With Gujarat Titans (GT), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) already through to the playoffs, just one spot remains up for grabs in IPL 2025. The fight for fourth place is now a two-way contest between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) after Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were knocked out by Sunrisers Hyderabad.
But it will all come down to MI vs DC match on Wednesday will decide the Top 4. MI are on 14 points from 12 matches while DC are with 13 points from 12 matches. If MI win a match and DC lose one, Hardik Pandya-led side will qualify.
IPL 2025 Points Table
| Pos | Teams | Mat | Won | Lost | NR | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gujarat Titans (Q) | 12 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 18 | 0.795 |
| 2 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Q) | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 17 | 0.482 |
| 3 | Punjab Kings (Q) | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 17 | 0.389 |
| 4 | Mumbai Indians | 12 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 14 | 1.156 |
| 5 | Delhi Capitals | 12 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 13 | 0.26 |
| 6 | Kolkata Knight Riders (E) | 13 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 12 | 0.193 |
| 7 | Lucknow Super Giants (E) | 12 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 10 | -0.506 |
| 8 | Sunrisers Hyderabad (E) | 12 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 9 | -1 |
| 9 | Rajasthan Royals (E) | 13 | 3 | 10 | 0 | 6 | -0.701 |
| 10 | Chennai Super Kings (E) | 12 | 3 | 9 | 0 | 6 | -0.992 |
Qualification Scenario: 3-way battle
Mumbai Indians (4th, 14 points, NRR +1.156)
Mumbai are best placed to take the final playoff spot. They have two matches left—against Delhi Capitals on May 21 and Punjab Kings on May 26. Wins in both games will guarantee qualification with 18 points. Even a single win, especially against Delhi, could be enough.
However, losing both matches will eliminate them. A loss to Delhi is particularly damaging, as it gives DC the head-to-head advantage. This basically means that the May 21 clash is a knockout game. With a better form and more players in fine nick, MI hold a better chance.
Delhi Capitals (5th, 13 points, NRR +0.260)
Delhi’s heavy defeat to the Gujarat Titans has hurt their Net Run Rate (NRR) and narrowed their margin for error. They now face a must-win scenario. Victories in both remaining games—against Mumbai and Punjab—will secure a top-four finish. If they beat Mumbai but lose to Punjab, they’ll need Mumbai to also lose to PBKS and for Lucknow to drop points. A loss to Mumbai will end their playoff hopes.
