The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the schedule for the first two weeks of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The tournament will kick off on March 22, 2024, and run until April 7, 2024. Over this period, a total of 21 matches will be played in 10 different cities, with each team competing in at least three matches and a maximum of five.

The 17th season will begin with a face-off between the defending champions, Chennai Super Kings, and the Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai. The opening weekend will see two doubleheaders. First, the Punjab Kings will host the Delhi Capitals on Saturday afternoon, followed by the Kolkata Knight Riders facing off against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the evening.

Also Read: 5 top players to go unsold in IPL 2024 auction

On Sunday afternoon, the action will move to Jaipur, where the Rajasthan Royals will take on the Lucknow Super Giants. In the evening, the Gujarat Titans, the 2022 champions and last season's finalists, will clash with the five-time winners, Mumbai Indians.

The Delhi Capitals have opted to play their first two home matches in Visakhapatnam. They will first meet the Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, March 31st, followed by a match against the Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday, April 3rd, both at the same venue.

In adherence to protocols and advisories related to the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections in India, the BCCI will collaborate closely with government and security agencies.

Once the dates for the 18th Lok Sabha elections are announced, the board will review and address any scheduling issues pertaining to the first two weeks of the IPL. Subsequently, in coordination with local authorities, the BCCI will finalize the schedule for the remainder of the season, taking into account the polling dates.

Royal Challengers Bangalore reached the final by defeating Punjab Kings in the first qualifier of IPL 2025. Punjab Kings lost the qualifier but their chances of winning the title are not over. 

Also Read: RCB in IPL final: Seasons when RCB qualified for IPL finals

First playoffs system implemented in 2011

The playoffs system was implemented for the first time in 2011, in which Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2 and Final match are played. If the team winning Qualifier 1 reaches the final, then the losing team gets another chance.

The team that wins the Eliminator plays against the team that loses Qualifier 1 and the team that wins this match plays the Final.

Do you know how many times the teams that lost the qualifiers have won the title? Let us take you through the history of the playoffs of the cash rich league.

How many times has the team that lost Qualifier 1 reached the final?

IPL 2024 runner-up team Sunrisers Hyderabad also made it to the finals by winning Qualifier-1 and then Qualifier-2. So far it has happened 11 times that the team that lost Qualifier-1 has reached the final. That is, it has won Qualifier-2. See which teams have reached the finals after losing Qualifier-1 in which season.

• 2011: RCB
• 2013: MI
• 2014: PBKS
• 2015: CSK
• 2017: MI
• 2018: SRH
• 2019: MI
• 2020: DC
• 2022: RR
• 2023: GT
• 2024: SRH

Also Read: Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians IPL 2025 Eliminator Preview, Head-to-head, Possible XIs and Fantasy Team Prediction

Which team won the IPL title after losing Qualifier 1?

Before Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, Mumbai Indians is the only team that has won the IPL trophy even after losing Qualifier 1. Out of 11 seasons, it has happened only twice that the team that lost the qualifier has won the title, while the remaining 9 times such teams have lost in the final.

• 2017: MI won the trophy by defeating RPS in the final.
• 2013: MI won the trophy by defeating CSK in the final

Punjab Kings can become the second IPL team to win the title after losing Qualifier 1. On the other hand, Bangalore has reached the IPL 2025 finals earlier also after winning Qualifier 1 but had to face defeat. The good news is that out of 14 times, the teams that won Qualifier 1 have won the title 11 times.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have been one of the most popular franchises in IPL history with millions of followers around the globe. However, despite having many great players of the game playing for them, RCB have failed to win the IPL title till now.

In the 18 seasons of the tournament, they have reached the IPL final four times so far. They first reached the final in 2009 and then qualified for the IPL finals once 2011 and another time in 2016, before reaching the final this season. Unfortunately, they have faced defeat on all three previous occasions. 

2009 IPL final: Lost vs Deccan Chargers by 6 runs

After beating Chennai Super Kings in the semi-finals of the second season in 2009, RCB qualified for the final. In the final at Johannesburg, RCB bowled first, winning the toss. Their captain, Anil Kumble, was on fire with a spell of 16/4 in 4 overs and restricted Deccan Chargers to 143/6 only. Herschelle Gibbs was the best batter of Deccan with an unbeaten 53 from 48 balls. 

But during the chase, RCB struggled from the beginning and even with a good-looking 32 from Roelof van der Merwe, RCB fell 6 runs short of the total. Pragyan Ojha, with 28/3 in 4 overs, was the pick of the bowlers for Deccan in that final. 

2011 IPL final: Heavy 58-run defeat against CSK

Two seasons later, RCB again reached the IPL final, this time under Daniel Vettori. RCB had finished at the top of the points table after the league stage, and despite losing the qualifier 1 against CSK, they qualified for the final after beating Mumbai Indians in the second eliminator.  

In the final, RCB were asked to bowl first. CSK managed a huge total of 205 in the first inning, with the help of a 95 from Murali Vijay. Chris Gayle was the star with the ball for RCB with 34/2 in four overs. 

During the chase, RCB crumbled, and except for Saurabh Tiwary's fighting unbeaten 42 from 34 balls, no one could get going. Virat Kohli also played a slow 32-ball 35 innings. In the end, RCB lost by 58 runs. Ravichandran Ashwin picked up three wickets, giving away just 16 runs in four overs, for CSK.

Read Also | IPL 2025: RCB batters create this unique history before the playoffs

2016 IPL final: Lost by 8 runs against SRH

Among the three defeats in the final, this one is the most heartbreaking for RCB fans. After finishing second in the league stage, they defeated Gujarat Lions in the qualifier 1 to enter the final. 

In the final, Sunrisers Hyderabad won the toss and decided to put runs on the board. David Warner scored a stunning 69 from 38 balls, and Ben Cutting, with an unbeaten 39 from 15 balls, took SRH to 208 in the first innings. 

Unlike the two previous finals, RCB got off to a flyer during the chase. Chris Gayle smashed 76 from 38 balls while Kohli scored 54 from 35 balls, to finish with a record-breaking 973 run season. 

With 67 needed from 8 overs and 8 wickets in hand, RCB struggled under pressure and eventually lost the game by 8 runs. 

IPL 2025: Reached the final

RCB qualify for the IPL finals for the fourth time!

Will it be their lucky time this time in Ahmedabad?

📸IPL#RCB #PBKSvRCB #ipl2025playoffs #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/jrO4LnCSo4

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) May 29, 2025

RCB finished second in the group stage to set up a date with Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final. Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, and Yash Dayal did exceedingly well to restrict PBKS to 101 in the first inning. 

Phil Salt played an incredible inning of unbeaten 56 from 27 balls to take RCB over the final in just 10 overs. 

After weeks of intense competition, rivalry battles, strategic gameplays and dedication, the top four teams of IPL 2025 have emerged. The league stage concluded with PBKS, RCB, GT and MI earning their place in top four of points table.

But how exactly did they manage to reach there? Let's dive into their IPL 2025 playoffs journey.

Here is how each team reached top four:

1. Punjab Kings (19 pts)

Throughout the season of IPL 2025, Punjab Kings showcased magnificent balance and team coordination. Their campaign has been brilliant with 9 wins in 14 matches. 

Under the phenomenal captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, PBKS made an extraordinary comeback by qualifying for the playoffs after 11 years. Not only just qualification, but also dominantly secured the top position in the points table.

PBKS qualification was confirmed with a decisive victory by 10 runs over Rajasthan Royals on May 18. However, it was their dominant 7-wicket win over MI (on May 26), that sealed their top 2 finish.

Read Also: Highest individual scores by players in IPL playoffs

The IPL 2025 season for PBKS so far:

PBKS have done a great job at keeping their NRR high at all points in the tournament. They also secured a historical win against KKR by defending the lowest ever IPL total, and marked their place in the game.

Here's how their journey looked throughout the 14 league stage matches:

1. vs GT: won by 11 runs. (PBKS 243/5 vs GT 232/5)
2. vs LSG: won by 8 wickets. (LSG 171/7 vs PBKS 177/2)
3. vs RR: lost by 50 runs. (RR 205/4 vs PBKS 155/9)
4. vs CSK: won by 18 runs. (PBKS 219/6 vs CSK 201/5)
5. vs SRH: lost by 8 wickets. (PBKS 245/6 vs SRH 247/2)
6. vs KKR: won by 16 runs. (PBKS 111 vs KKR 95)
7. vs RCB: won by 5 wickets. (RCB 95/9 in 14 ovs vs PBKS 98/5 in 12.1 ovs - rain-affected 14-over game)
8. vs RCB: lost by 7 wickets. (PBKS 157/6 vs RCB 159/3)
9. vs KKR: No Result (Rain)
10. vs CSK: won by 4 wickets. (CSK 190 vs PBKS 194/6)
11. vs LSG: won by 37 runs. (PBKS 236/5 vs LSG 199/7)
12. vs RR: won by 10 runs. (PBKS 219/5 vs RR 209/7)
13. vs DC: lost by 6 wickets. (PBKS 206/8 vs DC 208/4)
14. vs MI: won by 7 wickets. (MI 184/7 vs PBKS 187/3)

