IPL 2025 playoffs qualification scenarios: Rules, chances and points required for progressing to the last four stage

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 (QUALIFIED)

GT have looked one of the strongest teams in the IPL so far and became the joint-first team to qualify for the playoffs alongside RCB and PBKS.

They are at the top of the table with 9 wins from 12 games. They also have a strong NRR of +0.795, which could give them an edge when deciding between top two playoff spots.

GT upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (QUALIFIED)

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 17 points and an NRR of +0.482, thanks to their strong away record. With playoffs secured, they are in a good position to finish in the top-two as well.

RCB upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification

Punjab Kings [QUALIFIED]

PBKS have surprised many with their performances and qualified for the playoffs after over a decade. Under Ricky Ponting's guidance and Shreyas Iyer's captaincy, PBKS have made an impression this season, winning 8 out of 12 matches.

Now that PBKS have secured playoff qualification, they will now look to complete a top-two finish.

PBKS upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification

Mumbai Indians [QUALIFIED]

After a slow start, MI have found momentum, winning eight out of their 12 matches. Mumbai suffered early setbacks with losses to CSK and GT but bounced back with wins against KKR, DC, CSK, LSG, SRH, and RR. 

In their most recent outing, they crushed Delhi capitals by 59 runs to secure the final play off spot for IPL 2025.

MI upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification

Delhi Capitals (ELIMINATED)

DC have won six out of 13 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 six matches and have been eliminated from the playoffs race. Their match against the Mumbai Indians was crucial as it is was a virtual knockout. They lost the match by 59 runs.

DC upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification

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Kolkata Knight Riders (ELIMINATED)

The defending champions KKR have had a challenging season, winning only five of their 13 matches, which included big margin victories over the likes of CSK and SRH.

Two of their matches, one at home against the Punjab Kings and one away against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru ended with no result due to rain, ending their chances to make it to the playoffs.

Their final clash against the already eliminated SRH would be an inconsequential match to cap off their season

KKR upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification

Lucknow Super Giants (ELIMINATED)

LSG have had a topsy-turvy season in many ways. With five wins out of 12 now and 10 points in their kitty, LSG can no longer make it to the play-offs.

LSG upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification

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 became the second team after Chennai to be knocked out of this year's competition.

RR upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification

Sunrisers Hyderabad (ELIMINATED)

SRH have struggled throughout the season, winning only three of their eleven matches.

SRH's path to qualification was extremely tough, requiring them to win all of their 4 remaining games, and they will also need other results to go their way.

However, a washout against DC meant that they stood no mathematical chance of sneaking into the top-4.

SRH upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification

Chennai Super Kings (ELIMINATED)

The five-time champions have had a torrid season, winning only three of their 12 matches so far.

CSK's only wins came against MI at home, LSG away and Kolkata away. With only six points, they became the first team to be knocked out from the playoffs race.

CSK upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification

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 29, just two days after the league phase concludes. The four matches will unfold across four days:

• Qualifier 1 – May 29 (Thursday)
• Eliminator – May 30 (Friday)
• Qualifier 2 – Jun 1 (Sunday)
• Final – Jun 3 (Tuesday)