IPL 2025 Playoff Race: As IPL 2025 nears its thrilling end, three teams—Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants—are fighting for just one remaining playoff spot. Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings have already confirmed their places. But for MI, DC, and LSG, the road is full of twists and turns.
All You Need to Know
Here’s the current situation:
- Qualified: Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS)
- Still in the race: Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Capitals (DC), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
- One spot left, and these three are battling for it!
IPL 2025 Playoff Race Scenario
Mumbai Indians (MI) – In a Strong Position
- Matches Played: 12
- Points: 14
- Net Run Rate (NRR): +1.156
- Remaining Matches: vs Delhi Capitals (home), vs PBKS (Jaipur)
MI has the best chance out of the three. If they beat DC in the next match, their place in the playoffs is almost guaranteed. Even if LSG win all their games, their NRR is so poor that catching MI is nearly impossible.
But if MI lose to DC, then things can get messy. DC can then beat PBKS and reach 17 points. In that case, MI must beat PBKS in their last match to even hope for qualification. If they lose both matches, they are definitely out.
Delhi Capitals (DC) – Must Win Both
- Matches Played: 12
- Points: 13
- NRR: +0.260
- Remaining Matches: vs MI (away), vs PBKS (Jaipur)
DC’s recent loss to GT has made things tough. To qualify, they must win both their remaining games. If they beat MI and PBKS, they’ll reach 17 points and qualify comfortably.
If they win against MI but lose to PBKS, then they’ll need to depend on MI also losing their final game and LSG not winning all their matches. It’s a risky road, but not impossible.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – A Very Slim Chance
- Matches Played: 11
- Points: 10
- NRR: -0.469
- Remaining Matches: vs SRH (home), vs GT (away), vs RCB (home)
LSG’s chances are the weakest. They must win all three remaining matches. Even then, they must hope that both MI and DC don’t go beyond 16 points. That’s not all—they need a miracle in Net Run Rate, which currently stands at -0.469.
To overtake MI, for example, they would need to win their matches by huge margins and MI would have to lose badly. That’s a lot to ask, especially when the team has lost 4 of its last 5 matches.
What Fans Can Expect
The upcoming MI vs DC clash is practically a knockout game. Both sides know what’s at stake, and fans can expect high-intensity cricket. The final playoff spot could be decided based on run rates, wins, or even weather—nothing is off the table this late in the season.
Also Read: India Pulls Out of Men’s Asia Cup 2025: Tension with Pakistan Affects Cricket Ties
FAQs
Which teams have qualified for IPL 2025 playoffs?
Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings have already qualified.
Who is in the race for the final playoff spot?
Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants are fighting for the last spot.
What does MI need to qualify?
A win against DC will almost confirm MI’s spot in the playoffs.
Can LSG still make it?
Yes, but they must win all 3 remaining matches and hope MI and DC stay below 16 points.
When is the key match between MI and DC?
The MI vs DC match is scheduled for Wednesday, and it’s a virtual knockout game.
What role does Net Run Rate play now?
NRR could be the decider if multiple teams end up with the same points.
Can MI still qualify if they lose to DC?
Yes, but they will need to beat PBKS and hope DC lose their final match too.
How many points are generally needed to reach playoffs?
Usually 16 or 17 points are enough to secure a playoff spot in IPL.