Sealing a Q1 spot in style 🤌

Captain Shreyas Iyer adds the finishing flair as #PBKS defeat #MI in Jaipur ❤

Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/Dsw52HOtga#TATAIPL | #PBKSvMI | @PunjabKingsIPL pic.twitter.com/x93pqi4hxn

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 26, 2025

2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (19 pts)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru had an amazing journey in their IPL 2025 campaign. They ended their nine-year wait for a top-two finish with 9 victories in 14 matches, narrowly behind PBKS on NRR.

RCB displayed remarkable consistency and key performances from players like Virat Kohli, Josh Hazlewood, and others. The team no longer seemed to depend on a single player and came out strong with equal efforts from each one of them.

RCB faced major alterations and shift in captaincy in the tournament. Under the captaincy of Jitesh Sharma (stand-in captain in place of Rajat Patidar), they secured a huge victory against LSG to secure their top-two finish. They chased down 227 runs, with the skipper scoring 85* off 33 balls and leading from the front.

Read Also: Highest Successful Run Chases in IPL History

The IPL 2025 season for RCB so far:

RCB's season in the league stage ended with an historic achievement of being the first team in IPL history to win all the away matches. They won 7 away matches this year.

Here's how their journey looked throughout the 14 league stage matches:

1. vs KKR: won by 7 wickets. (KKR 174/8, RCB 
2. vs CSK: won by 50 runs. (RCB 196/7, CSK 146/8)
3. vs GT: lost by 8 wickets. (RCB 169/8, GT 170/2)
4. vs MI: won by 12 runs. (RCB 221/5, MI 209/9)
5. vs DC: lost by 6 wickets. (RCB 163/7, DC 169/4)
6. vs RR: won by 9 wickets. (RR 173/4, RCB 175/1)
7. vs PBKS: lost by 5 wickets. (RCB 95/9 in 14 ovs, PBKS 98/5 in 12.1 ovs - rain-affected)
8. vs PBKS: won by 7 wickets. (PBKS 157/6, RCB 159/3)
9. vs RR: won by 11 runs. (RCB 205/5, RR 194/9)
10. vs DC: won by 6 wickets. (DC 162/8, RCB 165/4)
11. vs CSK: won by 2 runs. (RCB 213/5, CSK 211/5)
12. vs KKR: Match Abandoned (No Result)
13. vs SRH: lost by 42 runs. (SRH 231/6, RCB 189)
14. vs LSG: won by 6 wickets. (LSG 227/3, RCB 230/4)

They are pumped up & HOW 🥳@RCBTweets enter the 🔝 2️⃣ with momentum led by their charismatic skipper Jitesh Sharma 🔥

Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/h5KnqyuYZE #TATAIPL | #LSGvRCB pic.twitter.com/N0YAz0f95u

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 27, 2025

3. Gujarat Titans (18 pts)

Gujarat Titans continued their strong presence by securing the 3rd place in IPL 2025 points table. They ended the league stage with 18 points (9 wins out of 14 matches).

The standout individual performances from captain Shubman Gill, and players like Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler are the reason behind GT's success. Sudharsan is currently at the top of Orange Cap leaderboard with 674 runs in 14 matches, followed by Gill (649 runs in 14 matches).

This team has also dominated other charts of seasonal awards like: Sudharshan in top of most 4s of the season list, Prasidh Krishna (23 wkts) in second place, and Sai Kishore (17 wkts) in Purple Cap leaderboard, and so on.

They were a strong contender for a top-two finish, but their consecutive losses in the last two league games took that away.

Read Also: Can Shubman Gill or Sai Sudharsan break Kohli's record of most IPL runs in a single season?

The IPL 2025 season for GT so far:

From chasing down 200+ totals to having the highest batting partnership of IPL 2025 so far (Gill & Sudharsan: 205* runs), GT has done it all!

