After a mini break, there are some high-pressure matches scheduled in the IPL 2025 season. The race for the final playoff spot is on, and there’s not much time left for the contenders. Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings are just about there; the scrap for the fourth remains open.
Who does what to make it there, let’s break it down!
Almost Qualified Teams: GT, RCB & PBKS
The trio of Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings are cruising above the three-metre line. All they require is another victory each, which would officially secure their place in the playoffs. With strong results all season, they’ve put some space between themselves and the chasing pack.
Race for Play-Offs: MI vs DC
The battle for the play-off place is where the real drama is likely to unfold, with the Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals in the driving seat.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
MI are currently at the 4th position with 14 points and a good NRR of +1.156. They have two left:
- 21 May: v Delhi Capitals – a probable do-or-die game for both teams.
- Final vs Punjab Kings in Jaipur.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
DC are hot on their tail with 13 points and with three matches to play, have slightly more wiggle room.
If they bag two out of three, they could better MI. Their upcoming fixtures:
- vs Gujarat Titans
- vs Mumbai Indians
- vs Punjab Kings
This direct clash between MI and DC could decide who secures the final playoff slot
Slim Hopes for KKR & LSG:
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) technically are still in the fray, but only mathematically.
- KKR are placed in 6th place with 11 points from 12 games.
- LSG sits 7th with 10 points from 11 matches.
Both sides would now have to win all their remaining matches to stay in with a chance of making the playoffs. Even then, they’ll need to rely on MI and DC to drop points — a big ask.
Who’s Already Out?It’s the end of the line for:
1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Rajasthan Royals (RR)
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
These three squads have bounced between looking good and bad. But with seven games left for them to play, the chances are not good for them.
Final Word
With there only being a few matches remaining, each game from now on is almost a knockout. A huge upset or one big win could change everything. With three teams almost there, the fourth position is still up in the air – which may make the next couple of days of IPL 2025 unmissable!
