As the league stage of IPL 2025 nears its conclusion, the race to secure a spot in the Top 4 has reached a fever pitch. With every match holding massive significance, fans are eagerly doing the math to figure out which teams still stand a chance to qualify for the playoffs and which ones are out of the running.
The recent abandonment of the clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Delhi Capitals (DC) due to a wet outfield had major implications on the playoff picture. With that, SRH officially became the third team to bow out of the competition after Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). But the drama doesn’t end there—seven teams remain in the fray, battling it out for the remaining spots.
Let’s break down the playoff scenarios for all 10 teams.
1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – The Clear Favourites
Current Standing: Top of the table
Remaining Matches: 1
RCB has been in red-hot form in the second half of the season. Led by a consistent batting lineup and a revitalized bowling attack, they are currently the favourites to finish at the top of the table. With just one more win, they are guaranteed a spot in Qualifier 1, giving them two chances to reach the final. Even if they lose their final game, their strong Net Run Rate (NRR) puts them in a very secure position.
2. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – Almost There
Current Standing: 2nd
Remaining Matches: 2
KKR has put in some impressive performances lately and now finds itself in a strong position. With two games left, one win may be enough to secure a playoff spot, but they will want to win both to finish in the top two. Their qualification also depends somewhat on other results, but they have their fate largely in their own hands.
3. Mumbai Indians (MI) – Hanging in the Balance
Current Standing: Mid-table
Remaining Matches: 2
The five-time champions had a rocky start to the season but have found some rhythm in recent games. They still have a shot at the playoffs, but it’s far from certain. They need to win both their remaining matches and hope that teams like Gujarat Titans or Delhi Capitals drop points. A close win or loss could see NRR becoming the decider, so MI will be aiming for dominant victories.
4. Gujarat Titans (GT) – Need a Strong Finish
Current Standing: 5th
Remaining Matches: 1
The Titans, winners of IPL 2022 and finalists in 2023, are on the brink. With one match remaining, they must win it convincingly to stay alive in the playoff race. A loss would eliminate them, while a narrow win might not be enough if other results don’t go their way. Their NRR is competitive but not unbeatable.
5. Punjab Kings (PBKS) – Still Alive, But Just Barely
Current Standing: Lower-mid
Remaining Matches: 2
PBKS has had another inconsistent season. While technically still in the hunt, they need to win both their games and do so with significant margins. Even then, they will rely heavily on the outcomes of other matches, especially those involving MI, DC, and GT. Their low NRR also works against them.
6. Delhi Capitals (DC) – Washed Out But Not Washed Up
Current Standing: Mid-table
Remaining Matches: 1
DC suffered a huge setback when their match against SRH was washed out, costing them a potential two points. That draw has made their task tougher. They must win their last match, and hope for losses or NRR damage to other playoff contenders. A miracle is still possible, but unlikely.
7. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – Clinging On
Current Standing: 6th
Remaining Matches: 2
LSG’s form has dipped in the latter half of the season. Their road to the playoffs is extremely narrow: they need to win both games, preferably by large margins, and hope that other mid-table teams falter. Like PBKS, their qualification chances are more theoretical than practical at this point.
8. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Officially Eliminated
Current Standing: 8th
Remaining Matches: 1
SRH’s hopes were dashed after their game with DC was abandoned. They now cannot reach the 16-point mark, which is considered the threshold for playoff qualification this season. The Hyderabad franchise has had a few standout performances, but overall, inconsistency plagued their campaign.
9. Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Early Exit
Current Standing: 9th
Remaining Matches: 0
RR became the first team to be officially eliminated. Despite having a solid squad on paper, frequent batting collapses and injuries derailed their campaign. With no games left, they’ll start planning early for IPL 2026.
10. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – End of an Era?
Current Standing: 10th
Remaining Matches: 1
It has been a forgettable season for CSK. The legendary franchise struggled with form and fitness issues throughout the season. MS Dhoni’s future remains a big question mark, and the Super Kings will likely use their last match to give youngsters a chance. Their playoff dreams are over.