Here's how their journey looked throughout the 14 league stage matches:

1. vs PBKS: lost by 11 runs. (PBKS: 243/5, GT: 232/5)
2. vs MI: won by 36 runs. (GT: 196/8, MI: 160/6)
3. vs RCB: won by 8 wickets. (RCB: 169/8, GT: 170/2)
4. vs SRH: won by 7 wickets. (SRH: 152/8, GT: 153/3)
5. vs RR: won by 58 runs. (GT: 217/6, RR: 159)
6. vs LSG: lost by 6 wickets. (GT: 180/6, LSG: 186/4)
7. vs DC: won by 7 wickets. (DC: 203/8, GT: 204/3)
8. vs KKR: won by 39 runs. (GT: 198/3, KKR: 159/8)
9. vs RR: lost by 8 wickets. (GT: 209/4, RR: 212/2)
10. vs SRH: won by 38 runs. (GT: 224/6, SRH: 186/6)
11. vs MI: won by 3 wickets (D/L Method). (MI: 155/8, GT: 147/7)
12. vs DC: won by 10 wickets. (DC: 199/3, GT: 205/0)
13. vs LSG: lost by 33 runs. (LSG: 235/2, GT: 202/9)
14. vs CSK: lost by 83 runs. (CSK: 230/5, GT: 147)

𝙎𝙖𝙞-𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙎𝙄𝙓 🫡

A stunning century in a dream season for #GT star Sai Sudharsan 💙

Updates ▶ https://t.co/4flJtatmxc #TATAIPL | #DCvGT | @gujarat_titans | @sais_1509 pic.twitter.com/O0vzstT1gD

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 18, 2025

4. Mumbai Indians (16 pts)

The five-time champions, Mumbai Indians, secured the 4th position in points table with 16 points (8 wins in 14 matches). After losing 4 out of first 5 games in the tournament, they made a surprising comeback this season and won seven of their subsequent eight matches.

This was truly possible with some consistent performance of players like Surya Kumar Yadav, Trent Boult, and Jasprit Bumrah, who stood out for the team when needed.

Under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, MI bounced back quickly with a complete new energy and mindset. They outperformed all their competition and secured their playoffs berth.

Read Also: Teams to finish last in IPL Points Table

The IPL 2025 season for MI so far:

From having a disappointing start to becoming the comeback king of the season that every franchise feared, MI had a rollercoaster-like IPL 2025 season. They also have the best NRR (+1.142) among all the teams in points table.

Here's how their journey looked throughout the 14 league stage matches:

1. vs CSK: lost by 4 wickets. (MI: 155/9, CSK: 158/6)
2. vs GT: lost by 36 runs. (GT: 196/8, MI: 160/6)
3. vs KKR: won by 8 wickets. (KKR: 116, MI: 121/2)
4. vs LSG: lost by 12 runs. (LSG: 203/8, MI: 191/5)
5. vs RCB: lost by 12 runs. (RCB: 221/5, MI: 209/9)
6. vs DC: won by 12 runs. (DC: 193, MI: 205/5)
7. vs SRH: won by 4 wickets. (SRH: 162/5, MI: 166/6)
8. vs CSK: won by 9 wickets. (CSK: 176/5, MI: 177/1)
9. vs SRH: won by 7 wickets. (SRH: 143/8, MI: 146/3)
10. vs LSG: won by 54 runs. (MI: 215/7, LSG: 161)
11. vs RR: won by 100 runs. (RR: 117, MI: 217/2)
12. vs GT: lost by 3 wickets (D/L Method). (MI: 155/8, GT: 147/7)
13. vs DC: won by 59 runs. (MI: 180/5, DC: 121)
14. vs PBKS: lost by 7 wickets. (PBKS: 187/3, MI: 184/7)

Dominant victory ✅
Playoffs ✅

A dream outing for #MI in their last match at Wankhede this season as they secure a 59-run win over #DC 💙👏

Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/fHZXoEJVed#TATAIPL | #MIvDC | @mipaltan pic.twitter.com/mitYRgtqlZ

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 21, 2025

IPL 2025 Final Standings (Top 4)

Read Also: Suryavanshi touching Dhoni's feet: Here are 10 best moments of IPL 2025

IPL 2025 Playoffs Schedule:

The IPL 2025 playoffs is set to begin from May 29, 2025.

Qualifier 1 (May 29)

PBKS vs RCB (venue: MYSI Stadium, Mullanpur): The winning team will advance to the final. Losing team will play Qualifier 2.

Eliminator (May 30)

GT vs MI (venue: MYSI Stadium, Mullanpur): The winning team will advance to play Qualifier 2. Losing side will be eliminated from the competition.

