The excitement is building as we inch closer to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 playoffs, with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), led by Rishabh Pant, looking to keep their knockout hopes alive. After 11 matches, LSG are sitting in seventh position on the ladder with 10 points and a net run rate (NRR) of -0.469. LSG have a tough road to the top four; however, it is not impossible. The Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have already qualified for the playoffs, which means there is only one playoff spot remaining. LSG is going 'head to head' with the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) for that final spot.

They need to win all three of their remaining matches against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 19), Gujarat Titans (May 22), and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (May 27) to reach 16 points, the likely minimum number of points required to play in the playoffs. However, merely winning the remaining matches is not enough, LSG need to win with a huge margin, as they will need to improve their net run rate (NRR), which is currently lower than both MI (1.156) and DC (0.260). Furthermore, LSG have lost four of their last five matches, increasing the pressure on them, however, they have two of their final three games will be played at home, where they are looking to turn their season around.

LSG’s qualification is also dependent on other results. MI, with 14 points, must lose both their remaining matches (vs DC on May 21, Punjab Kings on May 26) and DC, with 13 points, should lose at least one of their final two matches. The MI-DC match is critical - if DC win, LSG would then need Punjab Kings to beat both MI and DC later on. And even then, LSG will have to dramatically lift their NRR for any points tie.

Key Threats and Opportunities

LSG’s main threat is their NRR, which does not only require them to win, but requires them to win convincingly. This is especially true for LSG who has to face an eliminated SRH and possibly rested GT or RCB teams as their remaining matches. The ability to play two matches at their home ground at Ekana Stadium will be beneficial, and there is a quality concern if LSG are struck with injuries to their key players, such as Pant or KL Rahul, as they are weighed down by their small squad.

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Key players such as Pant, Nicholas Pooran, and Ravi Bishnoi need to click, with Pooran’s power hitting and Bishnoi’s spin bowling likely to be important match-winning features. LSG's qualification prospect of 0.7% is low, but T20 cricket can be unpredictable and with LSG’s upcoming matches at home, qualification is still a distinct possibility if they make the most of their opportunities and have a miracle with the other results.

As the IPL 2025 season approaches its business end, the playoff race is closer than ever — and weather might just have an enormous say in determining the final four. The humdinger of a contest between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is in the balance due to rain threats, and a washout might have seismic implications for both teams.

If the game is abandoned and points are shared, RCB will go to 17 points, remaining very much in the running for a top-four spot. But for KKR, a no-result would officially eliminate them from the playoff contention, as they'd miss the qualification point. RCB, however, would lose out only in an extremely unique situation: when Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI) both win all their pending matches and end up with 18 or above, and Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) win their upcoming matches and both have 16 points. This would lead to a multi-team tie with Net Run Rate (NRR) as the differential.

The scenarios, in case it doesn't stop 🌧️#IPL2025 #RCBvKKR pic.twitter.com/MeKaYleK6V

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) May 17, 2025

Also read: DC vs GT : Match 60 Weather and Pitch Report – IPL 2025

What RCB Need To Qualify: A Watch on PBKS and DC

For RCB, the math gets much easier if either PBKS or DC loses tomorrow—a single loss for either of them would virtually assure RCB a spot in the playoffs, independent of today's result. Their NRR puts them currently with a slight margin, but that could get put under strain if PBKS and DC win convincingly in their last matches. RCB will thus be following those games with great interest since their ultimate position could hinge on them.

For KKR, it's much worse. A mutual point from a washout will leave them below the playoff line with no chance to recover, closing their season out. Having battled hard in a closely fought season, such an end would be unfortunate for the two-time champions. While RCB are still hovering on the edge of playoff certainty, KKR's destiny rests solely on obtaining a full game — and winning it.

As the IPL 2024 season progresses, the excitement and tension among fans are reaching new heights. With teams battling it out for a spot in the playoffs, every match becomes crucial in determining their fate.

Kolkata Knight Riders remain on top of the IPL 2024 points table with 18 points in 12 matches and become the first team to qualify for playoffs. Rajasthan Royals are placed 2nd with 16 points in 11 matches. Sunrisers Hyderabad currently occupy the 3rd spot with 14 points. Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants – all are currently stationed with 12 points.

IPL 2024 Playoff Scenario

1. Kolkata Knight Riders:

KKR have set the benchmark by becoming the first team to secure a place in the IPL 2024 playoffs. With an impressive performance throughout the season, KKR has dominated the points table and almost ensured a top-two finish, thanks to their exceptional form and healthy Net Run Rate (NRR). For them to miss out on the top two, they’ll have to lose by really huge margins, and SRH will need two big wins as well.

