As the Indian Premier League 2025 approaches its climax, three teams, Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), are locked in a fierce battle for the final playoff berth.
With Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and Punjab Kings (PBKS) already qualified, the race for the fourth spot promises intense drama in the remaining matches.
IPL 2025: Current Standings and Context
- Qualified Teams: Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Punjab Kings
- Contenders for Fourth Spot: Mumbai Indians (4th, 14 points), Delhi Capitals (5th, 13 points), Lucknow Super Giants (7th, 10 points)
- Eliminated: Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders
Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, and RCB have secured playoff spots early, with GT and PBKS also vying for top-two finishes that offer a direct route to the final. Meanwhile, MI, DC, and LSG face a do-or-die situation to claim the last place in the top four.
Will Mumbai Indians Qualify for IPL 2025 Playoffs?
Mumbai Indians currently hold the advantage in this three-way contest. Sitting fourth with 14 points from 12 matches, MI have two remaining games:
- vs Delhi Capitals in Mumbai (May 21)
- vs Punjab Kings in Jaipur (May 26)
Qualification Scenarios for MI:
- Win both matches: Qualify outright with 18 points.
- Win one match: Likely qualify with 16 points, especially if the win is against Delhi.
- Lose both: Eliminated from playoffs.
MI’s strong net run rate and home advantage in the crucial game against Delhi make them favorites to secure the spot. However, a loss to Delhi could complicate matters, forcing reliance on other results.
Will Delhi Capitals Qualify for IPL 2025 Playoffs?
Delhi Capitals began IPL 2025 strongly but have faltered recently, losing five of their last eight matches. With 13 points from 12 games, DC must win both their remaining matches to have a chance:
- vs Mumbai Indians in Mumbai (May 21)
- vs Punjab Kings in Jaipur (May 24)
Qualification Scenarios for DC:
- Win both matches: Qualify with 17 points, knocking MI out.
- Win one match: Likely eliminated, especially if the loss is against MI.
- Lose any match: Season ends.
DC’s fate depends heavily on their ability to beat MI at Wankhede Stadium, a challenging task given MI’s form and home advantage.
Will LSG Qualify for IPL 2025 Playoffs?
Lucknow Super Giants have the toughest path. With 10 points from 11 matches and three games left, LSG need to win all remaining matches to reach 16 points. Even then, qualification hinges on other teams dropping points.
Remaining Matches:
- vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 19)
- vs Gujarat Titans (May 22)
- vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (May 25)
Qualification Scenarios for LSG:
- Win all three matches: Reach 16 points but still rely on MI and DC losing matches.
- Lose any match: Eliminated.
LSG’s inconsistent season and poor net run rate (-0.469) make their qualification highly unlikely, but a perfect run combined with favorable results could still see them through.
