With the IPL 2025 season entering its business end, the race for the top four spots is heating up. With multiple teams tied on points and Net Run Rate (NRR) already becoming a decisive factor, the competition is tighter than ever.
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Here is a complete breakdown of how teams can qualify for the playoffs, the rules for progressing, and what fans can expect in the final leg of the tournament.
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Rules for the play-off qualification in IPL 2025
IPL 2025 features ten teams that are divided into two groups, each comprising five teams.
Each team will play 14 matches. They will face four teams from their own group and one team from the other group twice during the league stage.
However, they will meet the remaining four teams (from the other group) just once during this phase.
Points are awarded as follows: two for a win, one for a no-result, and none for a loss. In case of a tie in points, net run rate serves as the tiebreaker.
The top four teams at the end of the league stage will qualify for the playoffs. Here is how the league position will be decided if two or more teams have the same points:
- If teams have equal points in the league table, the team with the most wins will be placed higher.
- If teams have equal points and the same wins, the team with a higher NRR will be placed higher.
- In case teams have equal points, same wins, and the same NRR, the team with the highest number of wickets will be preferred.
- If teams have the same wickets as well, their league position will finally be determined by drawing lots.
Playoff qualification scenarios for teams in IPL 2025
Points Table
Qualification trends (Based on past seasons)
- 16 points (8 wins): Almost guaranteed qualification.
- 14 points (7 wins): Decent chance but depends on NRR and other results.
- 12 points (6 wins): Rare. Qualification is only possible in exceptional circumstances.
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Gujarat Titans
GT have looked one of the strongest teams in the IPL so far and currently fourth on the table with 7 wins from 10 games. They also have a strong NRR of +0.867, which could give them an edge when deciding between playoff spots.
GT's path to the playoffs seems straightforward. They will look to avoid slip-ups and nail qualification.
GT upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification
| Upcoming Fixtures | MI (A), DC (A), LSG (H), CSK (H) |
|---|---|
| Wins required | 1 wins out of 4 |
| Chances of qualification | 95% |
Mumbai Indians
After a slow start, MI have found momentum, winning seven out of their 11 matches.
Mumbai suffered early setbacks with losses to CSK and GT but bounced back with wins against KKR, DC, CSK, LSG, SRH, and RR.
Importantly, their net run rate is fantastic, and they have moved into the top position with a 100-run win over Rajasthan. Their qualification appears highly likely, with two more home games left and only a win required.
MI upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification
| Upcoming Fixtures | GT (H), PBKS (A), DC (H) |
|---|---|
| Wins required | 1 win out of 3 |
| Chances of qualification | 90% |
Delhi Capitals
DC have won six out of 10 matches so far. Though they started their campaign on song and looked nailed-on to reach the playoffs, their form has tanked over the last few games.
They have won only once in their last four matches and are in dire need of picking things up quick as the IPL reaches its business end.
DC upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification
| Upcoming Fixtures | SRH (A), PBKS (A), GT (H), MI (A) |
|---|---|
| Wins required | 2 wins out of 4 |
| Chances of qualification | 50% |
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru
RCB have also had a good season so far, winning eight of their eleven matches and have convincing wins over KKR, CSK, and MI that have seen many bill them as potential champions.
RCB have maintained a strong position with 16 points and an NRR of +0.482, thanks to their strong away record and are well-positioned for a top-two finish.
RCB upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification
| Upcoming Fixtures | LSG (A), SRH (H), KKR (H) |
|---|---|
| Wins required | 1 wins out of 3 |
| Chances of qualification | 98% |
Punjab Kings
PBKS have surprised many with their performances, belying their long-running perception as a mediocre outfit. Under Ricky Ponting's guidance and Shreyas Iyer's captaincy, PBKS have made an impression this season, winning 7 out of 11 matches so far.
While PBKS are in a comfortable position, they will look to iron out inconsistencies in their batting. But it seems a playoff spot is well within their reach, given their form.
PBKS upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification
| Upcoming Fixtures | DC (H), MI (H), RR (A) |
|---|---|
| Wins required | 1 wins out of 3 |
| Chances of qualification | 90% |
Lucknow Super Giants
LSG have had a topsy-turvy season in many ways. However, the Rishabh Pant-led outfit has a decent chance of making it into the playoffs.
With five wins out of 11 and 10 points in their kitty, LSG will need to finish the season strong to get into the playoffs.
LSG upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification
| Upcoming Fixtures | RCB (H), GT (A), SRH (H) |
|---|---|
| Wins required | 3 wins out of 3 |
| Chances of qualification | 25% |
Kolkata Knight Riders
The defending champions KKR have had a challenging season, winning only five of their 11 matches, which included big margin victories over the likes of CSK and SRH.
However, they have not been able to replicate the same performances throughout the season consistently.
KKR will need to win all their next three remaining outings to remain in a position to challenge for a play-offs spot.
KKR upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification
| Upcoming Fixtures | CSK (H), SRH (A), RCB (A) |
|---|---|
| Wins required | 3 wins out of 3 |
| Chances of qualification | 25% |
Rajasthan Royals (ELIMINATED)
RR have had an up-and-down season, winning just three of their twelve games so far, and also suffered heavy defeats to GT and PBKS.
Rajasthan become the second team after Chennai to be knocked out of this year's competition.
RR upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification
| Upcoming Fixtures | CSK (A), PBKS (H) |
|---|---|
| Wins required | Not Applicable |
| Chances of qualification | 0% |
Sunrisers Hyderabad
SRH have struggled throughout the season, winning only three of their ten matches.
SRH's path to qualification is extremely tough, requiring them to win all of their remaining games and they will also need other results to go their way.
It seems unlikely at this point, given that their batting powerhouses have not delivered consistently through the season.
SRH upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification
| Upcoming Fixtures | DC (H), KKR (H), RCB (A), LSG (A) |
|---|---|
| Wins required | 4 wins out of 4 |
| Chances of qualification | 5% |
Chennai Super Kings (ELIMINATED)
The five-time champions have had a torrid season, winning only two of their nine matches so far.
CSK's only wins came against MI at home and the LSG away. With four points and an NRR of -1.211, they become the first team to be knocked out from the playoffs race.
CSK upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification
| Upcoming Fixtures | RCB (A), KKR (A), RR (H), GT (A) |
|---|---|
| Wins required | Not Applicable |
| Chances of qualification | 0% |
How will the play-offs fixture be determined?
Once the league stage concludes, the top four teams on the points table qualify for the play-offs. Their seeding is determined purely by points, and in case of a tie, net run rate acts as the tiebreaker.
The top two teams (1st and 2nd) face off in Qualifier 1 -- where the winner directly enters the final. The 3rd and 4th placed teams compete in the Eliminator -- with the losing team knocked out.
The winner of the Eliminator then takes on the loser of Qualifier 1 in Qualifier 2 -- to decide the second finalist.
This format places a premium on finishing in the top two -- offering a safety net of a second chance and avoiding the knockout pressure of the Eliminator. Over the years, this advantage has proven crucial -- six of the last eight champions have come from the top two positions after the league stage.
When are the IPL 2025 play-offs?
The IPL 2025 play-offs are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, May 20, just two days after the league phase concludes. The four matches will unfold across five days:
- Qualifier 1 – May 20 (Tuesday)
- Eliminator – May 21 (Wednesday)
- Qualifier 2 – May 23 (Friday)
- Final – May 25 (Sunday)