As the league stage of IPL 2025 nears its conclusion, the playoff picture has started to become clearer. With Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Punjab Kings (PBKS) having confirmed their places in the playoffs, the battle is now focused on the fourth and final qualification spot. Teams like Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are still in contention, while traditional heavyweights like Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have been eliminated.
RCB Secure Playoff Berth After KKR Washout
RCB became the second team after Gujarat Titans to join the ipl qualified teams. Their qualification was sealed after their May 17 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was washed out due to persistent rain. With that match being abandoned, both sides shared a point each, moving RCB to 17 points from 12 games.
The washout also officially eliminated KKR from playoff contention, as they no longer have enough remaining games to bridge the points gap.
RCB now have two matches left—against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 23 and Lucknow Super Giants on May 27. Winning both would take them to 21 points, giving them a strong chance at a top-two finish, which provides a significant advantage in the playoffs. However, even one win from their last two matches could keep them in the top two depending on net run rate and results of other contenders like GT and PBKS.
Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings Also Through
Gujarat Titans currently lead the table with 18 points from 12 games, and have already confirmed their place among the ipl qualified teams. Their current form and net run rate give them a strong edge in the race for a top-two finish.
Punjab Kings, with 17 points from 12 matches, also secured their place in the top four. Like RCB, PBKS will look to maximize points in their final two games to aim for a top-two berth.
Who Will Take the Fourth Spot?
The fourth spot remains hotly contested with MI, DC, and LSG all still in the mix to become the last of the ipl qualified teams.
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Mumbai Indians (14 points from 12 games, NRR: +1.156): They need to win both of their remaining matches—against DC (May 21) and PBKS (May 26)—to guarantee qualification. A single loss will put them in a vulnerable position.
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Delhi Capitals (13 points from 11 games, NRR: +0.362): With three matches left—against GT (May 18), MI (May 21), and PBKS (May 24)—DC can reach a maximum of 19 points. Winning at least two games would keep them in serious contention, especially if they beat MI.
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Lucknow Super Giants (10 points from 11 games, NRR: -0.469): LSG’s chances are slimmer. They must win all three of their remaining matches and hope for favorable results from other games. Even then, net run rate could be the deciding factor.
Upcoming Fixtures to Watch
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May 18: DC vs GT
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May 21: MI vs DC
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May 24: DC vs PBKS
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May 26: MI vs PBKS
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May 27: RCB vs LSG
With several head-to-head matchups among playoff contenders, the final week of the IPL 2025 league stage promises high drama and intense action as teams jostle to be among the ipl qualified teams. The race for the last spot is especially thrilling, with teams leaving everything on the field to secure their place in the playoffs.
As it stands, three teams have already sealed their places, while the remaining teams fight to become the last entrant into the ipl qualified teams list and keep their championship hopes alive.
