What happens if RCB lose all remaining matches in IPL 2025?

RCB Huddle (Source: IPL/BCCI)

have been in sensational nick in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League so far. They have notched up seven wins in their first 10 games. Gujarat Titans could go on top of the points table against the Rajasthan Royals. However, a record-shattering century from 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi meant that RCB are on top of the points table.

Prior to Match 48 of , RCB was positioned at the top of the table. They have won their past three games of the season and are fully in contention for a top-two finish if they carry forward their momentum. However, the IPL has seen a whole lot of twists in the past. Nothing can be taken for granted in such a competitive environment.

It was as recent as 2020 that the franchise lost their final four games to finish fourth on the points table. As far as this season is concerned, RCB possess a net run rate of +0.521. Assuming the worst-case scenario of RCB losing all four of their remaining games, they would end the league stage with 14 points. This would significantly diminish their chances of going through to the playoffs. Yet, certain scenarios could still favour their progression.

What happens if RCB lose all remaining matches in IPL 2025? Scenario 1: Multiple teams finish with 14 points

Outcome: Barring RCB finishing off with 14 points, other sides like Punjab Kings (11 points), Lucknow Super Giants (10 points), and Kolkata Knight Riders (7 points) also finish with the same number of points.

Implication: With multiple sides tied at 14 points at the end of their respective 14-fixture league phase, the spots for the playoffs would have to be determined based on NRR. As of now, RCB's NRR is superior to the aforementioned sides. This would most definitely secure them a berth in the playoffs.

Scenario 2: Other contenders underperform

Outcome: Sides like Mumbai Indians (12 points), Gujarat Titans (12 points), and Delhi Capitals (12 points) fail to win the remainder of their games. This would lead to them finishing off with 14 points or fewer.

Implication: If these team's respective NRR takes a considerable hit due to the losses they face, RCB's NRR could place them with a considerable advantage of finishing higher in the standings. 

Scenario 3: RCB's NRR remains superior despite losses  

Outcome: RCB end up getting defeated in their remaining fixtures by narrow margins, which would end up minimising the negative impact on their NRR.

Implication: Even after finishing with 14 points, a relatively positive NRR could keep RCB ahead in the race to the playoffs when compared with other franchises with a similar point tally but weaker NRR. This would mean RCB securing their place in the playoffs.

Scenario 4: Upsets by lower-ranked seams aid RCB

Outcome: Teams struggling at the bottom of the points table, like Rajasthan Royals (six points), Sunrisers Hyderabad (six points), and Chennai Super Kings (four points), get the better of those placed higher than them in the rest of the fixtures.

Implication: These unexpected results would end up preventing RCB's current competitors from surpassing their count of 14 points. This would indirectly bolster RCB's quest for a spot in the playoffs.

Key Takeaways:

RCB are currently in a strong position on the points table. This season has seen them looking quite cohesive and well-rounded in terms of all the departments clicking whenever needed. However, losing all their remaining games would surely add an element of uncertainty as far as their qualification for the playoffs is concerned. 

Their relatively high NRR as of now provides them with enough of a buffer should a tie-breaker situation arise in the future. In the case of them losing all four of their games, their fate to reach the playoffs would depend on other sides' performances and how other results play out.