New Delhi, May 20 (H.S.): Another team has been eliminated from the playoff race in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. After losing to Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) is out of contention for the playoffs. They become the fifth team to exit the tournament. Currently, three teams – Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Punjab Kings – have already qualified for the playoffs. The battle for the fourth and final spot is now solely between two teams – Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC).

Decisive Match on May 21 This will be the first match for Mumbai Indians after the IPL resumes, to be played against Delhi Capitals at Wankhede Stadium on May 21. This match can largely determine the playoff picture. If Mumbai wins this match, they will have 16 points and will qualify directly for the playoffs, even if they have one last league match remaining against Punjab Kings. On the other hand, Delhi can only reach a maximum of 15 points, which means they will be eliminated.

If Delhi Capitals wins this match, they will have 15 points while Mumbai will remain at 14. In this scenario, both teams will have another chance to reach the playoffs, depending on their last league matches. If Delhi wins both of their matches (against Mumbai and Punjab), they will have 17 points and qualify directly for the playoffs. If Mumbai defeats Punjab after losing to Delhi, they will have 16 points. If Delhi loses to Punjab, they will stay at 15 points and be eliminated.

The clarity regarding the fourth playoff spot could come on May 21 if Mumbai wins. However, if Delhi wins, the decision could be pushed until May 26, when the last match between Mumbai and Punjab will take place. While the race for the playoffs may conclude soon, the battle for the top two positions, which provide two opportunities to reach the finals, is likely to continue until the final stage of the league.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar