IPL 2025 Playoffs: What Each Team Needs to Do to Qualify

The IPL 2025 season is heating up, and the race to secure a playoff spot is tighter than ever. With only a handful of games left, every point counts. Fans are asking: Who’s in? Who’s out? And who still has a shot?

If you’re scratching your head trying to understand what your favorite team needs to do to make it into the top four, don’t worry—we’ve broken it all down for you in simple terms. Keep reading to find out each team’s path to the playoffs.

How Do IPL Playoffs Work?

Let’s start with a quick refresher. The top four teams on the points table qualify for the IPL playoffs. Here’s how the finishing positions play out:

• Top two teams: Get two chances to make the final (Qualifier 1 and Eliminator 2)
• 3rd and 4th place: Face off in the Eliminator

So finishing in the top two is a huge advantage!

Points Table Snapshot (as of now)

While the table will keep changing with each game, here’s a rough idea of how teams stack up. Some are still in the running, some are clinging on, and a few need more than just good luck.

Let’s look at each team’s scenario.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

RCB fans—there’s still hope! But it’s not entirely in their hands.

• Current form: After a poor start, they’ve bounced back with four wins on the trot
• What they need: Win their last match against CSK
• Bonus: A big win will help their Net Run Rate (NRR), which might be crucial
• The catch: Even with a win, they’ll need some other results to go their way

In short, RCB needs a win—and a little help from the cricketing gods!

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Chennai is in a comfortable spot but not fully safe.

• Current form: Sitting comfortably with seven wins
• What they need: Beat RCB to confirm playoff qualification
• If they lose: They’ll need to ensure their NRR remains stronger than RCB’s and others’

This final match against RCB could be a knockout game in disguise.

Rajasthan Royals (RR)

RR were the early favorites—but they’ve lost steam lately.

• Current form: 8 wins and 4 losses so far
• Qualification chances: Still high despite recent losses
• Path forward: Win at least one of their two remaining matches to cement a top-two finish

A team full of talent—they just need to finish strong.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

KKR are flying high right now.

• Points: Already qualified with 9 wins
• Focus: Secure one more win to ensure a top-two finish

They’ve looked sharp and are clear contenders to reach the final.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

LSG still has a mathematical chance, but it’s tricky.

• What they need: Win their remaining matches convincingly
• Big hurdle: Their NRR is low, which could hurt them in case of ties
• Ideal scenario: Hope for other teams like RCB and CSK to lose

For LSG, it’s like trying to thread a needle—difficult but not impossible.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

SRH have been entertaining this season with their explosive starts.

• Points: 14 with three games left
• What’s needed: Winning two out of three should do the trick
• Bonus: Their high-scoring games have helped keep their NRR strong

With consistency, SRH could become dark horses in the playoffs.

Delhi Capitals (DC)

DC’s chances are hanging by a thread.

• Status: They’ve played all 14 matches and sit on 14 points
• Hope: Other teams like RCB or LSG lose heavily, boosting DC via NRR
• Reality: Their fate is no longer in their own hands

If you’re a DC fan, now’s the time to pray and cheer for the right results elsewhere.

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Unfortunately, it’s the end of the road for Punjab this season.

• Points: Out of contention after their last defeat
• Focus now: Groom young players and plan for IPL 2026

They’ve shown glimpses of brilliance but couldn’t piece it all together.

Gujarat Titans (GT)

It’s lights out for GT as well.

• Current state: Eliminated after inconsistent performances
• Outlook: A season to forget, but plenty to learn from

Champions just a couple of years ago, GT will need a serious plan to turn things around.

So, Who’s Looking Strong for IPL 2025 Playoffs?

If we had to guess based on current momentum and points:

Likely Qualifiers:

• KKR – Already confirmed
• RR – One win away
• CSK – Win against RCB will seal the deal
• SRH – Playing well and in control

Outside Hope:

• RCB, LSG, and DC—need favorable results and big wins

Out of the Race:

• PBKS and GT

Final Thoughts

This IPL season has been a rollercoaster—full of surprises, breakout performances, and nail-biting finishes. And with the playoffs just around the corner, the excitement is only multiplying.

No matter who your favorite team is, one thing’s for sure: The last few league games are going to be must-watch cricket. Drama, pressure, and thrilling cricket await us. So, stock up on snacks, grab your jersey, and get ready for the finish line.

Who do you think will take the remaining spots? Drop your predictions in the comments!

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