With 55 matches completed in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, the playoff race has entered its most intense phase. Teams now don’t have time to slack off, with a single loss probably ending their race to the next round. While Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are officially eliminated, seven teams still remain in contention for the final four spots.
The top of the table is tightly packed, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Mumbai Indians (MI), and Gujarat Titans (GT) all within touching distance of qualification. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals (DC) , Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are banking on favourable results to sneak in. With every remaining match carrying weight, the margin for error is razor-thin.
Usually, teams with 14 points go through to the top four. However, this will not be the case at IPL 2025. Four teams already breached this mark just when May started and now even 16 points don’t guarantee qualification. Here’s a team-by-team breakdown of what each side needs to qualify.
RCB are all but through. One more win from their remaining three matches will mathematically confirm a playoff spot. Two wins will take them to 20 points, likely locking a top-two finish unless other teams also surge. Their NRR is steady but not unassailable, so a large loss could still complicate things if there’s a multi-team tie at 16 or 18 points. However, with their current cushion, a 95%+ probability of qualification is realistic.
One more win takes PBKS to 17, which should suffice for a top-four finish. Two wins likely guarantee it. They face two strong teams in MI and DC, so the upcoming games are crucial. A 1-2 finish may leave them at 17 and dependent on NRR and other results, especially if DC or KKR push through.
MI are well placed with a strong NRR. One win from three will take them to 16, which gives them a solid chance of qualification. Two wins (18 points) likely ensure a top-two finish. However, they face three direct playoff contenders. Losing all three could leave them vulnerable if teams like DC or KKR overtake on points.
GT have four games remaining – more than anyone else – which gives them flexibility. Even two wins from here (18 points) secures playoffs, and three wins will mean a top-two finish. However, key clashes against MI and DC could become must-wins if they lose momentum. Their strong NRR gives them a safety net in tie scenarios.
DC must win at least two of their remaining three matches to be in contention. That gets them to 17, a likely qualifying score. If they only win one (15 points), they will depend heavily on NRR and need other teams to falter. Beating either GT or MI is a must in hurting rivals and boosting their own case.
KKR need to win at least two of their last three matches to get to 15 points. Even then, they’ll need favourable results elsewhere. Three wins (17 points) gives them a strong shot, but their final game is against RCB away. A loss in any match could eliminate them, depending on how DC and LSG finish. Their NRR is better than LSG’s, but worse than DC’s.
LSG must win all three remaining matches to get to 16 points. Their low NRR means they also need at least one big win or for rivals like DC and KKR to lose multiple games. If they lose even one, their campaign is essentially over. Winning against both RCB and GT is critical, as it also directly hurts playoff rivals.
SRH cannot qualify even if they win all remaining games. They can only reach 13 points. Their role now is that of spoilers against KKR, RCB and LSG. Expect them to test bench strength and focus on ending the season with pride.
RR are officially out of the playoffs after their heavy loss to MI. Even two wins will only get them to 10 points. The team will look to play spoilsport.
CSK’s campaign is over, and they will finish in the bottom two. A poor NRR and horrible form have marked their downfall. Their remaining matches will impact the playoff race, especially if they upset KKR or GT.
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