IPL 2025 Playoffs Qualification Scenarios : The IPL 2025 playoff race is heating up with only 14 matches left in the league stage, and seven teams – Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Lucknow Super Giants – are fighting for four playoff spots starting May 20, 2025.
Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad are out of the playoff race.
In this article, we’ve told you guys what each team needs to do to reach the playoffs and shake up the top two spots, so let’s start this article.
IPL 2025 Playoffs Qualification Scenarios – RCB and Gujarat Titans: One Win Away
Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Titans are topping the points table, each with 16 points from 11 matches. RCB’s net run rate (NRR) is +0.482, while GT’s is +0.793.
Both teams need just one win in their remaining three matches to secure a playoff spot, likely guaranteeing a top-four finish.
If they win two or more games, they could grab a top-two spot, earning a shot at Qualifier 1 on May 20, 2025, in Hyderabad.
Their strong NRRS give them an edge, especially GT, which could aim for 22 points with a perfect finish.
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Punjab Kings: Strong but Not Safe
Punjab Kings have 15 points from 11 matches and are in third place. They need one more win in their three remaining games to reach 17 points, which should secure a playoff spot, especially after their recent strong win over Lucknow Super Giants.
Two wins would take them to 19 points, boosting their chances for a top-two finish.
However, a loss to Delhi Capitals in their upcoming home game in Dharamsala could complicate things, forcing them to rely on other results.
Their NRR (+0.376) is solid but not as strong as GT or Mumbai.
Mumbai Indians: Must Win Both
Mumbai Indians (MI) are on 14 points from 12 matches with a strong NRR of +1.274, the best in the tournament. They need to win both their remaining matches (against Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals) to reach 18 points and secure a playoff spot.
One win would leave them at 16 points, which might not be enough if Delhi or Punjab hit 17 or more.
A loss could end their hopes, despite their NRR advantage.
Delhi Capitals: Win All or Hope
Delhi Capitals (DC) have 13 points from 11 matches after a no-result against Sunrisers Hyderabad. They must win all three remaining matches to reach 19 points and guarantee a playoff spot.
Two wins would give them 17 points, which could work if Punjab or Mumbai falter. Their recent form and NRR (+0.589) make it tough, but a strong performance against direct rivals could keep them alive.
Kolkata Knight Riders: Slim Chances
Kolkata Knight Riders have 11 points from 12 matches and a positive NRR (+0.212). They must win both remaining matches to reach 15 points, but even then, they’ll need Mumbai, Delhi, or Punjab to stay at 15 points or below due to NRR comparisons.
Their inconsistent season, worsened by a washout against Punjab and losses post-Gautam Gambhir’s exit, leaves them with a steep path. Wins against Delhi and RCB are critical, but their playoff hopes are fading.
Lucknow Super Giants: Near Elimination
Lucknow Super Giants have 10 points from 11 matches with a poor NRR of -0.469. They must win all three remaining matches to reach 16 points, but even then, their low NRR and dependence on losses from Mumbai, Delhi, or Punjab make qualification unlikely.
A single loss eliminates them.
The Playoff Picture
The IPL 2025 playoff qualification scenarios show RCB and Gujarat Titans need just one win each to likely secure their spots, with a chance at the top two. Punjab Kings need one or two wins, while Mumbai Indians must win both their games.
Delhi Capitals require a perfect run, and Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants face tough odds, needing wins and favourable results elsewhere. With playoffs starting May 20, 2025, in Hyderabad, the race for the top four is intense, and every match counts.
