With the IPL 2025 league stage nearing its end, the race for the fourth and final playoff spot is down to two teams: Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC). Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have been eliminated after their recent defeat.
Contents
Teams Already Qualified for Playoffs
. Gujarat Titans (GT)
. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
. Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Current Points (Before MI vs DC on May 21)
- Mumbai Indians (MI): 14 points, 2 matches left (vs DC, vs PBKS)
- Delhi Capitals (DC): 13 points, 2 matches left (vs MI, vs PBKS)
Key Remaining Fixtures
- May 21: Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals
- May 24: Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals
- May 26: Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians
Qualification Scenarios
| Scenario | Mumbai Indians (MI) | Delhi Capitals (DC) | Outcome |
| MI beat DC (May 21) | 16+ points | 13 points | MI almost certain to qualify |
| DC beat MI (May 21) | 14 points | 15 points | DC take lead, MI must beat PBKS and hope DC lose to PBKS |
| MI win both matches | 14 points | ≤15 points | MI qualify comfortably |
| DC win both matches | ≤16 points | 17 points | DC qualify |
| Both lose to PBKS after DC win MI vs DC | 14 points | 15 points | DC qualify |
| MI and DC both lose both matches | 14 points | 13 points | MI likely qualify on points, but NRR could come into play if other teams tie |
Who Can Still Qualify In IPL 2025 ?
- If MI beat DC on May 21: MI will move to 16 points and will likely secure the playoff spot, especially if they also beat PBKS to reach 18. Even if MI lose to PBKS after beating DC, DC cannot overtake them, and MI should qualify.
- If DC beat MI on May 21: DC will have 15 points. They must then beat PBKS to guarantee qualification (17 points). If DC lose to PBKS, MI can still qualify by defeating PBKS in their last match. If both DC and MI lose to PBKS, DC will finish with 15, MI with 14—DC qualifies.
- If MI lose both matches: MI finish with 14 points and will be eliminated if DC win at least one match.
- If DC lose to MI: DC are eliminated, and MI qualify.
Also Read: Who will win the Orange Cap of IPL 2025 ?
Net Run Rate (NNR) Factor
If teams finish level on points, Net Run Rate will decide who advances. Currently, MI have a superior NRR, which gives them a slight edge in case of a tie.
Summary
- The Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals match on May 21 is effectively a knockout for the final playoff spot.
- Winner of MI vs DC will have a clear path: win their last match to guarantee qualification.
- Punjab Kings’ results against both MI and DC could still influence the final outcome if both contenders split their remaining games.
The playoff race is set for a dramatic finish, hinging on the MI vs DC showdown and subsequent fixtures against PBKS.
