Playoff tension returns as IPL 2025 resumes after an eight-day pause. The action restarts with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) hosting Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Bengaluru. With 13 league matches remaining, seven teams are still fighting for a top-four finish. On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Rajasthan Royals are out of contention. Here’s how each team stands and what they need to qualify.

🏏 Current Standings Before Playoff Push

Team	Mat	Won	Lost	NR	Pts	NRR

Gujarat Titans

11

8

3

0

16

0.793

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

11

8

3

0

16

0.482

Punjab Kings

11

7

3

1

15

0.376

Mumbai Indians

12

7

5

0

14

1.156

Delhi Capitals

11

6

4

1

13

0.362

Kolkata Knight Riders

12

5

6

1

11

0.193

Lucknow Super Giants

11

5

6

0

10

-0.469

Sunrisers Hyderabad (E)

11

3

7

1

7

-1.192

Rajasthan Royals (E)

12

3

9

0

6

-0.718

Chennai Super Kings (E)

12

3

9

0

6

-0.990

🔷 Gujarat Titans: Strong Playoff Contender

Remaining matches: vs DC (A), vs LSG (H), vs CSK (H)
Gujarat sit at the top with 16 points. Given their solid net run rate, just one win from three will likely seal their playoff berth. Moreover, winning two could place them in the top two, especially if RCB or PBKS slip. However, losing all three could push them out, depending on other results.

🔴 RCB: Eyeing a Spot in Qualifier 1

Remaining matches: vs KKR (H), vs SRH (H), vs LSG (A)
RCB are on 16 points and have the easiest schedule on paper. Since two of their games are at home, they are favorites to secure at least one more win. Consequently, that should lock their playoff place. Winning all three would ensure a top-two finish.

🔵 PBKS: Playoff Hopes Bright but Uncertain

Remaining matches: vs RR (A), vs DC (H), vs MI (H)
Punjab Kings need two wins from three to confirm qualification. However, if they lose two and beat DC, they could still sneak in depending on other outcomes. If they win all three, a top-two finish is possible—especially if GT or RCB drop points.

🟠 Mumbai Indians: Net Run Rate Advantage

Remaining matches: vs DC (H), vs PBKS (A)
MI have the best net run rate among all teams, which could prove decisive. If they win both games, they are in. Conversely, two losses mean elimination. Even with one win, they remain in the hunt, provided DC or LSG stumble.

🟣 Delhi Capitals: Must-Win Stretch Ahead

Remaining matches: vs GT (H), vs MI (A), vs PBKS (A)
Delhi Capitals need at least two wins to stay alive. More importantly, victories over MI and PBKS would knock direct competitors down. However, any more than one loss could end their campaign.

🟡 KKR: Slim but Alive Playoff Chance

Remaining matches: vs RCB (A), vs SRH (A)
KKR must win both matches and pray other results go their way. Although 15 points may be enough, their low NRR could hurt them. Therefore, they must aim for big-margin wins to improve their chances.

⚪ LSG: All or Nothing

Remaining matches: vs SRH (H), vs GT (A), vs RCB (H)
LSG have lost three straight games. Therefore, they must win all remaining matches to stay alive. Unfortunately, even that might not be enough due to their negative NRR. Still, they’ll look to push until the very end.

❌ Eliminated Teams

• Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
• Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
• Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Despite valiant efforts, all three are officially out of the playoff race.

📌 Playoff Picture: What Lies Ahead?

The playoff picture is still wide open. Gujarat and RCB are nearly through, while PBKS, MI, and DC control their destiny. Meanwhile, KKR and LSG face a steep climb. Every match from here on could flip the table. Consequently, the drama is only just beginning.

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