IPL 2025 Playoff Scenarios: GT & RCB Just a Win Away, While MI, PBKS & DC Hold the Cards

As the IPL 2025 resumes after a 9-day hiatus, the playoff race is heating up — but with added complexity as several overseas stars are set to depart for international duties. With just a handful of league matches left and 17 points likely being the cutoff, here’s a detailed breakdown of where each of the seven remaining playoff contenders stand, along with the personnel concerns that could impact their chances.

1. GUJARAT TITANS (Gt)

Points: 16 | NRR: +0.813

Remaining Matches: vs DC, vs LSG, vs CSK

Qualification Status: 1 win away from playoffs

Gujarat Titans are sitting comfortably at the top and need just one more win to lock in a playoff berth. With matches against struggling sides like DC and inconsistent LSG and CSK, GT look set not just for qualification, but potentially a top-two finish.

Player Concerns:

Jos Buttler (ENG) – Called up for England’s white-ball series vs West Indies starting May 29

Sherfane Rutherford (WI) – Selected for West Indies duties

Kagiso Rabada (SA) – Likely to leave early for WTC final prep

2. ROYAL CHALLENGERS BENGALURU (RCB)

Points: 16 | NRR: +0.482

Remaining Matches: vs KKR, vs SRH, vs LSG

Qualification Status: One win from sealing a playoff spot

RCB are well-placed with three games left. Their fixture list looks manageable, and they should be strong contenders for a top-two finish.

Player Concerns:

Josh Hazlewood (AUS) – Expected to miss remaining matches due to WTC final

Phil Salt & Jacob Bethell (ENG) – Recalled for international duty

Romario Shepherd (WI) – Joining West Indies for upcoming series

These departures significantly weaken RCB’s overseas core heading into the crucial final stages.

3. PUNJAB SUPER KINGS (PBKS)

Points: 15 | NRR: +0.376

Remaining Matches: vs RR, vs DC, vs MI

Qualification Status: One win likely enough, two to be safe

PBKS are chasing their first playoff appearance in over a decade. Their final games are all in Jaipur, where they've played well historically. The clash against RR is a virtual must-win.

PLAYER CONCERNS:

Marco Jansen (SA) and Josh Inglis (AUS) are WTC-bound but expected to stay through the league stage

A strong Indian core could help them avoid disruption.

4. MUMBAI INDIANS (MI)

Points: 14 | NRR: +1.156

Remaining Matches: vs DC, vs PBKS

Qualification Status: Must win both games; otherwise dependent on other results

MI’s last two games are against direct rivals. With a solid NRR and playoff pedigree, they’ll back themselves — but any slip could be costly.

Player Concerns:

Ryan Rickelton (SA) – Set to depart for WTC final

Will Jacks (ENG) – Recalled for England duty

The rest of their domestic squad remains intact.

5. Delhi Capitals (DC)

Points: 13 | NRR: +0.362

Remaining Matches: vs GT, vs MI, vs PBKS

Qualification Status: Need at least 2 wins from 3 matches

DC have lucked out with a couple of weather-affected games but now face a high-stakes run-in. They’ll need two wins from a tough trio of opponents.

Player Concerns:

Mitchell Starc (AUS) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (AUS) unlikely to return

Tristan Stubbs SA) – Heading for WTC preparations

A thinned overseas roster leaves DC leaning heavily on their Indian players.

6. KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS (KKR)

Points: 11 | NRR:+0.193

Remaining Matches: vs RCB, vs SRH

Qualification Status: Mathematically alive but highly dependent on other results

KKR must win both remaining matches and hope for a perfect sequence of results involving MI and DC losses. Even then, net run rate could be decisive.

Player Concerns:

No significant overseas departures expected, which gives them an edge in continuity

7. LUCKNOW SUPER GIANTS (LSG)

Points: 10 | NRR: -0.469

Remaining Matches: vs SRH, vs GT, vs RCB

Qualification Status: Hanging by a thread; need to win all games and rely on others

LSG need a miracle. Not only must they win their final three games two of which are against top-tier opposition but they also need other results to go their way. Their poor NRR further complicates matters.

PLAYER CONCERNS:

Aiden Markram (SA) is WTC-bound

Mitch Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, and David Miller are expected to stay available

They need a massive late push from their remaining stars to stay in the hunt.

SUMMARY: WHO CONTROLS THE RACE?

Safe Bets: GT and RCB (1 win away)

In the Driver’s Seat: PBKS and MI (with control but little room for error)

Fighting Hard: DC (tough fixtures, weakened squad)

Need a Miracle: KKR and LSG (dependent on others, must win all)

As the playoff drama unfolds, international call-ups might just tip the balance. With some teams stripped of key overseas players, their bench strength and Indian stars will be under the spotlight.