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IPL 2025 Playoff Scenarios: Two Down, Eight Still Fighting - Permutations Explained

With Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals officially bowing out of playoff contention, the race for the top four now hinges on the performances of the remaining eight teams

Mumbai Indians players
Mumbai Indians beat the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. File Photo.
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With Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals officially bowing out of playoff contention after 50th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, the race for the top four now hinges on the performances of the remaining eight teams. (Full Coverage)

And while Mumbai Indians have surged ahead with a statement win, others like Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Titans are close behind, eyeing not just a playoff berth but also a possible top-two finish.

Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians, fresh off a commanding 100-run demolition of Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur, have roared to the top of the points table with 14 points from 11 matches and a net run rate of 1.124—the best in the league.

It marked their sixth consecutive win this season, equaling their longest streaks from 2008 and 2017. With two of their final three games at home, where they have won four out of five so far, MI look primed to at least qualify, if not secure the coveted top-two spot.

Even if they end on 14 points, their superior NRR gives them a buffer, but with a potential 20 points in sight, they might not have to worry about permutations at all.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Just below them sit Royal Challengers Bengaluru, also with 14 points but and an NRR of 0.521. It라이브 바카라 a strong position, but not a safe one.

RCB still have matches against some of the league라이브 바카라 strugglers—CSK, SRH, and three home games out of four remaining—but ironically, their away record is far better. They have won all six away games and only one at home, a stat they must overturn if they are to guarantee qualification.

Reaching 20 points would make them untouchable, but even 16 or 18 could suffice if NRR tilts in their favour.

Gujarat Titans

Gujarat Titans are in a similarly strong spot with 12 points from nine games and an NRR of 0.748—second-best behind MI. With five matches to play, including three at home in Ahmedabad, where they’ve won three of four so far, GT have their fate firmly in their own hands.

Their fixture list includes SRH, LSG, and CSK—three teams currently languishing at the bottom—which gives them a realistic shot at surging past 16 points and locking in a top-four slot.

Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals, however, are in a slightly more precarious position. From five wins in six, they’ve stumbled to six in ten, with three defeats in their last four games. Their NRR of 0.362 still keeps them afloat, and the break before their next match might help them reset.

Interestingly, DC have been more successful away from home this season, and with three of their final four games on the road, they might actually prefer that. But with matches against fellow playoff hopefuls like GT and MI, they can’t afford another slip-up. They need to win at least two of their final four to reach 16—and even that might not be enough.

Lucknow Super Giants

Lucknow Super Giants are caught in a similar web. Ten points from ten games sounds manageable, but their NRR of -0.325 is the worst among the top-seven sides. They face a tough schedule with three games against current top-four teams.

Even 18 points might not guarantee them a spot, and 16 with that NRR would likely fall short. LSG need not only wins but also big ones to boost their rate and climb into contention.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders are still mathematically alive, but with only nine points from ten games, the road ahead is steep. Their best possible finish is 17, which may not be enough if multiple teams breach the 18-point mark.

They’ll need to win at least three of their remaining four games—against RR, CSK, SRH, and RCB—and hope other results fall in their favor. One more loss, and their campaign could be effectively over.

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad are the most desperate of the lot. With just six points from nine games and an abysmal NRR of -1.103, their qualification hopes are hanging by a thread. The only scenario in which they qualify without relying on other teams is if they win all five remaining matches.

Even four out of five might not suffice unless several other contenders collapse dramatically. Given their current form and brutal run-in—including games against GT, DC, KKR, RCB, and LSG—that's easier said than done.

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