With 54 matches played in the 18th season of IPL 2025, the tournament has reached a thrilling climax. Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings are currently...
Sports News: As the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 draws to a close, the playoff race is becoming increasingly exciting and complex. The league stage's 54 matches are complete, with only a few remaining, yet the four playoff spots are still undecided.
Remarkably, only two teams – Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – are eliminated from playoff contention. The remaining eight teams are vying for a place in the final four. Let's examine each team's current standing, their remaining matches, and their playoff prospects.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
- Points: 16
- Remaining Matches: KKR (away), SRH (home), KKR (home)
Under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar, Royal Challengers Bangalore has emerged as a b contender this season. Currently holding 16 points, a win in all three remaining matches would secure them the top spot with 22 points. RCB needs only 1 or 2 wins to secure a playoff berth. Even if they lose all their matches, qualification remains possible depending on other teams' results and net run rate.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
- Points: 15
- Remaining Matches: DC (home), MI (home), RR (away)
Punjab strengthened their position by defeating LSG in Dharamshala. With three matches remaining, winning two would almost guarantee them a playoff spot. PBKS boasts a b net run rate, giving them an advantage over other teams. However, losing all three matches could end their campaign prematurely.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
- Points: 14
- Remaining Matches: GT (home), PBKS (away), DC (home)
Mumbai Indians have made a spectacular comeback, winning six consecutive matches. Their current net run rate of 1.274 is the best among all teams. Winning two more matches would virtually secure MI's playoff berth. However, losing all three would leave their fate dependent on their net run rate; they must avoid heavy defeats.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
Points: 14
Remaining Matches: MI (away), DC (away), LSG (home), CSK (home)
GT is in a position where winning two of their four remaining matches would likely secure a playoff spot. Their b net run rate provides an advantage in case of ties. Home support at the Narendra Modi Stadium will also be a significant factor.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
- Points: 12
- Remaining Matches: SRH (away), PBKS (away), GT (home), MI (away)
Led by Axar Patel, Delhi Capitals remain in playoff contention. Winning all four remaining matches would give them 20 points and direct qualification. Three wins would significantly improve their chances, but a single loss would weaken their prospects. Facing top teams in upcoming matches presents a double-edged sword.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Points: 11
- Remaining Matches: CSK (home), SRH (away), RCB (away)
To remain in playoff contention, KKR must win all three remaining matches and closely monitor other teams' results. Reaching 17 points requires winning all three matches, but even then, their qualification would depend on other teams' points and net run rates.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
- Points: 10
- Remaining Matches: RCB (home), GT (away), SRH (home)
LSG's position is precarious due to consecutive losses. Winning all three remaining matches by significant margins would give them a chance at 16 points, but their poor net run rate could still eliminate them from playoff contention. A single loss would virtually end their campaign.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
- Points: 6
- Remaining Matches: DC (home), KKR (home), RCB (away), LSG (away)
SRH's playoff hopes are slim. Even winning all four remaining matches would only bring them to 14 points. Their extremely poor net run rate (-1.192) further complicates their situation. Another loss will officially eliminate them from the playoff race.
