With 44 exciting matches completed in the ongoing IPL 2025, the playoff picture is beginning to crystallize. While previous champs Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders have seen their playoff chances dwindle, the Punjab Kings, long considered underdogs, are close to qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in 11 years.
As the IPL approaches another double-header Sunday, featuring Mumbai Indians against Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, we examine the qualification scenarios for all 10 teams.
Gujarat Titans: (8 matches | 6 wins | 12 points)
Remaining games: vs RR, SRH, MI, DC, LSG, CSK
Currently leading the points table with 12 points, Gujarat Titans are just two wins away from a playoff spot after finishing eighth last season. With three of their remaining matches at home, where they’ve only lost once so far, they have a strong chance of securing a playoff berth.
Delhi Capitals: (8 matches | 6 wins | 12 points)
Remaining games: vs RCB, KKR, SRH, PBKS, GT, MI
Like Gujarat, Delhi Capitals are also two wins shy of reaching the playoffs for the first time in four years. With three home games remaining, including a crucial matchup against RCB, a win could propel them toward a top-two finish.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: (9 matches | 6 wins | 12 points)
Remaining games: vs DC, CSK, LSG, SRH, KKR
RCB excels in away games, achieving five of their six wins this season on the road. With the chance to secure playoff qualification through upcoming home games, their recent victory at Chinnaswamy could boost their confidence as they aim for a higher finish.
Punjab Kings: (9 matches | 5 wins | 11 points)
Remaining games: vs CSK, LSG, DC, MI, RR
Had Saturday’s washed-out match against Kolkata gone their way, Punjab might have matched RCB and DC in points. With five matches left, including two at Dharamsala, where the pitch favors their batting lineup, they still have a shot at the playoffs.
Mumbai Indians: (9 matches | 5 wins | 10 points)
Remaining games: vs LSG, RR, GT, PBKS, DC
Following an early struggle this season, Mumbai has bounced back by winning four consecutive matches. They need three more victories out of the five remaining games to ensure playoff qualification, placing them in a competitive position.
Lucknow Super Giants: (9 matches | 5 wins | 10 points)
Remaining games: vs MI, PBKS, RCB, GT, SRH
Lucknow’s season has been marked by inconsistency. Despite a strong run earlier, they’ve faltered recently. Securing three wins from their remaining five matches could still see them through to the playoffs.
Kolkata Knight Riders: (9 matches | 3 wins | 7 points)
Remaining games: vs DC, RR, CSK, SRH, RCB
With a recent washout and a string of losses, Kolkata now finds themselves in a must-win situation. Another defeat could spell early elimination for the defending champions.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: (9 matches | 3 wins | 6 points)
Remaining games: vs GT, DC, KKR, RCB, LSG
Despite a vital victory in Chennai, SRH must win all their remaining matches to keep their playoff hopes alive. Given the competitiveness of the league, any more losses could jeopardize their chances.
Rajasthan Royals: (9 matches | 2 wins | 4 points)
Chennai Super Kings: (9 matches | 2 wins | 4 points)
Remaining games: vs PBKS, RCB, KKR, CSK, GT
With the top three teams at 12 points and the next three at 10, both Chennai and Rajasthan face a steep uphill battle to qualify. Although mathematically in contention, their chances of advancing appear slim given their seasons thus far.
