IPL 2025 playoffs race: Is 18 points enough to guarantee qualification? Not quite, details inside

The league stage of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set for a thrilling finish. With 19 matches remaining in the league stage, no team has secured a spot in the playoffs. However, two teams, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, are out of contention. This article analyses the possible scenarios in which even 16 or 18 points may not be enough to qualify for the playoffs.

What's the magic number, historically?

A team that reaches 16 points has always managed to reach the playoffs in a 10-team IPL season. However, it may not be enough this time.

Possibility of six teams reaching 16 points

Mumbai Indians (MI), Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have already reached 14 points. MI have three more games, whereas GT and RCB have four more games. Let's assume that these three teams win at least one game each and reach 16 points. 

Punjab Kings have 13 points from 10 matches, and they will reach 17 points if they win 2 of their remaining 4 games. 

Delhi Capitals have 12 points from 10 matches and will reach 16 points if they also win 2 of their remaining 4 matches. 

Lucknow Super Giants have 10 points from 10 matches, and they can also reach 16 points if they win three of their remaining four matches.

Six teams finishing on 16 or more points, sample case

RCB beating CSK - Reach 16 points

GT beating MI - Reach 16 points

MI beating DC - Reach 16 points

PBKS beating MI and RR - Reach 17 points

DC beating SRH and PBKS - Reach 16 points

LSG beating PBKS, RCB and SRH - Reach 16 points

These many teams reaching 16 or more points may not happen as the change in combination of results will alter the math. 

Matches between the current top six teams

Match 54: Punjab Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants

Match 56: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Titans

Match 58: Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals

Match 59: Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Match 61: Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians

Match 62: Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans

Match 65: Gujarat Titans vs Lucknow Super Giants

Match 66: Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals

The above matches assume critical importance to the outcome of the table.

Five teams finishing on 18 or more points

An even more interesting scenario is lurking in IPL 2025. Five teams finishing on 18 points. 

Sample case

LSG (10 points) - beat PBKS, RCB, GT and SRH - reach 18 points

RCB (14 points) - beat CSK and SRH - reach 18 points

GT (14 points) - beat DC and CSK - reach 18 points

MI (14 points) - beat GT, PBKS - reach 18 points

DC (12 points) - beat SRH, PBKS and MI - reach 18 points

There is no breathing space for teams. IPL 2025 could become the most competitive season to have ever happened. Let's buckle up and enjoy this joyful ride.

Stay updated on all the action from the IPL 2025. Check the IPL 2025 Schedule, track the latest IPL 2025 Points Table, and follow the top performers with the Orange Cap and Purple Cap.