With the business end of TATA IPL 2025 approaching, the playoffs are as tight as they’ve ever been. With only a handful of matches remaining in the league phase, a multitude of teams are scrambling for the elusive top four position. Some teams have almost assured themselves of a playoff spot while others are pressed against the clock and will depend on their own performances, as well as favorable results from others.
Let us now break down where each team currently sits, how many points they need and what scenarios play out for each team to make it into the final four of IPL 2025.
1.) Gujarat Titans (GT) – 16 points from 11 matches
The Titans have once again shown why they are one of the most consistent teams in the IPL by collecting 16 points from 11 matches with three remaining. They are basically bags packed and on the luxury liner to their playoff berth.
Qualification Scenario:
One more win from their final three matches gives them a playoff spot.
Two or more wins could see them finishing inside the top two and getting the luxury of a second chance in Qualifier 1.
Outlook:
GT is consistent through their batting, dependable bowlers and strong middle-order and favorites not just to qualify but to solidify their dominance in the playoffs.
2.) Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – 16 points from 11 matches
After some ups and downs early on, the Challengers have ran into a rich vein of form and are also comfortable with 16 points from 11 matches. Like GT, RCB were also one win away from confirming their playoffs berth.
Qualification Scenario:
A single win will be enough to ensure a playoff spot.
With three remaining games, RCB could run the table with maximum wins to finish at the top of the table should they have a favorable NRR.
Outlook:
With Kohli in tremendous form and the team hitting their stride at the right time could possibly see RCB fans dare to dream of their first title.
3.) Punjab Kings (PBKS) – 15 points from 11 matches
Much like RCB, The Kings have effectively snuck up the table and are now just behind the elite with 15 points and can easily take control of their own fate.
Qualification Scenario:
Winning all games remaining (maximum 21 points) will guarantee qualification and could potentially make a top-two finish.
Two wins should easily be sufficient for them to qualify outright.
Winning just one game will depend heavily on the other match results and NRR but could be sufficient.
Outlook:
Punjab’s batting depth and late-game finishers could prove to be huge factors in their final three matches.
4. Mumbai Indians (MI) – 14 points from 12 games
This is a familiar scenario for the MI, the five-time champions that seem to thrive on needing late wins to qualify. They have 14 points from 12 games, and from here on out, MI will have to be perfect.
Qualification Scenario:
Must win both of their remaining matches for a total of 18 points.
Any loss jeopardizes their chances and brings them into a world with NRR battles and hoping for other teams results to go their way.
Outlook:
It is never easy for a player in a clutch situation, but MI has the players in Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah who know what it is like to be under pressure. MI have dealt with pressure before, but the margin for error is now $0.
5. Delhi Capitals (DC) – 13 points from 11 games
DC have been a mixed bag this season, but they are still in with a chance at the cut with 13 points and three matches remaining.
Qualification Scenario:
Must win at least two of their remaining three matches in order to stay in the race.
At least one win against MI, GT, or PBKS is essential because of the potential tie-breakers.
If they can take out all 3 matches, and finish with 19 points, they will book their spot in the playoffs.
Outlook:
DC has a tough list to navigate the last three games against all high-ranked opponents. Their clash with MI will be like a virtual knockout, hence all the hype.
6. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – 11 points from 12 matches
As debut champions, KKR are looking at an early exit as the pressure mounts. They must revert back to their winning way incredibly soon as a winning record is not likely again this season.
Qualification Scenario:
Must win their other two matches to finish on 15 points.
Hope for certain instances from other fixtures how other matches go, and probably a significant levelling up of their NRR before the cut of all teams will keep them in the hunt.
Outlook:
KKR’s record has been subpar all season. It is ‘now or never’ for KKR this season, and this is their opportunity to step up to the plate for their last push to reinforce their title defence.
7. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – 10 points from 11 matches
LSG has had a rollercoaster season. Their season consists of 10 points from 11 matches with three left to play
so there’s still work there before the end is decided.
Qualification Scenario:
Win all three matches to reach 16 points.
Hope the other teams lose or they improve their own Net Run Rate greatly.
Outlook:
At this stage LSG are the complete underdogs now and need to win big and hope the other six create chaos for each other.
Key points to note
Net Run Rate will very well be play a big role in the Tamashas this season – especially if multiple teams finish with the same points.
Head-to-head results are also a factor if teams finish with the same points and same NRR.
The Delhi Capitals versus Mumbai Indians fixture could lead to one of the two finishing with a direct playoff encounter.
From fourth to second the fight is fierce, as two teams will fight for a chance to play Qualifier 1..
Conclusion
With just a few league matches left for TATA IPL 2025 what was a season of uncertainty has become a season of excitement. The run to playoffs is distinctly clear for only some teams, while for others it is cluttered. The beauty of IPL is in its uncertainty, where a team is never counted out until the last ball is bowled (out).
So, strap on your seatbelts and prepare for high-octane finishes, and pressure-packed chases from emotionally-chewed players, over the coming days – whether you are supporting a table-topper or an underdog, these finishers are bound to be wild ones to the final four.