IPL 2025: What MI, DC And LSG Need To Do To Qualify For Playoffs

In an unprecedented occurrence in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), one single win sent as many as three teams into the playoffs as Gujarat Titans’ (GT) victory over Delhi Capitals sent themselves, Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all into the playoffs. It was one stone, three birds on Sunday; triple delight.

So with three teams through to the playoffs and four teams eliminated, three teams remain in the contention for the remaining one playoff spot: Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants.

We look at what needs to happen for each of these sides to make it to the final four.

How can DC make it to the playoffs?

DC are currently in fifth spot with 13 points. In order for DC to qualify for the playoffs,

> DC have to beat both MI and PBKS 

> LSG will have to lose one of their remaining three games

In this scenario, DC will get to 17 points. MI will only get to 16 points even if they beat PBKS. 

DC can also qualify even if they win just one of their remaining two games. For that,

> DC have to beat MI and hope MI lose to PBKS (DC losing to PBKS won’t matter in this case)

> LSG will have to lose one of their remaining three games

In this scenario, DC will have 15 points, MI will have 14 points and LSG will have 14 or fewer points, so the Capitals will go through.

How can MI make it to the playoffs?

MI are currently in fourth spot with 14 points. In order for MI to qualify for the playoffs, 

> MI have to beat DC (it will take them to 16 points)

> LSG will have to lose one of their remaining three games

In this scenario, MI will have 16 points, DC will have 15 points or fewer while LSG will have 14 points or fewer. So MI will progress. 

Alternatively, MI will progress if they win both their remaining games. In that case, they don’t have to rely on LSG’s results to progress to the playoffs.

Even if LSG win all three games remaining, MI can still edge them via NRR if they are stuck on 16 points. 

How can LSG make it to the playoffs?

LSG are currently seventh with 10 points. In order for LSG to qualify for the playoffs, 

> LSG have to win their three remaining games

> DC have to beat MI but lose to PBKS 

> MI have to lose to both DC and PBKS 

In this scenario, LSG will be in 16 points, DC will have 15 points while MI will have 14 points. 

Overtaking MI via NRR in a 16-point tie will be practically impossible as while MI’s NRR is +1.156, LSG’s NRR is -0.469.