As of May 17, 2025, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is in its homestretch, and the playoff qualification race is taking shape. With 17 matches still to be played, including the earlier abandoned Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals game, the race to the playoffs remains open for seven teams. The recent India-Pakistan border tensions disruption has resulted in a rearranged schedule and changed venues, which can further impact how the IPL 2025 qualification scenario develops.
Thus far, Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are at the top of the table with 16 points apiece from 11 games, while others such as Punjab Kings (PBKS), Mumbai Indians (MI), and Delhi Capitals (DC) are still in the running. Conversely, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are out of playoff contention mathematically. Let us detail what all the teams must achieve to make it into the IPL 2025 playoffs and how many additional wins are needed to make it in.
𝐐, hila daala na?! 🤌💙 pic.twitter.com/JtxMfGGNhF
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) May 18, 2025
1. Gujarat Titans (GT) – 16 Points from 11 Games | NRR: +0.793
GT are in a strong position. A single additional victory will guarantee their playoff berth. If they can win all three games remaining, they will be on top with 22 points. RCB alone can equal that figure, which makes the current position of GT secure.
- Minimum points to qualify for playoffs in IPL 2025: 18 points (1 win)
- Wins required to qualify for IPL 2025 playoffs: Win all remaining matches
- Remaining Matches: vs DC (May 18), vs LSG (May 22), vs CSK (May 25)
2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – 16 Points from 11 Games | NRR: +0.482
RCB are in the same position as GT. With one more victory, they will be in the playoffs. Winning all three may provide them with a chance at the top two, subject to net run rate and how well GT play.
- IPL 2025 qualification scenario : Nearly certain; Win 1 match
- To reach the top two: Win all 3 matches (22 points)
- Fixtures ahead: vs KKR (May 17), vs SRH (May 23), vs LSG (May 27)
3. Punjab Kings (PBKS) – 15 Points from 11 Games | NRR: +0.376
PBKS are steady now and are placed in third. Two victories out of their last three games will secure qualification. Even a single victory could suffice based on net run rate and the way DC or MI play. A victory against DC or MI would provide them with a direct advantage.
- Wins required to qualify for IPL 2025 playoffs: 2 wins (19 points)
- One win might work, but not guaranteed
- To finish top two: Win all 3, hope GT or RCB slip
- Remaining Fixtures: vs RR (May 18), vs DC (May 24), vs MI (May 26)
4. Mumbai Indians (MI) – 14 Points from 12 Games | NRR: +1.156
MI have the league’s top NRR but just two games remaining. They need to win both to retain control of their playoff fate. Any defeat means that they would have to depend on other teams’ results.
- Minimum points to qualify for playoffs in IPL 2025: 18 points (need to win both)
- One defeat ends direct qualification hopes
- To qualify for the top two: Need assistance from other teams even after 2 wins
- Remaining Matches: vs DC (May 21), vs PBKS (May 26)
5. Delhi Capitals (DC) – 13 Points from 11 Games | NRR: +0.362
DC’s road is tight, but not out of the question. They need to win two of their remaining three matches, or better still, all three. Their matches are challenging against GT, MI, and PBKS, all playoff teams.
- IPL 2025 qualification scenario: Win 2 to remain in contention, 3 to be certain
- Wins required to qualify for IPL 2025 playoffs: Win all 3 and hope RCB/GT also drop off
- Remaining Fixtures: vs GT (May 18), vs MI (May 21), vs PBKS (May 24)
6. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – 11 Points from 12 Games | NRR: +0.193
KKR can get a max of 15 points. They have to win both and get a lot of help from elsewhere. Also, they have to improve their net run rate hugely.
- Wins required to qualify for IPL 2025 playoffs: 2 wins, and good performances of MI & DC
- To make it: Hope MI lose both, DC loses minimum 2
- Remaining Fixtures: v RCB (May 17), v SRH (May 25)
7. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – 10 Points from 11 Games | NRR: -0.469
LSG are threading on a needle. They have to win all three matches and even then need assistance. Their abysmal NRR ensures even 16 points would not suffice unless they win by large margins and pray for a three-team tie.
- Minimum points to qualify for playoffs in IPL 2025: 16 points (all of which they need to win)
- To sneak through: Pray MI loses both, DC two, and win heavily
- Remaining Fixtures: vs SRH (May 19), vs GT (May 22), vs RCB (May 27)
Predicted for Top Four to IPL 2025 Playoffs (up to May 17, 2025)
Going by current momentum and fixtures, this is how the IPL 2025 qualification scenario could go:
- Gujarat Titans – Will most likely win at least two more games, possibly top the table.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Good fixtures and high morale, very strong candidate for the top two.
- Punjab Kings – On a roll, require two victories; viable hope for third or fourth place.
- Mumbai Indians – If they win both, their better NRR might be enough to overtake DC and LSG.
Delhi Capitals are still contenders but require victories against strong teams. LSG and KKR are long shots, requiring a combination of large victories and outside assistance. With the IPL 2025 qualification scenarios narrowing and 17 games to play, the coming days will be critical in deciding who gets into the IPL 2025 playoffs. Keep it locked for daily reports as the qualification drama takes a turn.
