IPL 2025 playoffs scenarios explained: Who needs to do what to qualify

Nine days after the game between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was called off midway due to cross border tensions between India and Pakistan, the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League returns on Saturday, May 17. With just 13 games left in the league stage, the race for qualification will resume at the same breakneck pace at which it was put to a pause a little over a week earlier.The top three sides - Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings - having virtually confirmed qualification, the four sides below them are in a tight race to book their playoffs berth. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Here's a look at what each side in the playoffs race has to do if they are to have a shot at getting their hands on the coveted IPL trophy this season. GT, RCB and PBKS all need one more win to cement their spots in the Final 4.How can teams qualify for the IPL Playoffs?The Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants are still in the running for a confirmed playoff spot. MI sit confidently in 4th spot, with 14 points and an impressive NRR of 1.156. The five-time champions have two crucial fixtures lined up after the restart, with one of them most likely determining who makes it to the top four between them and DC. MI take on DC on May 21, after which they conclude their league stage games with a trip to Jaipur to face PBKS.As for Delhi Capitals, the privilege of playing three more games gives them the chance to accommodate room for error. With 13 points and 3 games left to play, the Axar Patel led side will need to win games against GT, MI and then finish their campaign in Jaipur against PBKS.Tough road for KK & LSGWith MI and DC leading the race for 4th spot, both KKR and LSG are also in the race, albeit the chances are slim. KKR (6th with 11 points from 12 games) and LSG (7th with 10 points from 11 games) need to win all of their remaining matches and hope that, in the unlikely event that the teams above them drop points, can take their spot.Who's that IPL player?Eliminated teamsAs for the sides in the bottom three spots of the table, the remainder of the season serves no purpose in terms of qualifying for further rounds. After subpar and underwhelming campaigns, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad have already been eliminated from the competition. However, with a total of 7 games left to play for these teams, the results can sway the table as to which teams will join them as they pack their bags.