New Delhi, 19 May (H.S.)
IPL 2025 has seen significant developments as the playoffs picture becomes clearer following a doubleheader on May 19. The Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings have confirmed their spots in the playoffs, joining the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final four. The defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, have been ousted from contention after their match on Saturday in Bengaluru was canceled due to rain. Consequently, the battle for the fourth playoff spot intensifies, involving the Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants.
Gujarat Titans (Qualified)
Remaining Matches: LSG, CSK.
Currently leading the points table, Gujarat Titans are in a strong position to secure a top-2 finish. If they win both matches, they will maintain their top-2 status. However, should they end with one win and one loss, they will rely on either Punjab or Bangalore to lose at least one of their matches. Gujarat’s home record this season stands at an impressive 4-1.
Punjab Kings (Qualified)
Remaining Matches: Delhi, Mumbai.
The Punjab Kings have delighted their supporters by reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2014. If they win both remaining games, they will remain in contention for a top-2 finish, dependent on Gujarat or Bangalore dropping at least one match. Currently, Bangalore has a slight edge in net run rate (+0.482) compared to Punjab (+0.389).
Royal Challengers Bangalore (Qualified)
Remaining Matches: Hyderabad, LSG.
With recent results, Bangalore has also confirmed their playoff qualification. Like Punjab, they aim for a higher seed in the top-2, facing teams in poor form, including Hyderabad and Lucknow. However, should they lose one match, it could open the door for Punjab and Gujarat to surpass them.
Overall, the IPL 2025 playoffs are shaping up to be highly competitive, with multiple teams still in contention for the final spots.
Mumbai Indians have a strong chance to secure a playoff spot, needing victories in both their remaining matches against Delhi and Punjab. Winning both ensures they qualify for the top four, while a win against Delhi and a loss for Lucknow also guarantees their advancement. However, a single loss could complicate matters; losing to Delhi but winning against Punjab might allow Delhi to overtake them. Mumbai could potentially vie for a top-two finish if they reach 18 points, assuming Punjab and Bangalore both stay at 17.
Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, have had a rocky season after a promising start, losing five out of their last eight games. If they lose to Mumbai, they will be eliminated from the tournament. The only path left for Delhi is to win both of their remaining matches to reach 17 points and depend on other teams losing.
Lucknow Super Giants find themselves in a precarious position, having lost continuously and needing to win all three of their remaining matches to have any hope of making the playoffs. They also need to rely on both Delhi and Mumbai not exceeding 16 points. Lucknow’s net run rate (NRR) is currently weak at -0.469, while Mumbai boasts a robust NRR of +1.156, meaning that even with equal points, Lucknow might not advance due to their inferior NRR.
With three teams already securing their playoff spots, the competition for the final berth is heating up among these three teams. The upcoming matches hold the potential to drastically alter the playoff landscape. The final week of IPL 2025 is poised to bring intense excitement and drama, as teams strive to secure their positions in the playoffs.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar
