After KKR collapses, all 6 teams have a playoff qualification scenario; table-point cutoff, remaining timetable
The Rainout match between RCB and KKR led to Kolkata being eliminated. Now, six teams are competing for four playoff spots.
The top four races in IPL 2025 have intensified after Saturday’s match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Cavaliers. The upcoming double-headed title, which will be held on Sunday, May 18, is set to play against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and the Delhi Capital (DC), facing the Gujarat Titans (GT), is expected to significantly impact the playoff landscape.
For now, the fourth-placed Mumbai Indians (MI) will clash with the fifth-ranked Delhi Capital (DC) later this season to ensure that at least one of the teams will surpass the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Meanwhile, Royal Challenger Bengaluru is approaching to win the playoffs. Their pointless investment in recent games has brought the RCB to 17 points, temporarily putting them at the top of the IPL 2025 rankings. But a series of unlikely results will still harm their playoff aspirations.
Let’s check out how these teams go along with the game.
Royal Challenger Bangalore (RCB)
After an abandoned game in Bengaluru, the RCB needs one more point to secure the playoffs. Without 17 points, they can’t guarantee a place, as five teams can also end with 17 points or higher. This could happen if the Punjab King beat Rajasthan Royals but lost the next two games against the Delhi Capital and the Mumbai Indians. If Mumbai beat Delhi, RCB, Michigan, GT, DC and PBK, they can all end up with at least 17 points, making the factor in determining the playoff position a factor.
King of Punjab (PBK)
PBK needs to win two games to ensure eligibility. Currently, 17 points may not guarantee a place, as five teams may reach the total. However, if PBK beat DC but loses the other two games, they can still qualify because only one in MI or DC (together against each other) can end with 17 points.
If PBK loses all three games, then PBK is also likely to score 15 points, and as long as DC loses other games, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) wins no more than the remaining two games. In this case, eligibility will depend on the run rate between the PBK and DC.
Gujarat Titan (GT)
The Gujarat Titans (GT) only need to win another victory to get a spot in the playoffs, as 18 points will ensure they get the top four. However, if they lose the last three games, they may be eliminated, as the other four teams may also reach 17 points or more. The Titans had an advantage in the last two games in Ahmedabad, where they had a 4-1 record. Additionally, their net run rate is currently the second best, which may help qualify or get the top two.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Despite losing to GT, MI can still make the playoffs. If they win the last two games, they will get a spot in the playoffs. However, qualifying with 16 points may depend on the results of other teams. If Mi loses the remaining two games, they will be eliminated. Their net run rate is also 1.156, which may play a key role in the opportunity.
Delhi Capital
DCs gain valuable perspectives through flushing of SRH, which helps them to qualify for hope. To secure the top four, they need to reach 15 points, but it depends on the results of other matches. Accumulating 17 points may still make them rely on other teams’ performance. Winning all the remaining three games is crucial for the qualifiers, but it will be challenging as they have won only one of the last five games.
Lucknow Super Giant (LSG)
LSG is facing challenges, losing three of its last five games, four of which have lost. If they win the remaining three games and hope a stronger team can falter, they can only score 16 points. But if they lose another game, they will be eliminated. Their negative net run rate of -0.469 also makes their situation difficult.
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