The Indian Premier League 2025 season is reaching its final stretch, and the playoff race is heating up with every game. Kolkata Knight Riders’ recent win over Delhi Capitals has added more drama to the points table, keeping multiple teams in contention while putting others on the brink of elimination.

Here’s a team-wise breakdown of what each franchise needs to secure a spot in the top 4.

1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

• Points: 14
• Matches Left: 4
• Wins Needed for Playoffs: 2
• Status: Strong position
   

Analysis:
Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB is in pole position for playoff qualification. With 14 points already secured, just two more wins from their remaining four fixtures will confirm a top-four finish. However, their real aim will be a top-two spot, which provides a cushion through the Qualifier system. Their consistent run so far makes them one of the tournament favorites.

2. Mumbai Indians (MI)

• Points: 12 (6 wins from 10 matches)
• Matches Left: 4
• Wins Needed for Playoffs: 2 (3 for top 2 finish)
• Status: Excellent form
   

Analysis:
Hardik Pandya’s MI is peaking at the right time, riding high on a 5-match winning streak. Their momentum makes them dangerous going into the final leg of the league stage. With two more wins, they'll likely qualify for the playoffs, while three wins could secure them a top-two spot.

3. Gujarat Titans (GT)

• Points: 12 (6 wins from 9 matches)
• Matches Left: 5
• Wins Needed for Playoffs: 2
• Status: Well-placed and consistent
   

Analysis:
Shubman Gill’s team has maintained balance and consistency all season. With five games still to play, they have ample opportunity to seal qualification. Two wins will likely be enough, while a third win would guarantee a top-four spot regardless of other results.

4. Delhi Capitals (DC)

• Points: 12
• Matches Left: 4
• Wins Needed for Playoffs: 2
• Status: Under pressure
   

Analysis:
Despite a strong start, Delhi has lost 4 of their last 6 games, which puts them in a tricky situation. Axar Patel’s side is still fourth on the table but needs to regain form quickly. Winning two of their final four matches should secure a playoff berth, but any more slip-ups could allow other teams to leapfrog them.

5. Punjab Kings (PBKS)

• Points: 11 (including 1 no result)
• Matches Left: 5
• Wins Needed for Playoffs: 2–3
• Status: Battling for consistency
   

Analysis:
Punjab’s campaign has been a rollercoaster, but they’re still very much alive in the playoff race. With five matches left, two wins might keep them in contention depending on net run rate, but three wins would make their position much stronger. They’ll also be hoping rain doesn’t affect more games.

6. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

• Points: 10
• Matches Left: 4
• Wins Needed for Playoffs: 3
• Status: Still in control
   

Analysis:
LSG hasn’t lived up to their pre-season expectations despite major investments, including Rishabh Pant. Still, they are within touching distance of the playoffs. Winning three of their last four games will likely be enough to qualify, though their margin for error is slim.

7. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

• Points: 10
• Matches Left: 4
• Wins Needed for Playoffs: 3
• Status: Reignited hopes
   

Analysis:
Ajinkya Rahane’s KKR showed resilience in their win over DC. With four matches remaining, they need to win at least three to stay in the hunt. A perfect run would put them in a strong position and potentially give them an edge in net run rate if it comes down to a tiebreaker.

8. Rajasthan Royals (RR)

• Points: 6
• Matches Left: 4
• Wins Needed for Playoffs: 4
• Status: Do-or-die
   

Analysis:
RR is on the brink. Their only hope is to win all four of their remaining matches, which would take them to 14 points. But even that might not be enough unless other results fall in their favor. They’ll need both flawless performances and a bit of luck.

9. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

• Points: 6
• Matches Left: 5
• Wins Needed for Playoffs: 5
• Status: Must win every game
   

Analysis:
SRH has underperformed this season. The only way they can qualify is by winning all five of their remaining matches. Any loss from here would mathematically eliminate them. The pressure is immense, and their margin for error is zero.

10. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

• Points: 4
• Matches Left: 5
• Wins Needed for Playoffs: 5
• Status: Practically eliminated
   

Analysis:
With just two wins in nine games and a poor net run rate of -1.302, CSK’s path to the playoffs is more theoretical than realistic. Even if they win all five remaining matches and reach 14 points, their NRR might not hold up against other teams. Still, as long as there’s a chance, MS Dhoni’s men will fight.

Conclusion

With just a handful of games left, the race to the IPL 2025 playoffs is as intense as ever. While some teams are nearly through, others face a steep uphill battle. Every match from here will not just affect individual franchises, but also influence the fate of their competitors.