Road to IPL 2025 playoffs: what do the teams need to do from here on?

Published On: May 1, 2025

Yo, cricket fans! The IPL 2025 season is heating up, and with 49 matches down, the playoff race is getting wild. Only Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are officially out, leaving nine teams battling for the top four spots to reach the playoffs, set for May 20–25 in Hyderabad and Kolkata. Whether you’re cheering for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Mumbai Indians (MI), or the underdog Rajasthan Royals (RR), I’m stoked to break down what each team needs to do to secure a playoff berth. Let’s dive into the points, matches, and vibes with a human, laid-back tone, using the latest insights from ESPNcricinfo, Times of India, and X posts. Buckle up—this is gonna be a fun ride! 🏏🔥

IPL 2025 Playoff Format: How It Works

Before we get to the teams, here’s a quick refresher on the IPL 2025 playoff structure, per Rajasthan Royals and Wikipedia:

Top Four Qualify: The top four teams after the league stage (14 matches each) advance to the playoffs.
Qualifier 1 (May 20, Hyderabad): 1st vs. 2nd. Winner goes straight to the final (May 25, Kolkata).
Eliminator (May 21, Hyderabad): 3rd vs. 4th. Winner moves to Qualifier 2.
Qualifier 2 (May 23, Kolkata): Loser of Qualifier 1 vs. Winner of Eliminator. Winner reaches the final.
Points System: 2 points for a win, 1 for a no-result (washout), 0 for a loss. Net Run Rate (NRR) breaks ties if points are equal.

Historically, 16 points (8 wins) is a safe bet for qualification, but teams have snuck in with 14 points (7 wins) in 10 of 17 seasons, per Business Standard. In 2019, Sunrisers Hyderabad made it with just 12 points—a rare feat. This season, ESPNcricinfo notes up to seven teams could hit 16+ points, and five could reach 18+, so the cutoff might be higher. NRR will be clutch

The Current Picture (After 49 Matches)

As of May 1, 2025, here’s where things stand, based on ESPNcricinfo and Times of India. Only CSK are eliminated, and the race is tight for the rest. Below, I’ll list each team’s current points, NRR, remaining matches, and what they need to do to make the playoffs, with a sprinkle of fan buzz from X.

1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Current: 10 matches, 14 points, NRR: +0.521
Remaining Matches: CSK (home), LSG (away), SRH (home), KKR (home)
What They Need: RCB are sitting pretty at the top with 14 points, but ESPNcricinfo says the cutoff might hit 18–20 points this season. Winning 3 of 4 remaining matches (20 points) guarantees a spot. Even 2 wins (18 points) should be enough, especially with a solid NRR. If results align (e.g., other teams falter), they could sneak in with 1 win (16 points) without NRR drama. Facing weaker teams like CSK and SRH helps, but their poor home record (1 win in 4) is a worry, despite a perfect 6/6 away record.
Why It’s Cool: RCB’s on fire, with Times of India praising their consistency. X user @mufaddal_vohra tweeted, “RCB remains at the Top” after their DC win, and their clash with CSK could seal a top-two spot. Fans are hyped for Rajat Patidar’s leadership!

2. Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Current: 10 matches, 13 points, NRR: +0.199
Remaining Matches: LSG (home), DC (home), MI (home), RR (away)
What They Need: PBKS are in a strong spot with 13 points after winning 3 of their last 5, per ESPNcricinfo. They need 3 wins (19 points) to be certain, but 2 wins (17 points) gives them a good shot, especially with three home games. Times of India says 15 points might work if other teams stumble, but 13 points will knock them out. Their NRR is decent, but they’ll want big wins to boost it.
Why It’s Cool: PBKS are riding momentum, and X user @LoyalSachinFan predicts they could hit the top two with 3 wins. Facing RR (struggling) and CSK (eliminated) boosts their odds, but MI’s hot streak is a challenge. Yuzvendra Chahal’s hat-trick has fans buzzing!

3. Mumbai Indians (MI)

Current: 10 matches, 12 points, NRR: +0.889
Remaining Matches: RR (away), GT (home), PBKS (away), DC (home)
What They Need: MI are on a five-win streak, with the best NRR (+0.889), per ESPNcricinfo. Times of India says 3 wins (18 points) nearly locks in a spot, while 2 wins (16 points) keeps them in contention, especially with their NRR edge. They could even qualify with 1 win (14 points) if other results go their way, like beating RR or PBKS. Two home games (where they’re 4/5) are a plus.
Why It’s Cool: MI’s form is electric, with Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav smashing it, per NDTV Sports. X posts from @IPL celebrate their “dominant” wins, and @KrishnaKRM gives them a 75–80% playoff chance. Hardik Pandya’s leadership is clicking!

