• Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders saw their IPL title defense officially come to an end with the washout result.

  • Royal Challengers Bengaluru moved significantly closer to booking a place in the playoffs.

IPL 2025: Fans react as defending champions KKR eliminated from playoffs after rain ruins crucial game vs RCB
IPL 2025 (Image Source: X)

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru moved significantly closer to securing a place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 playoffs after incessant rain led to the abandonment of their highly anticipated clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday (May 17).

Royal Challengers Bengaluru edge closer to playoffs despite washout

Despite hopeful waiting and several inspections, the match officials were eventually left with no option but to call off the game. The disappointment was evident among players and spectators alike, particularly given the high stakes involved in the fixture. Although not a single ball was bowled due to continuous rainfall, the single point gained from the washout took RCB’s tally to 17 points from 12 matches, placing them firmly at the top of the points table.

With two league games remaining, the equation is now straightforward for the Bengaluru side, just one win will be enough to guarantee their passage to the knockout rounds. RCB is scheduled to face Sunrisers Hyderabad, who have already been eliminated from playoff contention, on May 23 at home, followed by an away fixture against the Lucknow Super Giants on May 27. The team’s consistency, bolstered by a powerful batting lineup and a resurgent bowling attack, has kept them in commanding form as the league enters its final phase.

Also READ: RCB in IPL 2025 final? AB de Villiers pledges India visit to lift the trophy with Virat Kohli

Kolkata Knight Riders eliminated from IPL 2025 playoff contention

In stark contrast to Bengaluru’s upward trajectory, defending champions KKR saw their title defense officially come to an end with the washout result. The single point added to their total leaves them at 11 points from 13 matches, and even a victory in their final league game against the SRH would only take them to 14 points, well short of the cutoff required for a playoff spot. KKR’s 2025 campaign, marked by inconsistency and missed opportunities, never quite gained momentum. Despite flashes of brilliance in individual performances, the team failed to string together enough wins to challenge the top contenders. The rain-curtailed result serves as a symbolic close to their fading campaign, underlining a season that never lived up to the expectations following their 2024 title win. With nothing more than pride to play for in their final outing, KKR will look ahead to rebuilding for next season.

Here’s how fans reacted:

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