As the IPL 2025 playoffs loom large, the race for the final two spots has turned into a high-stakes showdown between three cricketing giants — Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and Mumbai Indians (MI). With the league stage hurtling toward its climax, every remaining match carries immense weight. The margins are razor-thin, and every run scored, wicket taken, or strategy executed could determine who advances and who watches the playoffs from home. The intensity is palpable, and the drama is just getting started.
GT, the 2022 champions, have had a mixed campaign this year but remain firmly in contention with a solid net run rate and a string of gritty performances. RCB, reinvigorated by a blend of youth and experience, are riding high on momentum after a shaky start to the season. And then there’s MI – five-time champions, tournament veterans, and perennial comeback kings.
With IPL 2025 set to resume on Saturday, i.e., 17th May, after an eight-day gap, here is a look at the qualification chances of the seven teams which are still in contention for a place in the playoffs.
FINAL PLAYOFFS SCENARIO
Gujarat Titans
Played: 11, Points: 16, NRR: 0.793
Remaining matches: DC (a), LSG (h), CSK (h)
The Gujarat Titans (GT) are only one victory away from qualifying for the playoffs; a club with 18 points will finish in the top four. However, as four teams can still finish with 17 points or more, they could be eliminated if they lose their final three games. The Titans have a fortunate schedule as well; they have a strong 4-1 record thus far and will play their final two games at home in Ahmedabad. They could qualify or place in the top two thanks to their current net run rate, which is second only to that of the Mumbai Indians (MI).
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Played: 11, Points: 16, NRR: 0.482
Remaining matches: KKR (h), SRH (h), LSG (a)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), like GT, is just one victory away from guaranteeing a postseason spot in the playoffs. With 16 points, RCB can also finish in the top four if other outcomes work out. Two victories, nevertheless, do not yet ensure a spot in the top two because two other teams, GT and Punjab Kings (PBKS), have the opportunity to finish with 20 points or more. While PBKS can end on 21 if they win all three of their remaining games, GT presently has a higher NRR.
Punjab Kings
Played: 11, Points: 15, NRR: 0.376
Remaining matches: RR (a), DC (a), MI (a)
Two victories are required for PBKS to qualify for the playoffs. Currently, five teams can end with 17 points or more. For example, if they defeat the Rajasthan Royals (RR) but lose to the Delhi Capitals (DC) and MI, or if DC defeats GT but loses to MI, then RCB, GT, MI, DC, and PBKS can all finish with 17 points or more. Although only one of MI or DC may end with 17 or more points because they face each other, PBKS can qualify with 17 points if they defeat DC and lose their other two games.
Even if PBKS loses all three games, they can still advance to the playoffs by staying on 15, but DC must lose their other two games to do so, and LSG must win no more than two of their three games. The competition for a position will thereafter be based on run rates between PBKS and DC (and, if they win both games, the Kolkata Knight Riders).
Mumbai Indians
Played: 12, Points: 14, NRR: 1.156
Remaining matches: DC (h), PBKS (a)
Even though MI lost to GT, they still have power over their future because victories in their next two games will guarantee a postseason berth in the playoffs. However, they will require assistance from other outcomes to advance on 16 points, and losses in their final two games will mean their elimination. If qualifying comes down to it, MI’s outstanding net run rate of 1.156 may still be very important.
Delhi Capitals
Played: 11, Points: 13, NRR: 0.362
Remaining matches: GT (h), MI (a), PBKS (a)
DC has gained an important point in their qualification bid thanks to a fortuitous point that resulted from a washout against SRH. While 17 could leave them vulnerable to other outcomes—five teams could still finish with 17 or more points—15 will only move them into the top four if some other outcomes work in their favour. Since they have only won one of their last five games, winning the final three will guarantee qualification in the playoffs, but doing so will necessitate a significant change in form.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Played: 12, Points: 11, NRR: 0.193
Remaining matches: RCB (a), SRH (a)
Since KKR can only end with 15, two teams have already surpassed that total, and PBKS is on 15 with three games remaining, putting them in danger of being eliminated. To stay on 14, KKR will need to hope MI loses their final two games. Given that they play DC, who are now on 13, in one of their games, DC will be on 15. In such a case, KKR and DC will compete for the fourth slot in an NRR match.
Lucknow Super Giants
Played: 11, Points: 10, NRR: -0.469
Remaining matches: SRH (h), GT (a), RCB (h)
Having dropped four of their past five games and three straight, LSG is having trouble gaining traction. Now, their only options are to win the three games they have left, finish with 16 points, and hope that one or more of the top-seeded teams experience an unexpected turnabout. However, they will be eliminated if they lose another match. Their awful -0.469 NRR further hinders their cause.
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