IPL 2025: Seven teams in the playoff race — here’s a team-wise look at the qualification scenarios.
Even with 14 fixtures left in the group stage of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, seven franchises are still in contention to qualify for the playoffs. The table is widely open, with just Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) being the three sides to get knocked out of the event.
Gujarat Titans (GT) are currently at the top of the points table with eight victories in 11 games at a net run rate of +0.867, followed by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and the Mumbai Indians (MI) among the top four.
Here are the qualification scenarios for the seven franchises as the 18th edition of the competition approaches its conclusion:
RCB put one leg into the playoffs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been excellent in their away clashes this year, with an unbeaten run of six wins. They have struggled at home, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, with just two wins in five games. But overall, they are in a strong position to qualify for the playoffs for successive seasons.
The washout between the SRH and the Delhi Capitals (DC) means the Rajat Patidar-led side is just one win away from securing their place in the playoffs. Only five sides can make it to 18 points if a couple of teams get to that position due to washouts. But because the first tie-breaker of the league on equal points is the number of wins, Bengaluru will go through with nine victories.
However, two wins will not guarantee their top-two finish yet, as three teams can touch the 20-point mark.
Read More: IPL 2025, RCB vs CSK, Highlights: Bengaluru a step closer to playoffs; Chennai lose ninth game
DC face tough challenge
Despite Delhi Capitals’ clinical start in IPL 2025 with four consecutive victories, they are in a position of not making it to the playoffs. The Axar Patel-led side is currently in the fifth position, with four defeats in their last seven games besides a no-result.
The lucky point over Hyderabad has given the side a bit of a breather. If they finish on 15 points, then they need to depend on several other results, while 17 could also place them in a precarious position. Six teams could finish with 17 or more points. Therefore, victories in the three remaining games will ensure their qualification.
Read More: IPL 2025, KKR vs RR, Highlights: Russell’s 57*, Harshit’s two crucial strikes keep KKR in the hunt
KKR and LSG to play spoilsport
The defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, have picked up pace with two successive wins after their wash-out against Punjab. At present, they are in the sixth position with 11 points in 11 group-stage clashes at a net run rate of +0.249.
Based on other results, they could have an outside chance to qualify on 15 points, but realistically, they will require 17 to stay in contention. Meanwhile, that equation is also based on the other results and net run rates.
The Lucknow Super Giants are struggling to find momentum with just one win in the previous five games. The best they can do is to reach 16 points with three remaining wins. They will also hope to see a few top sides suffer in the business end.
Meanwhile, one more defeat will eliminate Rishabh Pant’s army, with no contribution from the terrible net run rate of -0.469. The road won’t be easy with three teams of the last four fixtures being against the top four franchises.
However, both two sides can play the spoilsport to make it tough for the top five sides to qualify for the playoffs.
Read More: IPL 2025, MI vs GT, Highlights: Gujarat hold their nerves; beat Mumbai, go top of the table
MI, PBKS, and GT face battle for top-four finish
To certify their qualification, Punjab Kings need to win a couple of games and move to 19 points. They can still qualify with 15 points without NRR coming into play, but for that, they need various results to go in their favour.
Meanwhile, three wins in the remaining encounters will assure them of a top-two finish. They will also have a stiff task of facing the teams in the top five for the last two of the three fixtures.
Gujarat Titans’ victory over Mumbai Indians has equalled them with RCB and shaped their road beautifully for the top two finish. A couple of wins in three games will ensure them a top-two spot. It could be a bit easier with two home games awaiting them at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Mumbai’s first defeat in three weeks of the IPL 2025 has made the road a bit tougher. Victories in the remaining two games will ensure their qualification for the playoffs, but it’s very unlikely to confirm their top-two spot.
The playoffs of the IPL 2025 will begin on May 20.
Read More: IPL 2025, SRH vs DC, Highlights: Rain plays spoilsport; SRH eliminated while Delhi on 13 points
