With just two weeks left in the league stage of IPL 2025, the Playoff race has reached a fever pitch. While Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are officially out of contention, eight other teams are still mathematically alive in the race.

A total of 18 matches remain, and the qualification cut-off this year may soar as high as 18–20 points, unlike previous seasons where 16 was often sufficient. Here's how the teams stack up and what they need to do:

✅ Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

• Current Points: 16

• Remaining Fixtures: None against MI or GT

• Path to Playoffs: RCB can cruise to 22 points by winning all remaining games. A single win will still ensure an 18-point finish—likely enough for qualification.

• Best Finish: 22 points

• Outlook: Strong favorites; momentum on their side after beating CSK.

✅ Gujarat Titans (GT)

• Remaining Fixtures: v MI (A), v DC (A), v LSG, v CSK

• Playoff Scenario: Even with a loss to MI, GT can reach 20 points by winning the other three games. A clean sweep would get them to 22 points and potentially the top spot.

• Best Finish: 22 points

• Outlook: Consistent and deadly at home.

✅ Mumbai Indians (MI)

• Current Points: 14

• Remaining Fixtures: v GT, v PBKS, v DC

• Playoff Scenario: MI must win at least two to get to 18 points. A clean run takes them to 20.

• Best Finish: 20 points

• Outlook: Experienced and dangerous in pressure games.

❓ Punjab Kings (PBKS)

• Remaining Fixtures: v LSG, v DC, v MI, v RR (A)

• Playoff Scenario: PBKS must beat at least two direct competitors and hope other results go their way.

• Best Finish: 21 points

• Outlook: Outside chance; consistency remains an issue.

❓ Delhi Capitals (DC)

• Remaining Fixtures: v SRH (A), v PBKS (A), v GT, v MI (A)

• Playoff Scenario: Must win all four to hit 20 points and stay in the hunt. Even three wins could make it close.

• Best Finish: 20 points

• Outlook: Slipped badly mid-season; now in must-win territory.

❓ Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

• Remaining Fixtures: v PBKS (A), v RCB, v GT (A), v SRH

• Playoff Scenario: Four wins needed for 20 points; anything less makes it a net run rate gamble.

• Best Finish: 20 points

• Outlook: Can surprise, but have a tough draw ahead.

🚨 Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

• Remaining Fixtures: v RR, v CSK, v SRH (A), v RCB (A)

• Playoff Scenario: Can only reach 17 points, which may not be enough. Must win all and hope others falter.

• Best Finish: 17 points

• Outlook: On thin ice; heavily reliant on other results.

🚨 Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

• Remaining Fixtures: v DC, v KKR, v RCB (A), v LSG (A)

• Playoff Scenario: Max possible is 14 points, likely not enough this season.

• Best Finish: 14 points

• Outlook: On life support; 2024 runners-up are nearly out.

Conclusion:

The playoff race is tight, unpredictable, and thrilling. With multiple teams capable of touching or crossing 20 points, expect high-octane matches, bold strategies, and a final week packed with drama.

(Update till the RCB vs CSK MATCH ON 3RD MAY, 2025)

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