GT thumb closer to the playoffs, MI in a difficult place after the loss

With 56 matches 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. Mumbai Indians could be one of these teams. With Gujarat Titans, the border of a MI in a dramatic match, Hhelik Pandya & Co is now in a difficult situation. However, for GT, they can push a sigh of relief as a victory in their three remaining games will guarantee first place.

The MI victory helped GT jump at the top of table IPL 2025 with 16 points in 11 games. They are ahead of NRR, even if the Royal Challengers Bengaluru are also on 16 points of 11 games.

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 Gujarat Titans (GT), the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the Kings of Punjab (PBKS) and the Indians of Mumbai (MI) all from a qualification distance. But the capitals of Delhi are not far either. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow’s Super Giants (LSG) are also put on favorable results to sneak. With each remaining match on weight, the margin of error is thin like 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.

GT scenario (Gujarat Titans)

• Remaining discussions: vs dc (a), vs lsg (h), vs csk (h)
• Position: 1st – 11 games, 16 points, NRR +0.867
• Probability: ~ 95%

GT qualification scenario

GT there are three games left and that gives them flexibility. Even a victory in these remaining matches will help them get 18 points and perhaps the playoffs. Three victories will guarantee a finish among the first two and therefore, the qualification cushion 1. However, their match against DC and LSG will be crucial. DC can sneak with a victory, while LSG could upset the others. Their solid NRR gives them a safety net in the affair scenarios.

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: ~ 90%.

RCB 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: ~ 80%

PBKS 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 pbks (a), vs dc (h)
• Position: 4th – 12 games, 14 points, NRR +1.274
• Probability: ~ 70%

Qualification scenario

The loss against GT did not help Mi. It did not only end the 6 -game MI victories sequence, but also slightly worked their hopes. Mi must now beat the kings of Punjab or the capitals of Delhi to stay in the fray. Two victories in two matches will qualify. But if they lose both, they will be eliminated. PBKS and DC are suitors in the playoffs. Although a defeat against PBK is not so damaging, a defeat against DC could end its hopes in the playoffs.

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: ~ 60%

Dc 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: ~ 10%

KKR 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: ~ 5%

LSG 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

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

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

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.