As the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) resumes on May 17 after a brief halt, the race for the playoffs will heat up with seven teams still in contention for the four coveted spots.
With 13 matches left in the league stage, the stakes are sky-high for Mumbai Indians (MI), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Gujarat Titans (GT), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have been knocked out. Below, we explore the teams still fighting for glory with an analysis of the playoff qualification pathways for each of the contenders.
Also read: Cricket Australia's bold message for Cummins, Starc, & Head after IPL 2025 revised fixture announced
IPL 2025 Playoff Qualification Scenarios
- Gujarat Titans
Gujarat Titans, the table-toppers, need just one win from their remaining three matches (DC, LSG and CSK) to reach 18 points, likely enough for qualification. Two wins would secure 20 points and a probable top-two finish, ensuring two shots at the final. Their high NRR provides a cushion, but they cannot afford to be complacent.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru
RCB requires one win from their three remaining matches (KKR, SRH and LSG) to hit 18 points, guaranteeing a playoff spot. Two wins would likely lock a top-two position. Their NRR is solid, but a loss to KKR could complicate matters if other teams close the gap.
- Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, need two wins from their three remaining games (RR, DC and MI) to reach 19 points, a safe bet for the playoffs. Even one win (17 points) could be enough if their NRR holds up. The upcoming match against Rajasthan is pivotal, as a loss could dent their momentum.
- Mumbai Indians
The Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians are in a must-win situation, needing two wins from their remaining two games (DC and PBKS) to reach 18 points, which should suffice for qualification. Their exceptional NRR offers a buffer, which means they can qualify on 16 points if other results go in their favor.
- Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals must win all three remaining games (GT, MI and PBKS) to reach 19 points and ensure qualification. Two wins (17 points) might not suffice if multiple teams hit 18. Their NRR is decent, but they need big victories to overtake teams like PBKS or MI in tiebreaker scenarios.
- Kolkata Knight Riders
KKR, currently in sixth place on the IPL 2025 points table, can only reach 15 points, which in all likelihood will not be enough for a playoff spot. They have two matches remaining versus RCB and SRH, respectively. They have to win against them and also hope that three teams between PBKS, MI, DC and LSG do not cross 15 points.
- Lucknow Super Giants
Lucknow Super Giants must win all three remaining games (SRH, GT and RCB) by huge margins to reach 16 points and improve their negative NRR. They also need two teams between PBKS, MI and DC to not cross 16 points.
IPL 2025 to Resume on May 17 with Revised Schedule
The IPL 2025 faced an unprecedented pause due to the India-Pakistan conflict, forcing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to rejig the schedule. The remaining matches will now be played across six cities: Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow and Jaipur, with some teams losing the advantage of home games.
The revised schedule, starting with a blockbuster clash between RCB and KKR on May 17, promises an exciting sprint to the finish line, with the final slated for June 3 at a yet-to-be-decided venue.
Also read: IPL 2025: IPL to resume on May 17; Final set to be played on June 03
