The race to the IPL 2025 playoffs is heating up with just over two weeks remaining in the league stage. Despite 55 matches already being played in the 70-game schedule, no team has yet secured a spot in the top four. Former champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK), SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are officially out of contention, while seven teams are still in the hunt for four playoff berths.
RCB in Pole Position
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are in prime position to finish in the top two, a feat they haven’t achieved since 2016 when they ended as runners-up. With 16 points from 11 matches, they need to win at least two of their final three games against LSG, SRH, and KKR to reach 20 points—a total that usually guarantees a top-two finish. Winning all three matches would give them 22 points and secure the top spot. Their net run rate (+0.482) is solid, but they’ll look to boost it further to stay ahead in case of a tie.
PBKS in the Mix
Punjab Kings (PBKS), with 15 points from 11 matches, are also in contention for a top-two finish. Winning two out of three games (vs DC, MI, and RR) would take them to 19 points, while winning all three would boost them to 21. Their match against MI on May 11 is crucial, as it directly affects the playoff aspirations of both teams. Their NRR (+0.376) is decent but could use improvement.
MI Rely on Strong NRR
Mumbai Indians (MI) are at 14 points from 11 matches and have three key games remaining against GT, PBKS, and DC—all fellow playoff hopefuls. If MI wins all three, they will reach 20 points and almost certainly secure a top-two finish. Even if they win only two games, they’ll remain in contention thanks to their excellent NRR (+1.274), the highest in the league.
GT’s Favorable Position
Gujarat Titans (GT), currently with 14 points from 10 matches, are in a strong position with four games left. Winning three of those (vs MI, DC, LSG, CSK) would likely assure a top-two spot. GT’s NRR (+0.867) is another major asset. However, any slip-up could open the door for other teams to leapfrog them.
DC’s Narrow Path
Delhi Capitals (DC) are at 13 points from 11 matches and must win all three remaining games (vs PBKS, GT, MI) to reach 19 points. These are all direct rivals, so wins will carry double value. Their NRR (+0.362) is decent but trails MI and GT, making big-margin victories essential.
KKR Still in the Fight
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have 11 points from 11 matches. They must win all three remaining matches (vs CSK, SRH, RCB) to reach 17 points, which might still not guarantee a top-two finish but can keep them in the top four race. The RCB game is particularly important to dent a key rival’s chances. KKR’s NRR (+0.249) needs a boost.
LSG’s Long Shot
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), with 10 points from 11 matches, have the slimmest margin for error. They must win all three of their remaining matches (vs RCB, GT, SRH) to reach 16 points. Even then, their poor NRR (-0.469) and dependence on other results make their path extremely difficult. Big wins and upsets from other matches are essential for them to have any chance.
Key Fixtures Ahead:
- MI vs GT – May 6
- KKR vs CSK – May 7
- DC vs PBKS – May 8
- RCB vs LSG – May 9
- KKR vs SRH – May 10
- PBKS vs MI – May 11
- DC vs GT – May 11
- GT vs LSG – May 14
- MI vs DC – May 15
- PBKS vs RR – May 16
- RCB vs KKR – May 17
- GT vs CSK – May 18
- LSG vs SRH – May 18
With such a tight race, every match in the final stretch of the league stage could be decisive. Teams not only need wins but also significant margins to improve their net run rates, which could be the deciding factor in this incredibly competitive IPL season. The battle for the playoffs is wide open, and fans can expect thrilling cricket right until the last league match.
