Last SRH team; while DC, KKR, LSG EYE

With 55 games completed in the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the eliminatory race has entered its most intense phase. The teams no longer have time to relax, with a single defeat probably ending their race in the next round. While Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are officially eliminated, seven teams are still in the running for the last four places.

The top of the table is closely packed, with the royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the kings of Punjab (PBKS), the Indians of Mumbai (MI) and the Titans of Gujarat (GT) all from a qualification distance. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals (DC), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the super giants of Lucknow (LSG) highlights favorable results to sneak. With each remaining match carrying weight, the margin of error is thin as a razor.

Usually, the teams with 14 points go to the first four. However, this will not be the case at IPL 2025. Four teams have already violated this brand when May started and now even 16 points do not guarantee qualification. Here is a team team ventilation of what each party needs to qualify.

2025 IPL dots table

IPL qualifying series format

• Qualify 1: The two best teams (1st vs 2nd) of the Stage League compete. The winner goes directly to the final. The loser has another chance in qualify 2.
• Eliminator: The third and fourth teams (3rd VS 4th) compete. The winner puts forward to qualify 2 and the loser is eliminated.
• Qualify 2: The loser to qualify 1 plays the winner of the eliminator. The winner of this match qualifies for the final. The loser is eliminated.
• Final: The winner to qualify 1 faces the winner to qualify 2 to determine the champion IPL.

RCB (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) scenario)

• Remain discussions: vs lsg (a), vs srh (h), vs kkr (h)
• Position: 1st – 11 games, 16 points, NRR +0.482
• Probability: ~ 95%.
• Qualification scenario::

RCB is almost through. One more victory Since their three remaining games will mathematically confirm a place in the playoff series. Two victories will bring them to 20 points, probably locking a top-two unless other teams also go up. Their NRR is stable but not unassailable, so a strong loss could always complicate things if there is multi-team equality at 16 or 18 points. However, with their current cushion, a probability of qualification of 95% + is realistic.

PBKS scenario (Punjab Kings)

• Remaining discussions: vs dc (h), vs mi (h), vs rr (a)
• Position: 2nd – 11 games, 15 points, NRR +0.376
• Probability: ~ 85%

Qualification scenario::
One more victory brings PBKS to 17, which should be enough for a finish among the first four. Two victories probably guarantee it. They are faced with two solid teams in Mi and DC, so the coming games are crucial. A 1-2 finish can leave them at 17 and depend on the NRR and other results, especially if DC or KKR pass through.

MI (Mumbai Indian Mumbai) scenario

• Remaining discussions: vs GT (H), vs pbks (a), vs dc (h)
• Position: 3rd – 11 games, 14 points, NRR +1,274
• Probability: ~ 90%

Qualification scenario::
The Mi are well placed with a strong NRR. A victory for three will lead them to 16, which gives them a solid chance of qualification. Two victories (18 points) probably guarantee a top two finish. However, they face three direct claims in the playoffs. Losing the three could leave them vulnerable if teams like DC or KKR exceed the points.

GT scenario (Gujarat Titans)

• Remaining discussions: vs mi (a), vs dc (a), vs lsg (h), vs csk (h)
• Position: 4th – 10 games, 14 points, NRR +0.867
• Probability: ~ 85%

Qualification scenario::
GT still has four games – more than anyone – which gives them flexibility. Even two victories from here (18 points) ensure the playoffs, and three victories will signify a finish in the top two. However, key confrontations against Mi and DC could become essential if they lose momentum. Their solid NRR gives them a safety net in the affair scenarios.

DC scenario (Delhi Capitals)

• Remaining assales: vs pbks (a), vs gt (h), vs mi (a)
• Position: 5th – 11 games, 13 points, NRR +0.362
• Probability: ~ 50%

Qualification scenario::
DC must win at least two of their three remaining games to be in the running. This brings them to 17, a probable qualification score. If they only earn one (15 points), they will depend strongly on the NRR and will need other teams to vacillate. Beat GT or Mi is a must by injuring the rivals and stimulating their own cases.

KKR scenario (Kolkata Knight Riders)

• Remaining assales: vs csk (h), vs srh (a), vs rcb (a)
• Position: 6th – 11 games, 11 points, NRR +0.249
• Probability: ~ 25%

Qualification scenario::
KKR must win at least two of their last three games to reach 15 points. Even then, they will need favorable results elsewhere. Three victories (17 points) give them a strong blow, but their last match is against RCB outside. A loss in any match could eliminate them, according to the end of the end of DC and the LSG. Their NRR is better than that of LSG, but worse than that of DC.

LSG scenario (Lucknow Super Giants)

• Remaining assales: vs rcb (h), vs gt (a), vs srh (h)
• Position: 7th – 11 games, 10 points, NRR -0.469
• Probability: ~ 10%

Qualification scenario::
LSG must win the three remaining games to reach 16 points. Their weak NRR means that they also need at least a big victory or for competitors like DC and KKR to lose several games. If they even lose one, their campaign is essentially over. Winning against RCB and GT is essential, because it also directly harms the rivals of the playoffs.

SRH scenario (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

• Remain discussions: vs kkr (h), vs rcb (a), vs lsg (a)
• Position: 8 – 11 games, 7 points, NRR -1.192
• Status: eliminated

Note::
SRH cannot qualify even if they win all the remaining matches. They can only reach 13 points. Their role is now that of spoilers against KKR, RCB and LSG. Expect that they test the strength of the bench and focus on the end of the season with pride.

RR scenario (Rajasthan Royals)

• Remaining discussions: vs csk (h), vs pbks (h)
• Position: 9th – 12 games, 6 points, NRR -0.718
• Status: Eliminated

Note::
RR was officially out of the playoffs after their heavy defeat against Mi. Even two victories will not bring them to 10 points. The team will seek to play sport.

CSK scenario (Chennai Super Kings)

• Remaining assales: vs kkr (a), vs rr (a), vs gt (a)
• Position: 10th – 11 games, 4 points, NRR -1.117
• Status: Eliminated

Note::
The CSK campaign is over and they will finish in the last two. A poor NRR and a horrible form marked their fall. Their remaining matches will have an impact on the playoff race, especially if they upset KKR or GT.