Chennai Super Kings were the first team to be officially eliminated from playoff contention in the ongoing IPL season. They were soon followed by Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders.
Until yesterday, no team had officially secured a spot in the playoffs. That changed when Gujarat Titans crushed Delhi Capitals by 10 wickets, becoming the first team to qualify. Their dominant win also confirmed playoff berths for Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Now, only one spot remains — with three teams still in the race: Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants.
Qualification Scenarios for the Remaining Teams
Mumbai Indians
Played: 12
Points: 14
Net Run Rate: +1.156
Remaining Matches: vs Delhi Capitals (home), vs Punjab Kings (in Jaipur)
Hardik Pandya’s side is currently in the most favorable position among the three teams. A single win from their remaining two matches could be enough to secure a playoff spot — especially if it comes against Delhi Capitals.
In that scenario, Mumbai can finish with a maximum of 18 points, while Delhi could reach no more than 15, and Lucknow a maximum of 16 (though with a negative NRR). For Lucknow to overtake Mumbai, they would need to win all three remaining games by a massive aggregate margin of 300+ runs — a near-impossible task.
However, if Mumbai lose both of their remaining matches, their playoff chances would be out of their control.
Delhi Capitals
A crushing 10-wicket loss to Gujarat Titans has left Delhi in a tricky position.
Remaining Matches: vs Mumbai Indians, vs Punjab Kings
For Delhi to qualify, they must win both of their remaining games. Additionally, they need at least one loss from Lucknow in their remaining three games. In that case, Delhi can finish on 17 points, and Mumbai, even if they beat Punjab, would remain stuck on 16.
There’s also a slim chance Delhi could qualify with just one more win — but that path is far more complicated.
Delhi must beat Mumbai (a must-win).
Mumbai must then lose to Punjab.
Lucknow must lose at least one of their three remaining matches.
If that happens, Delhi would end with 15 points, while Mumbai and Lucknow would stay on or below 14. But for that to be possible, Delhi must defeat Mumbai on May 21 — there is no alternative for Mustafizur Rahman’s side.
Lucknow Super Giants
Currently trailing behind Mumbai and Delhi, Lucknow’s situation is the most difficult.
Remaining Matches: 3
Winning all of them might still not be enough unless they significantly improve their Net Run Rate.
They face Sunrisers Hyderabad next. If they lose that match, their playoff hopes will be virtually over — and the race will be narrowed down to just Delhi and Mumbai.
As it stands, Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bangalore have locked their playoff spots. One team among Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants will take the final place — and it all may come down to the last matchday.
