Defending champs KKR eradicated, RCB prime charts, but no qualification

With 58 matches done in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, the playoff race has entered its most intense phase. Teams now don’t have time to slack off, with a single loss probably ending their race to the next round. 2024 champions KKR have been knocked out, without a ball being bowled in the RCB encounter in Bengaluru.

Usually, teams with 14 points go through to the top four. However, this will not be the case at IPL 2025. Four teams already breached this mark just when May started and now even 16 points won’t guarantee qualification. Here’s a team-by-team breakdown of what each side needs to qualify.

IPL 2025 Points Table

IPL Playoff format

• Qualifier 1: The top two teams (1st vs 2nd) from the league stage compete. The winner advances directly to the final. The loser gets another chance in Qualifier 2.
• Eliminator: The third and fourth-placed teams (3rd vs 4th) face off. The winner advances to Qualifier 2, and the loser is eliminated.
• Qualifier 2: The loser of Qualifier 1 plays the winner of the Eliminator. The winner of this match qualifies for the final. The loser is eliminated.
• Final: The winner of Qualifier 1 faces the winner of Qualifier 2 to determine the IPL champion.

RCB (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) Scenario

• Remaining Fixtures: vs LSG (A), vs SRH (H)
• Position: 1st – 12 matches, 17 points, NRR +0.482
• Probability: ~90%.

RCB Qualification Scenario

Can you believe it. RCB are on 17 points and have yet not qualified for the playoffs. In fact, unbelievably, they can still be knocked out of the tournament. But the possibility of that isn’t that high anyways.

GT (Gujarat Titans) Scenario

• Remaining Fixtures: vs DC (A), vs LSG (H), vs CSK (H)
• Position: 1st – 11 matches, 16 points, NRR +0.867
• Probability: ~95%

GT Qualification Scenario

GT have three games left and that gives them flexibility. Even one win in those remaining matches will help them secure 18 points and perhaps playoffs. Three wins will ensure a top-two finish and thus, the cushion of Qualifier 1. However, their match against DC and LSG will be crucial. DC can sneak in with a win, while LSG could upset others. Their strong NRR gives them a safety net in tie scenarios.

PBKS (Punjab Kings) Scenario

• Remaining Fixtures: vs DC (H), vs MI (H), vs RR (A)
• Position: 3rd – 11 matches, 15 points, NRR +0.376
• Probability: ~90%

PBKS Qualification Scenario

One more win takes PBKS to 17 but that won’t be enough. Hence, PBKS must win at least two out of their last three matches. They face DC, MI and RR in Jaipur. So, the upcoming games are crucial.

MI (Mumbai Indians) Scenario

• Remaining Fixtures: vs PBKS (A), vs DC (H)
• Position: 4th – 12 matches, 14 points, NRR +1.274
• Probability: ~70%

Qualification Scenario

The loss against GT did not help MI. It not only ended MI’s 6-match winning streak, but also slightly dented their hopes. MI now must beat Punjab Kings or Delhi Capitals to remain in the fray. Two wins in two matches will ensure qualification. But if they lose both, they will be knocked out. Both PBKS and DC are playoff contenders. While a loss against PBKS won’t be that damaging, a defeat to DC could end their playoff hopes.

DC (Delhi Capitals) Scenario

• Remaining Fixtures: vs PBKS (A), vs GT (H), vs MI (A)
• Position: 5th – 11 matches, 13 points, NRR +0.362
• Probability: ~65%

DC Qualification Scenario

DC must win two of their remaining three matches to be in contention. With the NR game vs PBKS, it will become tough for them now. They play GT and MI next, and need to win both. Plus, they would need to better their NRR as well.

KKR (Kolkata Knight Riders) Scenario

• Remaining Fixtures: vs SRH (A)
• Position: 6th – 13 matches, 12 points, NRR +0.193
• Status: Eliminated

KKR Qualification Scenario

And the inevitable has happened. With a washed out match, Kolkata is ousted from the tournament, with only one match to go. They would like to salvage some pride there.

LSG (Lucknow Super Giants) Scenario

• Remaining Fixtures: vs RCB (H), vs GT (A), vs SRH (H)
• Position: 7th – 11 matches, 10 points, NRR -0.469
• Probability: ~5%

LSG Qualification Scenario

LSG must win all three remaining matches to get to 16 points. Their low NRR means they also need at least one big win or for rivals like DC and KKR to lose multiple games. If they lose even one, their campaign is essentially over. Winning against both RCB and GT is critical, as it also directly hurts playoff rivals.

SRH (Sunrisers Hyderabad) Scenario

• Remaining Fixtures: vs KKR (H), vs RCB (A), vs LSG (A)
• Position: 8th – 11 matches, 7 points, NRR -1.192
• Status: Eliminated

SRH cannot qualify even if they win all remaining games. They can only reach 13 points. Their role now is that of spoilers against KKR, RCB and LSG. Expect them to test bench strength and focus on ending the season with pride.

RR (Rajasthan Royals) Scenario

• Remaining Fixtures: vs CSK (H), vs PBKS (H)
• Position: 9th – 12 matches, 6 points, NRR -0.718
• Status: Eliminated

RR are officially out of the playoffs after their heavy loss to MI. Even two wins will only get them to 10 points. The team will look to play spoilsport.

CSK (Chennai Super Kings) Scenario

• Remaining Fixtures: vs RR (A), vs GT (A)
• Position: 10th – 12 matches, 6 points, NRR -0.992
• Status: Eliminated

CSK’s campaign is over, and they will finish in the bottom two. A poor NRR and horrible form have marked their downfall. Their remaining matches will impact the playoff race.