The Kolkata Knight Riders' journey in their title-defending IPL 2025 campaign has been below par, as the reigning champions currently struggle in the seventh position on the points table.
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The three-time champions have shown flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency has hurt them. Their four wins in the ongoing season have come against teams - Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals.
Despite the poor first half of the season, all is not lost for the Knight Riders. With four matches still to play, KKR can still manage to qualify for the play-offs.
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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.
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IPL 2025 Updated Points Table
| Teams | Mat | Won | Lost | Tied | NR | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 10 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 14 | +0.521 |
| Mumbai Indians | 10 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 12 | +0.889 |
| Gujarat Titans | 9 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 12 | +0.748 |
| Delhi Capitals | 10 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 12 | +0.362 |
| Punjab Kings | 9 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 11 | +0.177 |
| Lucknow Super Giants | 10 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 10 | -0.325 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 10 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 7 | +0.271 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 10 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 6 | -0.349 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 9 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | -1.103 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 9 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 4 | -1.302 |
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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 four matches remaining, they will have to at least three games to reach 16+ points.
Reaching 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 04 | Rajasthan Royals | Kolkata |
| 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 nine points in 10 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 Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens, where KKR do not have a great track record in the current season.
KKR upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification
| Upcoming Fixtures | RR (H), CSK (H), SRH (A), RCB (A) |
|---|---|
| Wins required | 3 wins out of 4 |
| Chances of qualification | 15% |