 "LSG are still alive in the IPL 2025 playoff race with one spot remaining. Image: Reuters")
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season is nearing its end and only one playoff spot is left to be confirmed. On Sunday, Gujarat Titans (GT) thrashed Delhi Capitals (DC) by 10 wickets, a result that took three teams in the playoffs. GT, along with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), have secured their places in the top four.
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), currently led by Rishabh Pant, are still in the race with just one place remaining. They are in a three-way battle with Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) for the spot. The rest of the teams have been knocked out of the race this season.
LSG are in 7th place on the IPL 2025 points table. Out of 11 matches played, they have won only five and are on 10 points right now. For them to qualify, they must win all three of their remaining games. If they do that, they will finish the league stage with 16 points. But even that won’t guarantee qualification as other results also have to go their way.
What LSG need to do to qualify for IPL 2025 playoffs?
LSG must win all three remaining matches against they have against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), GT, and RCB. After they reach 16 points, they must hope that MI and DC don’t cross 14 points.
MI and DC face each other on 21 May. Whoever wins that match will definitely go above 14. So LSG can only qualify if they win all remaining games to reach 16 points and MI and DC both don’t cross 14 points.
This means MI should lose to DC and also lose to PBKS. DC must lose to PBKS too, staying below 16.
Why Net Run Rate (NRR) matters for LSG?
If MI win just one more match and reach 16 points, then it will come down to Net Run Rate. LSG have a poor NRR of -0.469, while MI have a strong NRR of +1.156. So even if both are tied on points, MI will qualify.
Other matches like CSK vs RR, GT vs CSK, or RCB vs SRH are not direct threats to LSG and will only matter if points table gets tight at the top.