IPL 2025 playoffs scenario: KKR eliminated after Chinnaswamy washout, RCB wait

IPL 2025: KKR are eliminated after Chinnaswamy washout, RCB wait. (Photo: IPL)

IPL 2025 playoffs scenario: “We can't afford washouts,” a BCCI official told this correspondent after the revised itinerary for the IPL 2025 was put out, with the announcement that the tournament would resume on May 17. The T20 league had to be suspended due to cross-border conflict and after a 10-day hiatus, when it returned on Saturday, the Bangalore weather put paid to any chances of play in the game between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders.

The BCCI is contemplating moving the final out of Kolkata, as early June is the onset of monsoon in the eastern parts of the country. Sources in the know say that it will depend on the weather projections before the venues for the playoffs and the final are finalised. One wonders, if the Bangalore weather projections weren't checked, for rain has been the only constant in the city over the last few days.

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Eventually, at 10.24 pm, the inevitable happened and the two teams shared spoils. A point took RCB to the top of the table - 17 points from 12 matches - and sent KKR packing - 12 points from 13 games. The washout in a way affected the playoffs scenario.

A victory against KKR would have secured RCB's place in the playoffs. But now, they will have to wait, for four other teams - Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals - still have a chance to cross them.

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KKR, on the other hand, can reach a maximum of 14 points now, and with MI (14 points) and DC (13 points) to play against each other, the defending IPL champions are eliminated.

Overall, though, amid the Virat Kohli frenzy at Chinnaswamy - it was Kohli’s first game after hanging up his Test boots - rain played spoilsport. RCB fans had lined up white-shirt tribute for their hero, but left disappointed after the damp squib.

Meanwhile, KKR made some mistakes, right from their auction strategy - Rs 23.75 crore for Venkatesh Iyer - to tactical indolence - Andre Russell’s batting order for example - during the season. They will have to regroup.