IPL 2025 Playoff Scenarios: Seven Teams Locked in Fierce Battle for Final Four Spots

The remaining eight teams are still mathematically in the hunt, with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Mumbai Indians (MI), and Gujarat Titans (GT) holding a clear edge.

Front Runners for Playoff: RCB, PBKS Just a Win Away from Playoffs

Royal Challengers Bangalore are leading the charge with 16 points from 11 matches and a healthy Net Run Rate (NRR) of +0.482. Just one more win from their remaining three fixtures — against LSG, SRH, and KKR — should seal their spot in the top four, thanks to the strength of their nine potential wins, which is the first tiebreaker.

Punjab Kings, on 15 points, are also close to qualification. Wins against any two of DC, MI, and RR will push them to 19 points and guarantee them a playoff spot — possibly even a top-two finish. Their NRR of +0.376 puts them in a good position, but they must be wary with two crucial games against fellow contenders MI and DC.

Fight for 3rd & 4th Place in Points Table: MI, GT, DC in a Mini-League of Their Own

This group features a high-stakes triangle: Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, and Delhi Capitals all face each other in the final stretch.

MI, currently the hottest team in the league with six straight wins, sit at 14 points and a stellar NRR of +1.274 — the best in the tournament. Two more wins from their remaining games (vs GT, PBKS, and DC) will confirm their spot in the top four. However, losses in all three could knock them out.

GT, also on 14 points but with a game in hand, boast a strong NRR of +0.867. With four games to go — including matchups against MI, DC, LSG, and CSK — they are well-placed to clinch a top-four spot. Two wins should be enough, while three will almost guarantee a top-two finish.

Delhi Capitals, on 13 points from 11 games, are in a more precarious position. Their NRR (+0.362) is decent, but recent form is concerning — just one win in their last five matches. They’ll likely need to win all three of their remaining fixtures (vs PBKS, GT, and MI) to stand a realistic chance.

Slightly Hopeful: KKR, LSG Hoping for Miracles for Playoff

Kolkata Knight Riders (11 points) and Lucknow Super Giants (10 points) are on thin ice. KKR must win all their remaining games (vs CSK, SRH, and RCB) to reach 17 points and hope other results go their way. Their NRR of +0.249 offers some support, but not enough to rely on.

LSG, with 10 points and a poor NRR of -0.469, are virtually in a knockout scenario. Even three wins might not be enough unless results and net run rates break perfectly in their favour. They face RCB, GT, and SRH — all in playoff contention — making their path even steeper.

Out but Still Alive: SRH Needs a Miracle

Sunrisers Hyderabad, currently languishing at the bottom with a -1.192 NRR, are all but eliminated. While they can still reach 14 points by winning their last three games, their dismal run rate and the fact that at least four teams are already above the 14-point mark make qualification next to impossible.

Key Upcoming Fixtures

1. MI vs GT (May 6): A virtual playoff for momentum and position.
2. PBKS vs DC (May 8): A must-win for both.
3. GT vs DC (May 11) and MI vs DC (May 15): These matches could decide the final spots.
4. RCB vs LSG, KKR, and SRH: RCB can seal top-two with strong wins.

Current Standings Snapshot (as of May 6)

Conclusion

The race to the IPL 2025 playoffs has reached a fever pitch. While RCB and PBKS are within touching distance, the likes of MI, GT, and DC will be jockeying hard for position. Meanwhile, KKR, LSG, and SRH are clinging to mathematical hope. Every match from here on is a mini-final.

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