Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) have officially secured their places in the top four, guaranteeing their spots in the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) playoffs following GT’s victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) on Sunday.
GT’s dominant performance has propelled them to the top of the table with 18 points, while RCB and PBKS, both on 17 points, have also clinched their places in the playoffs.
With three of the four playoff berths claimed, the focus now shifts to a fierce three-way battle among Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the coveted final spot. As the IPL 2025 playoff picture crystallizes, here’s a detailed look at how the final spot could be decided:
Also read: BCCI Boycotts Asia Cup 2025 to Isolate Pakistan - Report
How Can MI, DC & LSG Qualify for IPL 2025 Playoffs?
With GT, RCB, and PBKS confirmed in the playoffs, the race for the fourth and final spot hinges on the performances of MI, DC, and LSG in their remaining matches. MI currently hold 14 points from 12 games, DC have 13 points from 12 games, and LSG are on 10 points from 11 games. The maximum points each team can achieve are 18 for MI, 17 for DC, and 16 for LSG.
The key matches include MI versus DC on May 21, PBKS versus DC on May 24, and PBKS versus MI on May 26, alongside LSG’s games against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), GT and RCB. Below, we break down each team’s path to qualification:
Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, are in the strongest position among the three contenders, sitting on 14 points with a robust net run rate of +1.156. MI have two remaining matches, against DC at home on May 21 and PBKS in Jaipur on May 26.
If MI defeat DC, they will eliminate the latter from contention as they can then only reach 15 points even if they win their last match. Winning both games would guarantee qualification for Mumbai with 18 points. If MI lose to DC, they would then need to hope that PBKS defeat DC. In this scenario, MI would have to win their last match against Punjab and also hope that LSG do not reach 16 points or surpass their net run rate.
If Mumbai Indians lose both of their matches, they will get eliminated.
Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals, under Axar Patel’s leadership, have 13 points from 12 games with an NRR of +0.260. Their remaining fixtures are against MI on May 21 in Mumbai, and PBKS in Jaipur on May 24.
The crucial match against MI is a must-win as a loss would cap DC at 15 points which would be insufficient as MI would reach 16 points. If DC win vs MI but lose to PBKS, they would then need PBKS to also defeat MI. In this scenario, they would want LSG to not win more than two of their remaining three matches.
If DC win both of their games, they will qualify for the playoffs.
Lucknow Super Giants
The Rishabh Pant-led Lucknow Super Giants face the toughest road with 10 points from 11 games and a net run rate of -0.469. Their remaining matches are against SRH on May 19, GT on May 22, and RCB on May 27.
LSG must win all three games to reach 16 points, their maximum possible total, and even then, they need MI and DC to lose at least one of their remaining games. They would also need to beat MI on net run rate if they tie with them on 16 points.
Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals Strong Favourites
While LSG are still in the race, it is very unlikely for them to make the playoffs. MI and DC are the top two contenders to grab the remaining one spot.
They have their destiny in their own hands and to make it simple, they need to win their remaining two games to qualify for the playoffs.
Also read: LSG vs SRH Match Preview & Where to Watch Live? IPL 2025 Match 61
