 "Both teams are now in a do-or-die situation with just six matches remaining in IPL 2025 league stage. Image: AFP")
As the IPL 2025 league stage heads towards the final stretch, the playoff race is heating up. While teams like Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals are leading the way after the first half of the ongoing season, two former champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), are in very difficult positions when it comes to qualification.
Let’s take a look at what CSK and RR need to do to reach the IPL 2025 playoffs.
CSK must win everything
CSK have had a tough season so far. After playing 8 matches, they have only 4 points on the table. That means they have won just 2 games and lost 6. If CSK win all their remaining matches, they will reach a maximum of 16 points, which is usually enough to qualify for the playoffs in IPL.
But the road is very tough. Even if CSK lose one more match, they will be in big trouble. If they finish with 14 points, then Net Run Rate (NRR) and other team results will come into play. So basically, CSK need to treat every match like a final from now on.
RR in similar position too
RR must win their remaining six matches to reach 16 points. Achieving this would likely secure a playoff spot, especially if they can also improve their NRR. Ending with 14 points would put RR in a precarious position, relying on other teams’ performances and a significant boost in NRR to qualify.
Similar to CSK, losing two or more of the remaining games would effectively eliminate RR from playoff contention.
Both CSK and RR are in must-win situations for their remaining matches. While mathematically possible, their paths to the IPL 2025 playoffs are narrow and depend not only on their performances but also on the outcomes of other teams’ matches.
Big match to watch
RR are scheduled to lock horns against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their next match on 24 April, while CSK will play last year’s finalists Sunrisers Hyderabad on 25 April. Meanwhile, CSK and RR will face each other on 12 May. If they are still alive by then, this could be a do-or-die match for them.