IPL 2025 Playoff Race: Who’s In, Who’s Out & The Road Ahead After Match 56

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is in its 18th edition, and not even once have we witnessed so much ruckus for playoff qualifications. Not one, not two, not three, but as many as 7 teams are vying for a spot among the top 4 with less than 3 weeks left for the final. The scenario clearly states how competitive Tata IPL 2025 has been.

Teams like Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers, who currently sit in the first and second spots on the points table, respectively, have 8 wins to their name from 11 matches. In the past seasons, we have witnessed how easily teams qualify for the playoffs with 8 wins to their name, and at least one team makes it to the top 4 even with 7 wins to their name, but that hasn’t been the case this season, as RCB and GT are yet to get a clean chit for playoffs.

As we move closer to the qualification scenario, let’s take a look at how the 10 teams stand on the points table after the completion of the Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings match 56 of Tata IPL 2025.

IPL 2025 Points Table after MI vs CSK Match 56

Here’s what the Top 7 teams need to do to qualify for IPL 2025 Playoffs

With Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Chennai Super Kings already eliminated from the playoff race, the top 7 teams in the points table remain in contention to finish among the top 4. Take a look at what these 7 teams need to do to make it to the playoffs.

Here’s what each of the top 7 teams in IPL 2025 needs to do to qualify for the playoffs, summarized in at least three key points per team:

Gujarat Titans (GT) – 16 pts, NRR +0.793

• Win at least 1 of their remaining 3 matches to seal a playoff berth.
• Winning 2 more games could lock in a top-two finish.

• Strong NRR gives them an edge in case of ties on points.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – 16 pts, NRR +0.482

• Need one win from their remaining matches to confirm qualification.
• For a top-two finish, winning at least 2 more is crucial.
• Maintaining NRR will be vital if tied on 18 points with other teams.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) – 15 pts, NRR +0.376

• One more win in their remaining 3 games could be enough for a playoff spot.
• Winning all three boosts their top-two chances.
• Must keep NRR positive in close contests.

Mumbai Indians (MI) – 14 pts, NRR +1.156

• Need to win both remaining matches to avoid reliance on other results.
• Best NRR in the league keeps them strong in tie-breakers.
• One more loss could see them drop out if DC and PBKS win games.

Delhi Capitals (DC) – 13 pts, NRR +0.362

• Must win at least two of their remaining three games to stay in control.
• If they lose one, they’ll need help from other teams and NRR cushion.
• Can edge past MI or PBKS if they finish on equal points due to NRR.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – 11 pts, NRR +0.249

• Need to win all 3 remaining games to reach 17 points.
• A slip-up in any match would require a very high NRR to stay alive.
• Also depends on MI or DC losing at least once.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – 10 pts, NRR -0.469

• Must win all remaining 3 matches to reach 16 points.
• Also, teams like DC and MI need to lose at least one game.
• Poor NRR means they might still miss out in case of a tie on points.

What to expect next week in the already intensifying playoff battle?

The IPL fans are set for some exhilarating games in the upcoming week. With games like Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings on May 8 in Dharamsala, Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 9 in Lucknow, two games on Sunday—Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians at Delhi and Dharamsala, respectively—are some of the crucial games coming up this week.

The results of the mentioned fixtures will lead to some ups and downs in the points table for sure. Get ready for an exciting week ahead in the Tata IPL 2025.