IPL 2025 playoffs qualification scenarios explained: What teams need to do | Cricket News
New Delhi: The competition for a spot in the IPL 2025 playoffs is heating up massively, with teams looking to pull off dominant wins in order to boost their NRR. Gujarat Titans (GT) are currently on top of the table with 12 points in eight matches and a NRR of +1.1.04. Delhi Capitals (DC), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) occupy the second, third and fourth positions. DC have accumulated 10 points in seven matches at a NRR of +0.589. RCB and PBKS currently have the same number of points as the Axar-Patel-led side. However, their NRR stands at +0.472 and +0.177, respectively.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rajasthan Royals (RR), SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) occupy the last four spots on the points table. KKR are the best placed with six points while the other franchises have won only four points so far. However, every side currently has a chance of making it to the IPL playoffs. Here’s a look at what the teams need to do to qualify for the playoffs:
GT: Winning two out of their remaining six matches should prove enough, considering they have the best NRR currently. Sai Sudharshan and Prasidh Krishna are the current Orange and Purple cap holders showcasing their dominance across all departments. The Gujarat-based franchise have bounced back incredibly this season following an underwhelming performance last year. GT face RR, SRH, MI, DC, LSG and CSK in their remaining matches.
DC: The Axar Patel-led side will need to win three out of their remaining seven matches, having played one game fewer than GT. DC’s NRR is the second-best in the league which will definitely play a crucial role with regard to sealing a spot in the playoffs. DC face LSG, RCB, KKR, SRH, PBKS, GT and MI in their remaining matches.
RCB: The Rajat Patidar-led side has accumulated 10 points in eight matches, making three wins in the remaining six matches sufficient with regard to securing a spot in the playoffs. RR, DC, CSK, LSG, SRH and KKR are the teams they will be facing in their remaining games.
PBKS, LSG: Both teams will look to win three out of their last six matches in order to stay in contention for the playoffs. However, they have an inferior NRR in comparison to RCB’s +0.472. While PBKS have a NRR of +0.177, LSG’s NRR stands at +0.088 with 10 points in hand. Dominant wins will hold both teams in good stead, considering the immense competition. PBKS face CSK, LSG, DC, MI and RR in their remaining matches. DC, MI, PBKS, RCB, GT and SRH will be LSG’s opponents.
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MI: The Hardik Pandya-led side will need to win four of the remaining six matches. MI currently have eight points as well as a NRR of +0.483. They will face SRH, LSG, RR, GT, PBKS and DC in their upcoming encounters.
KKR: The defending champions are in a tough position following their defeat by 39 runs against GT. The Ajinkya Rahane-led side will need to win five out of their remaining six matches to remain in contention for a playoff berth. KKR are set to face PBKS, DC, RR, CSK, SRH and RCB.
RR, SRH and CSK: CSK and RR need to win their remaining six matches while SRH require six wins in their remaining seven games. The poor NRR of these teams could well prove to be a stumbling block. RR will face RCB, GT, MI, KKR, CSK and PBKS in their last six matches. CSK’s upcoming matches will be against SRH, PBKS, RCB, KKR, RR and GT. SRH are set to face MI, CSK, GT, DC, KKR, RCB and LSG.
Also Watch:
Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, points table and IPL live score for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Don’t miss the list of players in the race for IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple cap.
