As the IPL 2025 season enters its make-or-break stage, the race for playoff places is hotting up. With the league standings closely bunched, not only are teams seeking wins but also looking to gain big margins in order to boost their Net Run Rate (NRR), which might be the decider. Here’s an analysis of where each team stands and what they need to do in order to make it in the top four.
Gujarat Titans (GT): Ruling The Points Table
Sit atop the table on 12 points from eight games and having the best NRR (+1.104), Gujarat Titans appear well on track for qualification. Two of their next six games should seal it in all but the most unlikely of scenarios. Having Sai Sudharsan top the Orange and Prasidh Krishna at the top of the Purple Cap respectively, GT have made a much better comeback to the season. They play RR, SRH, MI, DC, LSG, and CSK in their coming games.
Delhi Capitals (DC): Well-Placed On 2nd
The Axar Patel-led Delhi side is second with 12 points from eight games and a strong NRR of +0.657. They are likely to secure qualification with two more wins from their remaining seven matches. Upcoming challenges include games against LSG, RCB, KKR, SRH, PBKS, GT, and MI.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): A Few More Wins Needed
RCB, under Rajat Patidar too, possess 10 points but through eight games. They have an NRR of +0.472. Three victories in the last six games against RR, DC, CSK, LSG, SRH, and KKR might just get them across the line.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) & Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): Net Run Rate May Prove Pivotal
Both teams are on 10 points, although their NRRs lag behind RCB. PBKS stand at +0.177 while LSG lag at +0.088. They need to try and win at least three of their remaining six matches, ideally with big margins. PBKS have CSK, LSG, DC, MI, and RR ahead of them. LSG, on the other hand, have DC, MI, PBKS, RCB, GT, and SRH to play.
Mumbai Indians (MI): Back In The Mix
After a disastrous beginning, Mumbai have rebounded with three consecutive wins. With eight points and a healthy NRR of +0.483, they will have to win four out of six matches to remain in contention. They will face SRH, LSG, RR, GT, PBKS, and DC.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Almost Need To Win All The Matches
Defending champions KKR, led by Ajinkya Rahane now, are in a difficult position with only six points. To remain in the race, they must win five out of their last six games. Their journey involves clashes against PBKS, DC, RR, CSK, SRH, and RCB.
Also Read: KL Rahul Subtly Ignores LSG Owner Sanjiv Goenka After Delhi Capitals Win – WATCH Video!
Rajasthan Royals (RR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), And Chennai Super Kings (CSK): In Do-or-Die Situation
The lower three teams—RR, SRH, and CSK—all have only four points. Their chances of qualifying are low, and they have to win all their remaining games to have any hope. Negative NRRs only make their task more difficult. RR will face RCB, GT, MI, KKR, CSK, and PBKS. CSK will play SRH, PBKS, RCB, KKR, RR, and GT. SRH have to fight it out against MI, CSK, GT, DC, KKR, RCB, and LSG.
