After Sunday’s matches, three teams secured their spots in the IPL 2025 playoffs. On Monday, Lucknow Super Giants lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad, ending their playoff hopes. This leaves Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals competing for the final playoff position.
Points table (after match #61)
| Team | Mat | Won | Lost | NR | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GT (Q) | 12 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 18 | 0.795 |
| RCB (Q) | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 17 | 0.482 |
| PBKS (Q) | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 17 | 0.389 |
| MI | 12 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 14 | 1.156 |
| DC | 12 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 13 | 0.26 |
| KKR (E) | 13 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 11 | 0.193 |
| LSG (E) | 12 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 10 | -0.506 |
| SRH (E) | 12 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 9 | -0.674 |
| RR (E) | 13 | 3 | 10 | 0 | 6 | -0.701 |
| CSK (E) | 12 | 3 | 9 | 0 | 6 | -0.992 |
Read More: CSK and RR Strive to Escape Wooden Spoon Following Disappointing Seasons
Gujarat Titans (Qualified)
Matches left: vs LSG (home) and vs CSK (home).
Titans currently lead the table and are in the strongest position to secure a top-two finish. Winning both remaining games guarantees their spot. If they split these matches, they’ll rely on Punjab Kings or Royal Challengers Bengaluru dropping a game.
Their home advantage is key, boasting a 4-1 record this season, and they face two teams from the lower half of the points table.
Punjab Kings (Qualified)
Matches remaining: vs DC (home) and vs MI (home).
Punjab Kings have finally broken their playoff drought, qualifying for the first time since 2014. They have a strong chance at a top-two finish if they win both remaining games. To secure this, they’ll need either Gujarat Titans or Royal Challengers Bengaluru to lose one match, or Royal Challengers to end with a lower net run rate (NRR). Currently, Royal Challengers hold a slight NRR advantage (+0.482) over Punjab (+0.389).
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Qualified)
Matches remaining: vs SRH (home) and LSG (away).
Following Sunday’s results, Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a playoff spot. Their path resembles Punjab Kings’ but features easier opponents—Lucknow and Hyderabad. Winning one game and losing the other could still see Titans and Punjab surpass their points.
Mumbai Indians
Matches remaining: vs DC (home) and PBKS (away).
Mumbai Indians hold an advantage in the race for the final playoff spot. One win in their last two matches could secure qualification—especially if it comes against Delhi at home. A loss on Wednesday means they must rely on PBKS beating Delhi on May 24, then defeat PBKS on May 26 to advance. Losing both matches eliminates them.
With 18 points, Mumbai could still reach a top-two finish due to their strong net run rate, but only if Punjab and Bengaluru lose both remaining games. If either team wins again, Mumbai must hope Titans lose both. After a poor start with four losses in five games, Mumbai faces a tough challenge.
Delhi Capitals
Matches remaining: vs MI (home) and vs PBKS (away).
Delhi Capitals have struggled recently, losing five of their last eight games. A loss to Mumbai on Wednesday would end their season, despite a strong start with four consecutive wins. Even if they beat Mumbai but lose to Punjab, finishing with 15 points, Mumbai could still overtake them by winning against Punjab and reaching 16 points, eliminating Delhi from the playoffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which two teams are competing for the last IPL 2025 playoff spot?
Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals are battling for the final playoff position.
Why were the Lucknow Super Giants eliminated from playoff contention?
Lucknow Super Giants lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad, which ended their chances of qualifying.
How many teams have already secured playoff spots?
Three teams have confirmed their playoff qualification ahead of the final matches.
What does the Mumbai Indians need to qualify for the playoffs?
Mumbai Indians need at least one win in their remaining matches or favorable results in other games to advance.
What happens if Delhi Capitals lose their next match?
If Delhi Capitals lose to Mumbai Indians, their season will end with no playoffs.
How important is net run rate (NRR) in this playoff race?
Net run rate could be a deciding factor if teams finish with equal points, especially for the Mumbai Indians’ chances.
Which matches are crucial for these teams’ qualification?
Key matches include Mumbai Indians vs. Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians vs. Punjab Kings.
Conclusion
In IPL 2025, the battle for the final playoff spot intensifies as Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals face off with everything on the line. With Lucknow Super Giants out of contention and three teams already through, every match counts. Mumbai holds a slight edge but must capitalize on their remaining games, while Delhi needs crucial wins to keep their hopes alive. This thrilling race highlights the high stakes and unpredictability that make the IPL so captivating.
