IPL 2025 playoffs qualification scenario: What each team needs to do post-resumption

Following a nine-day hiatus, the Indian Premier League 2025 resumes on May 17, with just 13 league-stage games remaining. Although the suspension may have temporarily halted the action, it has also intensified the playoff race.

While Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are on the brink of qualification, four other teams: Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Capitals (DC), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) remain in contention, even if in increasingly pressurised scenarios.

Practically through: GT, RCB, PBKS

Gujarat Titans (16 points from 11 matches): One win from their last three games will seal GT’s playoff spot. Two wins would almost certainly guarantee a top-two finish and a valuable qualifier advantage.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (16 points from 11 matches): In the same position as GT, RCB need just one more win to confirm their place and will aim for maximum points to push for a top-two slot.

Punjab Kings (15 points from 11 matches): With three games left, PBKS require at least one more win to qualify. Two victories would almost guarantee them safe passage into the final four.

MI vs DC: The pivotal fixture

Mumbai Indians (14 points from 12 matches): The five-time champions must win both their remaining fixtures to reach 18 points. Their campaign climaxes with matches against Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings. Even one loss could put their fate in other teams' hands.

Delhi Capitals (13 points from 11 matches): DC have three games left—against GT, MI, and PBKS. Two wins could take them to 17 points and possibly secure a berth. The clash with MI on May 21 is especially critical, as it could directly eliminate one of the two sides.

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Slim hopes: KKR & LSG hanging by a thread

Kolkata Knight Riders (11 points from 12 matches): KKR need to win both remaining games to reach 15 points and hope MI or DC falter while improving their Net Run Rate (NRR) significantly.

Lucknow Super Giants (10 points from 11 matches): LSG must win all three of their remaining matches to get to 16 points and bank on other results and NRR swinging in their favour. Their chances are slim but mathematically alive.

Out of the race: CSK, RR, SRH

Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad have been officially knocked out. With nothing to play for in terms of qualification, these teams now hold the power to disrupt the playoff equations for others by acting as spoilers in the remaining games.

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Crunch time begins May 17

With qualification on the line and multiple fixtures between playoff hopefuls, the post-resumption stretch of IPL 2025 promises nail-biting finishes, high-pressure encounters, and strategic brinkmanship. Fans can expect intense cricket as teams fight for survival and supremacy in the world’s most competitive T20 league.