The Kolkata Knight Riders' journey in their title-defending IPL 2025 campaign started in a below-par fashion; however, sitting 6th on the table, the reigning champions would still fancy their chances to the playoff if they win all their remaining matches.
BET NOW: SIGN UP & BET on the IPL matches to win a WELCOME BONUS of INR 20,000
The three-time champions have shown flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency has hurt them. Their five wins in the ongoing season have come against teams - Rajasthan Royals twice, Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Delhi Capitals, while one of their matches was washed out.
Despite the poor first half of the season, all is not lost for the Knight Riders. With three matches still to play, KKR can still manage to qualify for the play-offs.
STAY UPDATED WITH TSN: Follow The Sporting News India on WhatsApp
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.
CRICKET CASHBACK: Click here to earn 10% cashback up to INR 20,000 weekly when you bet on IPL matches
IPL 2025 Updated Points Table:
| Teams | Mat | Won | Lost | Tied | NR | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 11 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 16 | +0.482 |
| Punjab Kings | 11 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 15 | +0.376 |
| Mumbai Indians | 11 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 14 | +1.274 |
| Gujarat Titans | 10 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 14 | +0.867 |
| Delhi Capitals | 10 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 12 | +0.362 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 11 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 11 | +0.249 |
| Lucknow Super Giants | 11 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 10 | -0.469 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 12 | 3 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 6 | -0.718 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 10 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 6 | -1.192 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 11 | 2 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 4 | -1.117 |
Can KKR defend the IPL trophy in 2025? PREDICT and WIN WELCOME BONUS upto INR 20,000!
IPL 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.
Can Kolkata Knight Riders qualify for the playoffs of IPL 2025?
Yes, KKR can still make the IPL 2025 playoffs. But they will have to put in some effort in the second half of the season.
With three matches remaining, they will have to win at least two games to reach 15 points, but that would still mean that they will have to depend on others.
17 points (8 wins and 1 NR) would mean almost guaranteed qualification without needing to rely on other teams' results.
If they get to 15 points (7 wins and 1 NR), they might still stand a chance to make it to the last-four stage, but that would depend on Net Run Rate (NRR) and how other teams perform.
KKR’s remaining fixtures in IPL 2025
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| May 07 | Chennai Super Kings | Kolkata |
| May 10 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Hyderabad |
| May 17 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Bengaluru |
How can KKR qualify for the playoffs? Qualification scenario explained
KKR currently have 11 points in 11 games. They must reach at least 16 points to strongly push for a playoff spot, and that means they have to win at least three of their remaining four fixtures.
A total of 15 points might be enough if other results go their way, but it's not a guarantee.
Their next league game is against the Chennai Super Kings at Eden Gardens, where KKR do not have the best of track records in the current season.
KKR's upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification
| Upcoming Fixtures | CSK (H), SRH (A), RCB (A) |
|---|---|
| Wins required | 2 wins out of 3 |
| Chances of qualification | 20% |