IPL 2025 Playoff Scenario: Check Teams In Contention As League Stage Enters Final Stretch

As the league stage of IPL 2025 enters its closing two weeks, the battle for the playoff spots is set to go down to the wire. With only 18 matches left in the round-robin phase, eight teams are still in contention for a top-four finish, while Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals have become the first two sides to be officially knocked out.

The competition at the top of the table is fiercer than ever, with three teams Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians, and Gujarat Titans all capable of breaching the 20-point mark. This scenario could push the playoff qualification threshold up to at least 18 points, a step above the 14-point cut-off that sealed the final playoff berth last season.

Team-wise Playoffs qualification scenario

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (16 points)

RCB are in a strong position after their recent win over CSK, which helped them solidify their top-table credentials. Without further matches against fellow playoff aspirants Mumbai or Gujarat, RCB have a clear shot at finishing the league phase with a maximum of 22 points. Even one more victory, taking them to 18 points, could be enough to secure their passage into the next round.

Mumbai Indians (14 points)

On a remarkable six-match winning streak, Mumbai Indians are peaking at the right time. Their upcoming high-stakes clash against Gujarat Titans could determine the front-runner for the top position. Winning just two of their remaining games should confirm their qualification, but victories in all fixtures would see them end with a commanding 20 points.

Gujarat Titans (14 points)

GT are also in the mix for the top spot. Even if they stumble in the upcoming game against Mumbai, wins in their other remaining fixtures could take them to 20 points. If they manage a clean sweep, the Titans could finish the group stage with 22 points guaranteeing not just qualification but a possible top-two finish.

Delhi Capitals (12 points)

DC's form has dipped in recent games, but they remain in the hunt. With matches lined up against top-four contenders, they face a stiff test. Winning all their remaining matches would lift them to 20 points, while three wins could still keep them in the conversation, depending on how the rest of the league unfolds.

Punjab Kings (10 points)

Punjab have a challenging path ahead, facing direct playoff rivals Lucknow, Delhi, and Mumbai in upcoming games. They need at least three wins to stay in contention, which would put them at 16 points heading into their final fixture against Rajasthan. Any slip-ups could derail their playoff hopes entirely.

Lucknow Super Giants (10 points)

Currently placed sixth, LSG must win all four of their remaining games to reach 18 points and stay alive in the playoff battle. Even with maximum points, their qualification could come down to Net Run Rate due to the crowded mid-table scenario.

Kolkata Knight Riders (9 points)

KKR face an uphill climb with no matches left against Mumbai or Gujarat, which limits their ability to directly influence the top of the table. They can still accumulate 17 points if they win out, but must also rely on teams like RCB, PBKS, and LSG faltering in the final leg to sneak into the playoffs.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (6 points)

Runners-up from 2024, SRH are barely hanging on in the playoff race. They can still reach a maximum of 14 points, but with multiple teams already above or capable of surpassing that tally, their chances appear slim. They'll need a flawless run and significant help from other results to keep their hopes alive.