IPL 2025: What all teams need to reach the Playoffs?

With almost a month gone and about one more month remaining until the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season concludes, fans already have their Top 4 predictions and are speculating who will make it to the Playoffs. However, in the IPL, anything is possible—just like last season when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made a stunning comeback, winning six games in a row to reach the Top 4.

As the league standings remain tightly contested, teams are striving not just for victories but also for big winning margins to boost their Net Run Rate (NRR), which could prove decisive in the playoff race. Here's a breakdown of where each team stands and what they need to do to secure a spot in the top four.

This article was written ahead of Match 43 – Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

Points needed to qualify for Playoffs

16 Points (8 wins): Almost always guarantees qualification

14 Points (7 wins): Usually enough, but NRR becomes crucial

12 Points (6 wins): Rare, only possible in a tightly packed table

Team-wise Playoff scenarios (Based on current standings) Gujarat Titans (GT) — Points: 12

Matches: 8 | Won: 6 | Lost: 2 | NRR: +1.104

Qualification Scenario: Need 2 wins from 6 games

Upcoming Matches: RR, SRH, MI, DC, LSG, CSK

Gujarat, led by Shubman Gill, are in a strong position to qualify. Just two more wins from their remaining six matches could seal the deal. Sai Sudharsan currently leads the Orange Cap race, while Prasidh Krishna tops the Purple Cap standings.

Delhi Capitals (DC) — Points: 12  

Matches: 8 | Won: 6 | Lost: 2 | NRR: +0.657

Qualification Scenario: Need 2 wins from 6 games

Upcoming Matches: RCB, KKR, SRH, PBKS, GT, MI

The Axar Patel-led side currently sits second and has been effective both home and away. Two more wins from six matches should be enough to see them through.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) — Points: 12  

Matches: 9 | Won: 6 | Lost: 3 | NRR: +0.482

Qualification Scenario: Need 2 wins from 5 games

Upcoming Matches: DC, CSK, LSG, SRH, KKR

Under Rajat Patidar’s leadership, RCB has gained momentum and fan excitement. Two more victories could secure their playoff spot.

Mumbai Indians (MI) — Points: 10

Matches: 9 | Won: 5 | Lost: 4 | NRR: +0.673

Qualification Scenario: Need 3 wins from 5 games

Upcoming Matches: LSG, RR, GT, PBKS, DC

After a poor start, the Hardik Pandya-led MI bounced back with four straight wins. They’ve climbed from 9th to 4th, but must win at least three of their final five games to stay in contention.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) — Points: 10

Matches: 8 | Won: 5 | Lost: 3 | NRR: +0.177

Qualification Scenario: Need 3 wins from 6 games

Upcoming Matches: KKR, CSK, LSG, DC, MI, RR

The Shreyas Iyer-led squad has shown grit and improvement. With better batting and three more wins, a Top 4 spot is within reach.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) — Points: 10

Matches: 9 | Won: 5 | Lost: 4 | NRR: -0.054

Qualification Scenario: Need 3 wins from 5 games

Upcoming Matches: MI, PBKS, RCB, GT, SRH

Although Rishabh Pant’s form with the bat is underwhelming, LSG has been part of several thrillers. They need to finish games better—with minimal room for error.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) — Points: 6

Matches: 8 | Won: 3 | Lost: 5 | NRR: +0.212

Qualification Scenario: Need 5 wins from 6 games

Upcoming Matches: PBKS, DC, RR, CSK, SRH, RCB

The defending champions, led by Ajinkya Rahane, have delivered some big wins but lacked consistency. To stay alive, they’ll need near-perfect execution in the coming games.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) — Points: 4

Matches: 9 | Won: 2 | Lost: 7 | NRR: -0.625

Qualification Scenario: Need 5 wins from 5 games

Upcoming Matches: GT, MI, KKR, CSK, PBKS

With Sanju Samson injured and Riyan Parag taking over as captain, RR’s campaign has taken a hit. They must win all five remaining games and rely on other results to qualify.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) — Points: 4  

Matches: 8 | Won: 2 | Lost: 6 | NRR: -1.361

Qualification Scenario: Need 6 wins from 6 games

Upcoming Matches: CSK, GT, DC, KKR, RCB, LSG

SRH, with only two wins and the league’s worst NRR, are on the verge of elimination. Their clash against CSK is a must-win to keep hopes alive.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) — Points: 4

Matches: 8 | Won: 2 | Lost: 6 | NRR: -1.392

Qualification Scenario: Need 6 wins from 6 games

Upcoming Matches: SRH, PBKS, RCB, KKR, RR, GT

Now led by MS Dhoni in the absence of Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK must win all six remaining games and hope for favorable results elsewhere. Their qualification chances hang by a thread.

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