4. Gujarat Titans (GT)

Current: 9 matches, 12 points, NRR: +0.748
Remaining Matches: SRH (home), MI (away), DC (away), LSG (home), CSK (home)
What They Need: GT, with a game in hand, are in a great spot, per ESPNcricinfo. Business Standard says 2 wins (16 points) should seal it, thanks to their stellar NRR (+0.748, second only to MI). Winning their three home games (SRH, LSG, CSK) is key, as they’re 3/1 in Ahmedabad. Times of India notes their form, with Sai Sudharsan and Prasidh Krishna leading the Orange and Purple Cap races. Even 1 win (14 points) might work with their NRR cushion.
Why It’s Cool: GT are “unstoppable,” per Times of India, and @KrishnaKRM gives them a 92% playoff chance. Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s century has X buzzing, and facing eliminated CSK is a bonus. Shubman Gill’s squad is a fan favorite

5. Delhi Capitals (DC)

Current: 9 matches, 12 points, NRR: +0.657
Remaining Matches: PBKS (away), GT (home), MI (away), RCB (home), SRH (home)
What They Need: DC’s 12 points and strong NRR (+0.657) keep them in the hunt, per Business Standard. They need 2 wins (16 points) for a comfortable spot, but Times of India says 3–4 wins (18–20 points) could push for a top-two finish. NDTV Sports notes recent losses (4 of 6) have hurt, so they must capitalize on home games against GT and SRH. 1 win (14 points) might suffice if NRR holds.
Why It’s Cool: Axar Patel’s leadership and Kevin Pietersen’s mentorship have X users like @LoyalSachinFan hyped, predicting DC in the playoffs. Their NRR gives them an edge, but tough matches against MI and RCB loom.

6. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Current: 10 matches, 10 points, NRR: -0.054
Remaining Matches: PBKS (away), RCB (home), GT (away), SRH (home)
What They Need: LSG’s 10 points and slightly negative NRR make things tricky, per Times of India. They need 3 wins (16 points) to stay alive, but NDTV Sports says even 2 wins (14 points) could work if they boost their NRR with big margins and other results align (e.g., RR or SRH falter). Facing top teams like RCB and GT is tough, and ESPNcricinfo warns 12 points will likely eliminate them.
Why It’s Cool: LSG’s topsy-turvy season has fans on edge, but @KrishnaKRM gives them a 36% playoff chance. Rishabh Pant’s big-money signing hasn’t fully clicked, per X, but a home game against SRH could be a turning point.

7. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Current: 10 matches, 9 points, NRR: +0.271
Remaining Matches: RR (home), CSK (home), SRH (away), RCB (away)
What They Need: KKR’s 9 points put them in a tough spot, per ESPNcricinfo. They need to win all 4 remaining matches (17 points) for a realistic shot, but even then, Times of India says five teams could hit 18+, potentially edging them out. 3 wins (15 points) gives a slim chance, but 13 points eliminates them. Their recent DC win and positive NRR help, but facing RCB and SRH away is daunting.
Why It’s Cool: Defending champs KKR are fighting, with X user @KrishnaKRM giving them a 16% chance. Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership and a home game against eliminated CSK offer hope, but fans on X are nervous about their form.

8. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

Current: 9 matches, 6 points, NRR: -1.217
Remaining Matches: GT (away), DC (away), KKR (home), RCB (away), LSG (away)
What They Need: SRH’s 6 points and poor NRR (-1.217) make their path steep, per Times of India. They must win all 5 remaining matches (16 points) and hope for big margins to fix their NRR, per ESPNcricinfo. Even then, other results (like LSG or KKR losses) must align. 4 wins (14 points) could put them in the NRR fight for fourth, but myKhel gives them a 5% chance.
Why It’s Cool: SRH’s early 286-run explosion against RR feels like ages ago, per Times of India. X users like @KrishnaKRM aren’t hopeful, but Pat Cummins’ squad could surprise against KKR at home. Fans want Travis Head to step up

9. Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Current: 10 matches, 6 points, NRR: -0.349
What They Need: RR’s 6 points and negative NRR (-0.349) leave them hanging by a thread, per ESPNcricinfo. They need to win all 4 remaining matches (14 points) and pray other teams (like LSG, SRH, or KKR) collapse, per Business Standard. Even then, their NRR must improve massively to compete for fourth. myKhel gives them a 2% chance, and Rajasthan Royals calls their hopes “slender.”
Why It’s Cool: RR’s recent win over GT sparked hope, per Business Standard, and X user @KrishnaKRM notes their “miraculous” fight. Facing MI and KKR is tough, but a home game against PBKS could help. Fans are rooting for Sanju Samson!

10. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Current: 10 matches, 4 points, NRR: -1.302
What They Need: CSK are eliminated, per ESPNcricinfo. With only 4 points and a league-worst NRR, even winning all 4 remaining matches (12 points) won’t cut it. Times of India says their seven losses in 10 games sealed their fate, despite MS Dhoni’s return as captain.
Why It’s Cool: CSK’s worst-ever season has X users like @KrishnaKRM giving them a 1% chance pre-elimination. Fans are bummed, but their remaining games could play spoiler for RCB and KKR. Dhoni’s still a legend

Key Factors to Watch

Net Run Rate (NRR): With teams likely to tie at 14–16 points, NRR is huge. MI (+0.889) and GT (+0.748) have an edge, while SRH (-1.217) and RR (-0.349) need massive wins, per myKhel.
Home vs. Away: MI (4/5 home wins) and GT (3/1 in Ahmedabad) thrive at home, but RCB’s 6/6 away record vs. 1/4 at home is wild, per ESPNcricinfo.
Remaining Schedules: RCB and GT face weaker teams (CSK, SRH), while KKR and SRH have tougher matchups (RCB, MI). Times of India highlights GT’s three home games as a big advantage.
Momentum: MI’s five-win streak and PBKS’ 3/5 recent wins give them an edge, while SRH and RR are struggling, per NDTV Sports.

Playoff Chances (Fan Buzz from X)

X posts from @KrishnaKRM (April 23, 2025) sum up the vibe:

GT: 92% chance—fans love their NRR and form.
DC: 86%—Axar’s squad is a dark horse.
RCB: 64%—top of the table, but home games worry fans.
PBKS: 61%—Chahal’s heroics have supporters hyped.
MI: 36%—surging, but tough away games loom.
LSG: 36%—Pant’s team needs a miracle.
KKR: 16%—defending champs are fading.
SRH: 5%—fans are losing hope.
RR: 2%—a long shot, but not impossible.
CSK: 1% (pre-elimination)—Dhoni couldn’t save them.

@LoyalSachinFan predicts PBKS and DC as locks, with GT likely but prone to “bottling” at the end. Mufaddal Vohra’s “RCB at the Top” tweet has fans dreaming of a top-two finish.

Should You Bet on Your Team?

Here’s the lowdown on who’s got the best shot and who’s dreaming:

Locks (Almost There): RCB (14 points, need 1–2 wins), GT (12 points, need 2 wins), MI (12 points, need 2–3 wins), DC (12 points, need 2–3 wins). Their points and NRR make them favorites.
Strong Contenders: PBKS (13 points, need 2–3 wins) are surging, but LSG (10 points, need 3 wins) need a near-perfect run.
Underdogs: KKR (9 points, need 4 wins), SRH (6 points, need 5 wins), and RR (6 points, need 4 wins) face steep odds. Big wins and luck are a must.
Out: CSK—sorry, Dhoni fans, it’s over.

Final Thoughts: Who’s Gonna Make It?

The IPL 2025 playoff race is a nail-biter, with RCB, GT, MI, and DC holding the edge thanks to points, NRR, and easier schedules. PBKS are knocking on the door, while LSG, KKR, SRH, and RR need miracles. ESPNcricinfo predicts a high cutoff (18+ points), so every match counts. X fans are buzzing, with GT and RCB getting the loudest cheers, but MI’s hot streak has Mumbai dreaming of a sixth title.

So, who’re you rooting for? Hyped for RCB to lock in that top spot, or hoping RR pulls off a miracle? Got a hot take on KKR’s chances? Drop your thoughts—I’m all ears! Let’s keep the cricket fever going! 🏏🎉