As the IPL 2025 season moves into its second half, the race for the top four spots is getting more competitive. 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
| Teams | Mat | Won | Lost | Tied | NR | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 10 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 14 | +0.521 |
| Gujarat Titans | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 12 | +1.104 |
| Mumbai Indians | 10 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 12 | +0.889 |
| Delhi Capitals | 9 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 12 | +0.482 |
| Punjab Kings | 9 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 11 | +0.177 |
| Lucknow Super Giants | 10 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 10 | -0.325 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 9 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 7 | +0.212 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 9 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | -1.103 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 9 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 4 | -0.625 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 9 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 4 | -1.302 |
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 the strongest team so far and currently top the table with 6 wins from 8 games and have a strong NRR of +1.104, which could give them an edge when deciding between playoff spots.
GT will be looking to continue their momentum and avoid slip-ups as the playoff race tightens.
GT upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification
| Upcoming Fixtures | RR (A), SRH (H), MI (A), DC (A), LSG (H), CSK (H) |
|---|---|
| Wins required | 2 wins out of 6 |
| Chances of qualification | 92% |
Mumbai Indians
After a slow start, MI have found some momentum, winning six out of their ten matches, but will need to stay consistent and continue their form in the upcoming matches.
Mumbai suffered early setbacks with losses to CSK and GT but bounced back with wins against KKR, DC, CSK and LSG.
For their delight, their net run rate is fantastic and they have moved into the top-2 with 4 matches to go.
MI upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification
| Upcoming Fixtures | RR (A), GT (H), PBKS (A), DC (H) |
|---|---|
| Wins required | 2 wins out of 4 |
| Chances of qualification | 75% |
Delhi Capitals
DC have won six out of nine matches so far, starting their season with a thrilling one-wicket win over LSG and continuing their momentum with wins against SRH and CSK.
DC are well-positioned for playoff contention and will look to build on their winning rhythm.
DC upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification
| Upcoming Fixtures | KKR (H), SRH (A), PBKS (A), GT (H), MI (A) |
|---|---|
| Wins required | 2 wins out of 5 |
| Chances of qualification | 80% |
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru
RCB have also had a good season so far, winning seven of their ten matches and began their campaign with a convincing wins over KKR, CSK and MI.
Despite setbacks at home, RCB have maintained a strong position with 14 points and an NRR of +0.521, 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 | CSK (H), LSG (A), SRH (H), KKR (H) |
|---|---|
| Wins required | 1 wins out of 4 |
| Chances of qualification | 90% |
Punjab Kings
PBKS have surprised many with their performances, winning five out of nine matches so far.
PBKS began their campaign with a win over GT and continued their good form with wins against LSG and CSK.
While PBKS are in a comfortable position, they will look to iron out inconsistencies with their batting.
PBKS upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification
| Upcoming Fixtures | CSK (A), LSG (H), DC (H), MI (H), RR (A) |
|---|---|
| Wins required | 3 wins out of 5 |
| Chances of qualification | 65% |
Lucknow Super Giants
LSG have played some close games and pulled off thrilling wins.
With 10 points, LSG still have got a chance, but their death bowling and closing out games have been an issue so far.
LSG upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification
| Upcoming Fixtures | PBKS (A), RCB (H), GT (A), SRH (H) |
|---|---|
| Wins required | 3 wins out of 4 |
| Chances of qualification | 40% |
Kolkata Knight Riders
KKR have had a challenging season, winning three of their nine matches, including big margin victories over CSK and SRH.
However, they have not been able to replicate the same performances throughout the season.
KKR will need to win at five matches in their next five remaining outings, but have challenging fixtures lined up ahead.
KKR upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification
| Upcoming Fixtures | DC (A), RR (H), CSK (H), SRH (A), RCB (A) |
|---|---|
| Wins required | 5 wins out of 5 |
| Chances of qualification | 15% |
Rajasthan Royals
RR have had an up-and-down season, winning just two of their nine games so far, and also suffered heavy defeats to GT and PBKS.
RR's super over loss to DC also hurt their qualification chances, whose NRR is already poor. The Royals must win all their remaining games and also rely on the results of other teams.
RR upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification
| Upcoming Fixtures | GT (H), MI (H), KKR (A), CSK (A), PBKS (H) |
|---|---|
| Wins required | 5 wins out of 5 |
| Chances of qualification | 5% |
Sunrisers Hyderabad
SRH have struggled throughout the season, winning only two of their seven matches.
SRH's path to qualification is narrow, requiring them to win all of their remaining games.
SRH upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification
| Upcoming Fixtures | GT (A), DC (H), KKR (H), RCB (A), LSG (A) |
|---|---|
| Wins required | 5 wins out of 5 |
| Chances of qualification | 15% |
Chennai Super Kings
The five-time champions have been poor this 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 -1.302, they will need a miraculous turnaround to qualify.
CSK upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification
| Upcoming Fixtures | PBKS (H), RCB (A), KKR (A), RR (H), GT (A) |
|---|---|
| Wins required | 5 wins out of 5 (rely on other results) |
| Chances of qualification | 5% |
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)