IPL 2025 Playoff Race: Qualification Scenarios for Teams

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IPL 2025 Playoff Qualification Scenarios: As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season approaches its final leg, the race for the playoff spots has intensified.

While some teams like Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings have already made significant strides, a pack of seven teams, Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Mumbai Indians (MI), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Delhi Capitals (DC), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are locked in a fierce battle for the remaining slots.

With just a few games left in the league stage, every match counts. Here’s a look at the qualification scenarios for each of these seven teams as of May 15, 2025.

Playoff Qualification Scenarios for IPL 2025

In reality, the five teams are still in the race to make the playoffs of the IPL 2025, but LSG has very good outside chances, which is quite impossible for them to achieve.

Gujarat Titans (GT)

Points: 16 (11 matches)
Remaining Matches: 3
Scenario: GT needs just one more win to seal a playoff berth. Two wins could place them in the top two, giving them an extra lifeline in Qualifier 1. Their fate is in their own hands.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Points: 16 (11 matches)
Remaining Matches: 3
Scenario: RCB, much like GT, needs just one win from their remaining matches to reach 18 points, likely enough for qualification. Winning all three games could push them into the top two.

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Points: 15 (12 matches)
Remaining Matches: 2
Scenario: PBKS must win both remaining games to ensure qualification with 19 points. A single loss could push them into a vulnerable position, where they’d depend on net run rate and other match results.

Mumbai Indians (MI)

Points: 14 (12 matches)
Remaining Matches: 2
Scenario: MI must win both games to reach 18 points. Losing even one will put them in a tight spot, relying on other teams’ losses and favorable net run rate.

Delhi Capitals (DC)

Points: 14 (12 matches)
Remaining Matches: 2
Scenario: DC’s path is similar to MI. They need to win both of their remaining games to hit 18 points. If they lose one, qualification will hinge on other results and NRR calculations.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Points: 11 (12 matches)
Remaining Matches: 2
Scenario: KKR can reach a maximum of 15 points. Their chances are slim and will rely heavily on winning both games and a series of favorable results elsewhere. Their net run rate will also need a boost.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Points: 10 (11 matches)
Remaining Matches: 3
Scenario: LSG still has a mathematical chance. Winning all three matches will take them to 16 points. Even then, they’ll need results to go their way and a strong net run rate to edge past others.

Key Considerations

Net Run Rate (NRR): With many teams likely to finish on similar points, NRR will play a critical role.
Head-to-Head Clashes: Several of the remaining fixtures are direct battles between playoff hopefuls, making each game a virtual knockout.
Player Availability: With some international players leaving early for national duties, team compositions could be impacted significantly.

As the league stage draws to a close, the IPL 2025 playoff race is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling in recent years. With just a few matches left, expect fireworks as teams go all out to secure their spot in the top four. Every over, every wicket, and every run will now carry added significance.