With the Indian Premier League (IPL) resuming on May 17, fans are looking forward to an intense playoff battle. While Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad have already been knocked out, seven teams remain in the fray for the top four spots.
A total of 14 league matches were left to be played when the BCCI suspended the IPL amid growing cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. The remaining fixtures will now be hosted across six venues, meaning several teams will be deprived of the home advantage.
The current table toppers– Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers – are on the verge of qualifying for the top four positions. Each team has collected 16 points from 11 matches so far this season. Punjab Kings remain one point behind them, while Mumbai Indians hold the fourth spot with 14 points.
Let's take a look at the qualification scenarios of all seven playoff contenders of IPL 2025:
Gujarat Titans
With three games in hand, GT need one more win to meet the cut-off (18 points) for playoff qualification. The Shubman Gill-led side will look to make the most out of the remaining fixtures (against DC, LSG and CSK) to ensure a spot in the top two.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
RCB also have three matches (against KKR, SRH and LSG) remaining in the league stage. If they manage to win all those games and GT drop points, Bengaluru might finish at the top of the table with 22 points.
Punjab Kings
PBKS can finish with 21 points if they beat RR, DC and MI in the next three league fixtures. Two victories may also be enough for Punjab to qualify for the playoffs after almost a decade.
Mumbai Indians
MI find themselves in a tricky situation after enduring a narrow defeat to GT in their last league game. The five-time champions must win their remaining two matches (against DC and PBKS) to stay in contention.
Delhi Capitals
DC need to win all of their remaining league games (against GT, MI and PBKS) to breach the 18-point cutoff. Even a single defeat might spoil the party for the Axar Patel-led side.
Kolkata Knight Riders
KKR can accumulate 15 points by winning their remaining matches against RCB and SRH. The defending champions, however, can qualify only if PBKS fail to win any more games and DC lose on two occasions.
Lucknow Super Giants
LSG's chances also depend on other teams. Rishabh Pant and his men need to secure six points from the remaining outings, while MI and DC must not win more than one game.
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