Race to IPL 2025 Playoffs: GT Eye Top-Two Finish, SRH Staring at Exit
The competition is heating up in the top half of the table as the IPL 2025 playoff race enters its decisive phase.
With 51 matches done and dusted, the IPL 2025 points table is beginning to take shape—but there's still everything to play for. While Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have already bowed out of the playoff race, the remaining eight teams are jostling for the coveted top-four spots, with as many as five teams still eyeing a top-two finish. Here's a breakdown of where the contenders stand and what they need to do from here.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
- Played: 10
- Points: 14
- NRR: +0.867
- Remaining: MI (a), DC (a), LSG (h), CSK (h)
GT are in pole position for not just a playoff berth but potentially a top-two finish. With a strong net run rate and two of their last four matches at home—where they’ve been dominant—GT only need two wins to virtually seal qualification. Wins against struggling CSK and LSG at home could seal the deal early.
Playoff prospects: Very strong. Top-two finish highly likely with 2 more wins.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
- Played: 11
- Points: 14
- NRR: +1.124
- Remaining: GT (h), PBKS (a), DC (h)
The most in-form team right now, MI have surged into contention with six consecutive wins. Their net run rate is the best in the league, which could prove crucial in a tight finish. With two of their last three at home—where they’ve won four out of five—they look set for the playoffs, and possibly a top-two finish if they win two more.
Playoff prospects: Strong. NRR gives them edge in case of a tie on points.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
- Played: 10
- Points: 14
- NRR: +0.521
- Remaining: CSK (h), LSG (a), SRH (h), KKR (h)
RCB’s late-season surge has placed them in a solid position, but they can’t afford to slip. With three home games left, RCB must improve their home form to ensure a playoff spot. Crucially, they face two low-ranked teams (CSK and SRH), which could provide the wins they need.
Playoff prospects: Good. Win 2 or more and they’re likely through; 3 ensures top-two contention.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
- Played: 10
- Points: 13
- NRR: +0.199
- Remaining: LSG (h), DC (h), MI (h), RR (a)
PBKS have quietly climbed into contention with a solid run of form, and three consecutive home games offer a real chance to solidify their playoff claim. However, with a tricky finish against MI and RR, they will need consistency and possibly three wins to stay ahead of the pack.
Playoff prospects: Still alive. Need 3 wins for certainty; 2 might leave them reliant on NRR.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
- Played: 10
- Points: 12
- NRR: +0.362
- Remaining: SRH (a), PBKS (a), GT (h), MI (a)
DC's recent dip in form has jeopardized their playoff push. With a tough schedule ahead and games against three direct competitors, DC must turn things around quickly. Winning three of the last four is crucial, but even then, NRR might come into play.
Playoff prospects: Uncertain. Must win at least 3 to stay in contention.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
- Played: 10
- Points: 10
- NRR: -0.325
- Remaining: PBKS (a), RCB (h), GT (a), SRH (h)
LSG’s path is the most challenging among the mid-table teams. They face three top-four teams in their remaining four matches, and their poor NRR is a serious handicap. Even if they win three, they may need help from other results.
Playoff prospects: Outside chance. Must win at least 3 and hope for favorable results.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Played: 10
- Points: 9
- NRR: +0.271
- Remaining: RR (h), CSK (h), SRH (a), RCB (a)
KKR can still mathematically qualify, but the margin for error is zero. They must win all four remaining games to reach 17 points, which might be enough if NRR works in their favor. But with a challenging run-in, it’s a tough task.
Playoff prospects: Slim. Must win all remaining games.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
- Played: 10
- Points: 6
- NRR: -1.192
- Remaining: DC (h), KKR (h), RCB (a), LSG (a)
For SRH, the playoffs are now a distant hope. Even winning all four remaining games will only get them to 14 points, and with a terrible NRR, it’s almost impossible for them to sneak through unless an unlikely sequence of results unfolds.
Playoff prospects: Almost eliminated. Need a miracle.
As we approach the business end of the league phase, Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians, and Royal Challengers Bangalore have emerged as frontrunners, with GT and MI looking good for top-two finishes. DC, PBKS, and LSG are in a tight mid-table battle where one slip could prove costly. KKR are alive by the barest of margins, while SRH are virtually out. With just over two weeks of group games left, the race is very much on—and it promises to go down to the wire.
Last updated on: May 2, 2025