IPL 2025 Playoffs Scenarios Explained: Qualification Paths for All 10 Franchises

Team-wise Qualification Scenarios for IPL 2025 Playoffs

1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru are on a roll in this IPL as they are currently at the top of the table with 14 points having won 7 games. With 4 more matches still left to play for Bengaluru, all they need to do is win two games out of their remaining four games to confirm their playoff berth. 

2. Punjab Kings

The Shreyas Iyer led Punjab Kings are looking to clinch their first playoff berth in 11 years. The last time the franchise reached the playoff was back in 2014 when they reached the finals. This year they find themselves in a good position and if they win 2 out of their remaining 4 games, the franchise should clinch the Playoff berth they are so desperate for. 

3. Mumbai Indians 

The Hardik Pandya led Mumbai Indians looked down and out at the start of the Tata IPL 2025, however, they’ve now won 5 games on the trot and have placed themselves right in the fight for the Top 4 spot. With 12 points after 10 games, Mumbai Indians need to win at least three of their remaining four games to guarantee a top four finish for them. 

4. Gujarat Titans

Shubman Gill led Gujarat Titans have their destiny in their own hands having been the most consistent outfit in this year’s Tata IPL. They have five games remaining and two wins could guarantee a top four berth for them while, three can put them in contention for the top two in the standings. 

5. Delhi Capitals 

The Axar Patel led Delhi Capitals were sitting comfortably in the top two of the IPL standings for long but have now slipped out of the Top 4 completely after losing to the Kolkata Knight Riders while their rivals got victories and jumped the gun. They also need three victories to seal qualification and will play against all of Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans to end the tournament. 

6. Lucknow Super Giants 

The new look Lucknow Super Giants side under Rishabh Pant have endured a topsy turvy IPL tournament as they’ve been a highly volatile franchise that has been capable of some great wins while also faced some grueling losses. The Super Giants will have to win at least three games of the remaining four to stand a chance of qualifying, while they will also need the top 5 teams to drop points. 

7. Kolkata Knight Riders

The Kolkata Knight Riders have an outside chance of still qualifying to the Playoffs having 9 points and potentially sneaked an extra point with the rain against Punjab. They need at least three wins out of four to stand a chance for qualifying while, four wins could be perfect.  

8. Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals face a daunting task to qualify for the Playoffs. Even if they win all four of their remaining games, they’ll be on 14 points and even then they will need to rely on their net run rate which is poor at this moment. Hence, they’re virtually out of the playoff race but you never know as crazier things have happened in IPL. 

9. Sunrisers Hyderabad

The Sunrisers Hyderabad are also virtually out from the Playoff race as much like Rajasthan their fate isn’t in their own hands. The best hope for them would be to win their remaining four games and hope all of the Top 5 drop points. 

10. Chennai Super Kings 

Unfortunately for the Chennai Super Kings it has been a season to forget as they’re already eliminated from the Playoff race. Even if they win all their remaining games, they can only reach 12 points. It has been a disastrous season for Chennai and they would be hoping for a good rebuild in the coming years. 

Key Remaining Matches for Teams

As the business end of the IPL season has arrived there are some key clashes remaining that will decide which team will enter into the Playoff. Here are key remaining matches that will decide the fate of the IPL Top 4. 
 

Impact of Net Run Rate (NRR)

 Here is the current Tata IPL Points Table: 

Hence having a positive net run rate is crucial for improving the chances of survival for any team. Hence, if we look at the points table, Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians have the two best net run rates in the league. This certainly gives them an edge over their competitors, while teams like RCB, DC, and Punjab also have positive net run rate. The likes of Lucknow Super Giants have to do a better job of NRR. 

Experts Prediction for Top 4 Teams

The playoff race in this year’s Tata IPL is extremely tough to predict and one that’ll hold a lot more twists and turns from now till the end of the league phase. Given the way all these teams have fared this year, and the form of the franchises’ here is the experts prediction for the Top 4 Teams to make it into the Playoffs. 

IPL 2025 Final Prediction by CricOpinion: Who Will Lift the Trophy?

Predicting the final of the TATA IPL 2025 is not going to be an easy task but the signs could be pointing at a potential Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru or Mumbai Indians making the finals.  The most likely final could be RCB vs MI. So here’s the final prediction.