With only a few days remaining in the league stage of IPL 2025, the battle for the last playoff spot has intensified. The Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings have already qualified in the top four, so now it’s just a straight shootout between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) for the final spot.
As it stands, MI is in fourth position with 14 points from 12 matches; a comfortable position with a Net Run Rate (NRR) of 1.156. DC are close behind in fifth with 13 points and an NRR of 0.260. The teams will play each other on May 21 at the Wankhede Stadium in a match that could affect the playoff equation.
If MI win, they will reach 16 points and secure their playoff spot, making their final league match against Punjab Kings on May 26 a dead rubber. DC will also have a point total of 0, making it impossible for them to qualify with a maximum possible total of 15 points.
But, a win for DC takes them to 15 points and alive in the race. So, if they do beat PBKS in Jaipur on May 24, they will have 17 points and qualify. If DC then loses that final game, MI could still find a way in with a win over PBKS and finish on 16 points.
That Wankhede game is basically a knockout match with playoff aspirations on the line. It will settle the playoff positions possibly as early as May 21, or last until May 26 with all the twists and turns. Either way, the IPL 2025 playoff race is set to be very exciting in its final week.
