RCB, GT in Pol position, MI, PBKS, DC in Three-Way Race

IPL 2025 is in action on Saturday with RCB vs KKR at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday. With 13 sports in the tournament, 7 teams are still in dispute for a place in the IPL 2025 playoffs. Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings are best placed to qualify for the top 4. However, a single team is not sure to make the playoffs.

IPL 2025 playoff landscape: how to make teams eligible

Gujarat Titans – Match: 11, Win: 8, Damage: 3, Issue: 16, NRR: +0.793

Gujarat Titans need just one more win from their remaining three matches to secure one place in the playoffs. Even with two wins, Shubman Gill -led side is likely to make a playoffs. The 2022 champions will look at the top two to end, offer a valuable second chance to qualify for the final.

Royal Challengers Bangalore – Match: 11, Win: 8, Loss: 3, Issue: 16, NRR: +0.482

RCB is in a boat similar to Gujarat Titans. The team led by Rajat Patidar requires one of their last three matches to seal the playoff spots. Winning the three will increase the chances of finishing in the top two and two can guarantee them a place in qualifier 1,

Punjab Kings – Match: 11, Win: 7, Damage: 4, NR: 1, Issue: 15, NRR: +0.3766

Punjab Kings have 15 points in 11 sports, as their game against Kolkata Knight Riders was washed due to rain. In the remaining 3 sports, 2 wins will take them to 19 points, which will ensure merit. PBK needs to win their remaining matches to reach 21 points, which will guarantee all a place in the top 2.

Mumbai Indians – Match: 12, Win: 7, Damage: 5, Issue: 14, NRR: +1.156

Mumbai Indians need to win both games to make a playoffs. Should they win both games, they will qualify for something. Whether they should lose anyone, they will need to rely on the results in other sports.

Delhi Capital – Match: 11, Win: 5, Damage: 5, NR: 1, Issue: 13, NRR: +0.362

Delhi’s capitals have 13 points in 11 sports, and a maximum of 19 points should be won. They should win all their games. The 3 win will definitely guarantee qualifications. However, they are higher than the table table than all teams. Any defeat and they are staring at the results for going to their favor in other matches.

Of these, the struggle against MI holds the most importance, as MI is a direct contender for the fourth playoff spots. A win against MI, combined with either win on GT or PBK, will put DC in a strong position to qualify for the playoffs.

Kolkata Knight Riders – Match: 12, Win: 5, Damage: 6, NR: 1, Issue: 11, NRR: +0.193

Kolkata Knight Riders can get only a maximum of 15 points, they should win both their games. However, even then, the defending champion requires results to go into their way.

Lucknow Super Giants -Match: 11, Win: 5, Disadvantage: 6, Issue: 10, NRR: -0.469

LSG will have to win the remaining three matches to reach 16 points. Nevertheless, they will also need favorable results from other fixtures on behalf of Rishabh Pant. They will also need a strong net run rate to be in dispute for a place in the playoffs.