Read Also: IPL Playoffs: Teams with most IPL Eliminator defeats

Qualifier 2 (June 1)

Qualifier 1 loser vs Eliminator winner (venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad): The winning team will advance to Final. Losing side will be eliminated.

Final (June 3)

Qualifier 1 winner vs Qualifier 2 winner (venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad)

Royal Challengers Bangaluru ended the IPL 2025 league stage with a win by defeating Lucknow Super Giants by 6 wickets. This was RCB's 9th win in 14 matches and the team managed to secure its place in the top-2 with 19 points.

With this victory, RCB also created history by becoming the first team in the history of IPL to win all its away matches in a season.

Also Read: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 Preview, Head-to-head, Possible XIs and Fantasy Team Prediction

In the league stage, all teams get a chance to play 14 matches in which 7 matches are played at home and 7 matches are played away from home. RCB's last match was against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Lucknow itself, due to being a neutral venue, this match was not counted as an away match.

KKR and MI managed to win 7 away matches

Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians managed to win 7 matches each in 2012, but at that time 16 matches were played in the league stage in which teams had to play 8 matches at home and the same number of matches away from home.

 Most away wins in a IPL season

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru — 7/7 (IPL 2025)
• Mumbai Indians — 7/8 (IPL 2012)
• Kolkata Knight Riders — 7/8 (IPL 2012)
• Gujarat Titans — 6/7 (IPL 2023)
• Delhi Daredevils — 6/8 (IPL 2012)

RCB recorded biggest run chase in its IPL history

With this victory, Royal Challengers Bengaluru also registered the biggest run chase of their IPL career. Earlier, RCB had the record of chasing the highest score of 215 runs. This run chase is also the third biggest run chase in the history of IPL.

RCB's most successful run chases

• 228 vs LSG, Lucknow, 2025
• 215 vs South Australia, Bengaluru, CLT20, 2011
• 204 vs PBKS, Bengaluru, 2010
• 204 vs NSW, Bengaluru, CLT20, 2011
• 201 vs GT, Ahmedabad, 2024

Also Read: Highest Successful Run Chases in IPL History

RCB in away games in IPL 2025

The first playoff match of the 18th season of Indian Premier League (IPL) will be played tomorrow, Thursday, May 29. The first qualifier match will be played between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.

After the group stage, PBKS finished first in the points table while RCB finished second. Now the team that wins the Qualifier-1 match will get a 'Ticket to the Final'.

Also Read: Every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed

Both the teams had a great season so far and are among the favourites to lift their maiden IPL title this year. PBKS have qualified into the playoffs after 11 years while RCB made into the top-two for the first time after 2016.

Ahead of their clash in the IPL 2025 playoffs, PBKS and RCB met twice in the league stage this year with both teams winning one game each. Now, looking for their maiden title, both PBKS and RCB are now just a win away from getting into the final. However, the losing team will also get another chance in the qualifier two. 

From possible playing XIs to head-to-head record, here is everything you need to know about the Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Qualifier 1 in IPL 2025.

Match Details

• Match: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
• Tournament: IPL 2025, Qualifier 1
• Date: 29 May 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM IST
• Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadiu, New Chandigarh

Streaming Details

Cricket fans from India can watch the PBKS vs RCB Qualifier 1 LIVE on Star Sports TV Channels on Television. They can also stream the match LIVE on JioHotstar for free.

Pitch Report

The newly-constructed Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh provides an equal contest for both the batters and the bowlers. Out of eight IPL matches played at this ground so far, the team batting first five times while the chasing team came out victorious on four occasions. The average score at this ground is around 170 runs.

Weather Report

The New PCA stadium in Mullanpur is expected to witness temperature highs of up to 40 degree Celsius and lows of 24 degree Celsius on Thursday, with the forecast predicting a mostly sunny day, with the chance of a few clouds.

PBKS vs RCB: Head-to-Head Record

Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have faced each other 35 times in the IPL history so far. Out of these 35 matches, PBKS won 18 times while RCB defeated them on 17 occasions.

PBKS vs RCB: Recent Team Performances

Also Read: IPL Table toppers: IPL Playoffs teams from 2008 to 2025

Possible XIs

Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh

Impact Subs: Yuzvendra Chahal

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarawal, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (c & wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma

Impact Subs: Rajat Patidar

Fantasy Team Prediction

Prabhsimran Singh (vc), Josh Inglis, Phil Salt, Virat Kohli (c), Shreyas Iyer, Priyansh Arya, Mayank Agarwal, Krunal Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harpreet Brar.