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2. MI and PBKS: Eliminated from Playoff Race: 

Conversely, Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings have faced disappointment as they are eliminated from the IPL 2024 playoff race. Despite their efforts, both teams failed to secure enough points to stay in contention, marking an end to their campaign in this tournament edition. Mumbai Indians (MI) currently sit 9th in the table with 8 points in 13 matches and eliminated from the IPL 2024 playoff race.

3. RCB’s Playoff Qualification Hope: 

Royal Challengers Bangalore still cling to hopes of playoff qualification. With crucial matches remaining, RCB must secure victories to keep their chances alive and potentially sneak into the playoffs. RCB now sit 7th with 10 points to their name. With two matches to go, Bengaluru will have to win the matches to have an outside chance for qualification. RCB will take on Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings in the season. SRH and CSK lose both their matches, and LSG win no more than one. Then RCB will have a good chance of surpassing SRH on net run rate, and they will stay ahead of DC and LSG as well.

4. RR’s Qualification Scenario: 

The Rajasthan Royals are relatively comfortable but cannot afford to be complacent. With teams closely trailing, RR must maintain momentum and secure wins in its upcoming matches to solidify its playoff spot. RR will have to win two of their last three games to finish in the top two of the points table. Even if they lose all three, they will be knocked out only if their net run rate falls below that of the winner of the DC-LSG clash, assuming the winner finishes on 16.

5. CSK’s Path to Qualification: 

After a setback against Gujarat Titans, Chennai Super Kings face a challenging road to qualification. With crucial matches ahead, CSK need to regroup and secure victories to ensure its place in the playoffs. CSK’s next two matches are against Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and will have to win both of them to ensure qualification since their net run rate is still a healthy 0.491 despite their 35-run loss to Gujarat Titans.

If they do finish on 14, their best bet will be SRH and DC losing their remaining games and LSG losing to Mumbai Indians to stay on 14. Then, their superior net run rate will ensure CSK finish third, ahead of the two other teams on 14.

CSK can qualify with one victory as well, but in that case-

i. DC will have to lose vs RCB/DC

ii. LSG will have to lose vs MI/DC

iii. CSK will have to beat RCB

6. LSG’s Playoff Hopes: 

Lucknow Super Giants’ playoff hopes hang in the balance after a defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad. To have a chance of qualifying, LSG must win their remaining matches and rely on other results to go their way. If Lucknow Super Giants beat Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians, and Sunrisers Hyderabad or Chennai Super Kings lose their two matches, then KL Rahul and his team will be through to the playoffs. Even if they beat DC but lose to Mumbai, they will be hard-pressed to qualify as the other teams in contention – SRH, DC, CSK and RCB – all have better run rates.

7. SRH’s Quest for Playoff Spot: 

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s victory over LSG has boosted their playoff prospects, but they cannot afford to be complacent. Their stunning win over LSG has lifted SRH to 14 points at a net run rate of 0.406, which not only gives them an excellent chance of qualifying but also a shot at finishing in the top two (though they’ll need help from other results for that). With a crucial match against the Gujarat Titans ahead, SRH must continue its winning momentum to secure its place in the playoffs. SRH’s next match against Gujarat Titans is of paramount importance and a win can almost stamp their qualification assurance.

8. GT’s Slim Playoff Chances: 

Gujarat Titans’ victory against CSK has kept their slim playoff hopes alive. However, GT needs favorable results from other matches while winning their own to keep their qualification dreams alive. The teams above them must lose their matches while they will have to win their matches as well.

Qualification for GT is proving to be extremely challenging due to their dismal net run rate of -1.063. Based on their current NRR, GT’s optimal scenario would involve SRH (already on 14 points), DC, and LSG being the remaining teams in contention. However, GT will still require significant victories to surpass at least two of these teams in the standings.

9. DC’s Last Chance:

Delhi Capitals have a final opportunity to make a push for playoff qualification. With only two matches remaining, DC must win both games and hope other results will fall in their favor to secure their spot in the playoffs. They have matches against RCB and LSG. Even if the Capitals win both of their matches, their qualification is not guaranteed as SRH beat LSG and the Hyderabad outfit have the destiny in their own hands now. The fight for the fourth place could be a direct tussle between DC and LSG, with both on 14 points and the former currently having the better run rate.