➤ If RCB Loses:

• Likely to finish third in the table.

• Will play the Eliminator, likely against Mumbai Indians.

  • Huge Risk: MI, five-time champions, are a completely different beast in the playoffs.

🟡 Punjab Kings – The Dark Horse

• Shreyas Iyer’s leadership has transformed the franchise.

• After 11 years, they’ve finally made it to the playoffs.

• Balanced performance with both bat and ball, and riding high on confidence.

Remember 2014? PBKS reached the final but lost to KKR. This time, Iyer’s tactical mind could rewrite that script.

🟢 Gujarat Titans – Quietly Dangerous

• GT could benefit from RCB’s uncertainty.

• If RCB drops to No. 3, GT could move up or face an easier Eliminator opponent.

• With players like Sai Sudarshan, Shubman Gill, and a strong bowling unit, GT remains a serious contender.

🔵 Mumbai Indians – The Playoff Predators

• Struggled early in the season but found form when it mattered.

• Known for peaking at the right time.

• If they face RCB in the Eliminator, RCB’s trophy hopes may end abruptly again.

🚨 Bottom Line:

RCB’s fate could swing wildly based on one match.

• Win = Face PBKS in Qualifier 1 = safer route to final.

• Lose = Face MI in Eliminator = extremely risky.

Meanwhile, Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans are quietly plotting their move, ready to pounce if RCB slips—even slightly.