Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Punjab Kings (PBKS) have secured their places in the IPL 2025 playoffs, following GT’s vital win over Delhi Capitals (DC). With just one playoff berth left, the race now comes down to DC, Mumbai Indians (MI), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
GT now sit at the top of the table with 18 points, while RCB and PBKS follow closely with 17 points each, all having played 12 matches. LSG, with three games left, can reach a maximum of 16 points, while MI and DC—set to face each other on May 21—can mathematically reach or cross 17, but not both.
What It Means for the Remaining Teams:
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If DC lose to MI, they will be eliminated.
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If MI lose to DC, they must beat PBKS in their final match and hope DC also lose to PBKS, and LSG drop at least one of their remaining games.
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LSG, currently outside the top four, must win all their remaining matches to reach 16 points and stay in contention.
Meanwhile, the three qualified teams—GT, RCB, and PBKS—are not done yet. They are now battling for the top two spots, which come with a huge advantage: the winner of Qualifier 1 (between the top two) earns a direct place in the final, while the loser gets a second chance via Qualifier 2.
For Punjab Kings, this marks their first playoff qualification since 2014, a massive turnaround under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting.
As the league stage nears its conclusion, every match will be critical—not just for qualification, but for playoff positioning and momentum.