IPL 2023 Playoff Race Heats Up: RCB Qualifies, KKR Eliminated After Rain Interrupted Match

The IPL 2023 playoff Race has taken a dramatic turn after the rain-affected match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). With the match being abandoned, RCB officially became the first team to qualify for the playoffs, while KKR’s journey this season has come to an end.

RCB Becomes the First Team to Qualify for IPL 2025 Playoffs

With this rain-induced no-result, RCB gained 1 crucial point, taking their tally to 17 points from 12 matches. This officially confirms their spot in the playoffs, making them the first team to qualify this season. Their strong net run rate (NRR) also puts them in a strong position to potentially finish in the top two.

🚨 Delayed Due to Rain RCB vs KKR

It’s still raining but there are cheers across the ground as Virat Kohli’s Test numbers come up on the giant screen.

📸A lot of fans have turned up in white jerseys to pay tribute after he announced his Test retirement a few days ago.… pic.twitter.com/Wkq4Dm0Tta

— Pintu Dera (@pintudera_) May 17, 2025

KKR Knocked Out of IPL 2025

Unfortunately for KKR, the washout meant they could only reach a maximum of 14 points (from 14 matches), which is not enough to make the playoffs in IPL 2025. This officially eliminates them from contention, joining Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as teams that are out of the race.

RCB vs KKR Update
Still raining at Chinnaswamy and toss has been delayed.
The legendary drainage gives us hope ,once the rain stops, we should be good to go!

Rain’s eased a bit, but it’s still steady. Fingers crossed! 🤞 pic.twitter.com/oY62uRydSV

— Shilpa Sahu (@shilpasahu432) May 17, 2025

Current Points Table Snapshot:

1. RCB – 17 pts (12 matches) – ✅ Qualified

2. GT (Gujarat Titans) – 16 pts (11 matches)

3. PBKS (Punjab Kings) – 15 pts (11 matches)

4. MI (Mumbai Indians) – 14 pts (12 matches)

5. DC (Delhi Capitals) – 13 pts (11 matches)

6. KKR – 12 pts (13 matches) – ❌ Eliminated

7. LSG (Lucknow Super Giants) – 10 pts (11 matches)

8. SRH, RR, CSK – ❌ Eliminated

Battle for the Remaining Three Playoff Race

With RCB already through, only three playoff spots are up for grabs and five teams are in the hunt:

 GT (Gujarat Titans)

• 16 points from 11 matches

• Just one win away from qualification

• Still have 3 matches to play

 PBKS (Punjab Kings)

• 15 points from 11 matches

• Need just one win in their last 3 games to almost guarantee qualification

 MI (Mumbai Indians)

• 14 points from 12 matches

• Need to win at least one of their remaining two games

• Winning both could even push them into Top 2

 DC (Delhi Capitals)

• 13 points from 11 matches

• Must win at least two of their last three matches

• If they reach 17 points, NRR could decide their fate

 LSG (Lucknow Super Giants)

• 10 points from 11 matches

• Still alive, but it’s a steep climb

• Must win all three of their remaining games

• Matches include clashes against GT and RCB

Who Will Join RCB in the Playoffs?

With so many possibilities and permutations still in play, the big question is: Who will grab the remaining three spots?

Will GT and PBKS confirm their spots with ease? Can MI push through and maybe sneak into the Top 2? Will DC stage a comeback? Or can LSG pull off a miracle?

What do you think? Drop your predictions in the comments below!