Just one spot is left in the playoffs, and both the Mumbai Indians and the Delhi Capitals are trying their best to secure it. Even though the Lucknow Super Giants made it to the playoffs, they did not progress because they lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad. Currently, MI and DC are squaring off, and their game on Wednesday may decide everything.
Gujarat Titans: Sitting Pretty at the Peak
Gujarat Titans are chilling at the top of the points table with 18 points and a solid net run rate of 0.795. They’ve got two home games left against Lucknow Super Giants and Chennai Super Kings, both bottom-half teams, which is a huge advantage. Their 4-1 win-loss record at home this season makes them favorites to win both. If they do, they’re guaranteed a top-two finish. Even if they drop one game, they’ll stay in the hunt for that coveted spot as long as Punjab Kings or Royal Challengers Bengaluru slip up.
The Titans have been consistent, and their schedule is kind. Barring a major collapse, they’re set to cruise into the playoffs with momentum. Fans buzzing about 1xbed odds are already leaning toward Gujarat for a deep run.
Punjab Kings: Breaking the Playoff Curse
For the first time in seven years, Punjab Kings made it to the playoffs. They have gained 17 points and have a good net run rate, but they can still be caught. They’ve got two home games left against Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians, which could make or break their shot at a top-two finish. Winning both would give them 21 points, but they’d need Gujarat Titans or Royal Challengers Bengaluru to lose at least one game, or for RCB’s net run rate (0.482) to dip below theirs.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: In, But Not Done
With 17 points and a net run rate of 0.482 on Sunday, Royal Challengers Bengaluru advanced to the playoffs. They will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad at home and Lucknow Super Giants away. Winning these matches is possible because neither team is in contention for the playoffs. Winning both would push RCB to 21 points, giving them a shot at a top-two finish. But if they split their games, Gujarat Titans or Punjab Kings could overtake them.
Mumbai Indians vs. Delhi Capitals: The Deciding Battle
The battle for the last playoff spot is when things get interesting. Mumbai Indians are ahead of Delhi Capitals because they have 14 points and a run rate of 1.156, while Delhi has 13 points and a run rate of 0.26. This is what every team requires:
- Mumbai Indians: MI face Delhi Capitals at home and Punjab Kings away. A win against DC on Wednesday would seal their playoff spot, no questions asked. If they lose to DC, they’ll need Punjab to beat DC on May 24, then win their final game against Punjab on May 26 to sneak through. Losing both games means elimination. MI’s net run rate gives them a faint hope of a top-two finish if they hit 18 points, but that would require both Punjab and RCB to lose their remaining games and Gujarat to drop both of theirs. MI’s season started rough with four losses in five, but their recent form makes them slight favorites.
- Delhi Capitals: DC’s road is tougher. They play Mumbai at home and Punjab away. A loss to MI on Wednesday ends their season, no matter what happens next. Even if they beat MI but lose to Punjab, finishing on 15 points, MI could still leapfrog them by beating Punjab to reach 16 points. DC’s early season was electric with four straight wins, but they’ve stumbled, losing five of their last eight, including a Super Over win and a rain-saved match where they limped to 133/7. They need to rediscover their spark fast.
What It All Means
Mumbai Indians have the edge thanks to their net run rate and home game against DC, but Delhi Capitals aren’t out of it. The Wednesday showdown will likely decide the fourth playoff team, though DC’s path is narrower. Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are already through, but their final matches will determine who gets the top-two spots and a shot at the qualifier. Keep an eye on MI vs. DC—it’s the game that could define IPL 2025’s playoff picture.
