IPL 2025 Qualification Scenarios: How can Kolkata Knight Riders still qualify for playoffs?

The defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) entered the IPL 2025 season aiming to secure their fourth title. But, the journey has been a mixed bag for the Ajinkya Rahane-led side.

In the season opener, KKR suffered a disappointing seven-wicket loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at home. However, they bounced back with a win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their next fixture. As of May 4, both RR and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have officially been eliminated from the tournament, leaving eight teams in the race for the playoffs.

KKR’s Current Standing

Basic Requirements for Playoff Qualification

The IPL has adhered to a 10-team format since 2022. Since then, the following trends have been observed:

• 16 points (8 wins): Almost certain qualification
• 14 points (7 wins): Likely qualification, dependent on NRR and other results (RCB in 2024)
• 12 points (6 wins): Rare, only once has a team qualified with 12 points (SRH in 2019)

KKR’s Remaining Fixtures

The defending champions have a total of three games ahead of them. The fixture list is as follows:

1. vs CSK (May 7, Eden Gardens)
2. vs SRH (May 10, Hyderabad)
3. vs RCB (May 17, Bengaluru)

Qualification Scenarios

• If KKR win all three remaining matches, they will qualify.

Final Points - 17

They likely finish in top four, or in the top two depending on the MI, GT, PBKS results.

• If KKR win two matches but lose one game, they are very likely to qualify.

Final Points - 15

Their qualification depends on how other mid-table teams (PBKS, DC, LSG) perform in their fixtures.

Fixtures that matter to KKR

Delhi Capitals - 12 points (10 matches)

Matches left - 4

• vs SRH (May 5)
• vs PBKS (May 8)
• vs GT (May 11)
• vs MI (May 15)

If they lose two games and finish on the table with 14 or 16 points, then KKR can overtake them by reaching 15+ points.

Punjab Kings - 13 points (10 matches)

Matches left - 4

• vs LSG (May 4)
• vs DC (May 8)
• vs MI (May 11)
• vs RR (May 16)

If they lose two matches and finish with 15 or fewer points, KKR can qualify based on a superior NRR.

Lucknow Super Giants - 10 points (10 matches)

Matches left - 4

• vs PBKS (May 4)
• vs RCB (May 9)
• vs GT (May 14)
• vs SRH (May 18)

LSG can reach a maximum of 18 points, but if they lose two games then they will be stuck at 14 or 16, which will open the option for KKR to qualify.

Must-win matches for KKR

• vs CSK - CSK have already been eliminated, but could spoil the chances for KKR to qualify.
• vs SRH - SRH are currently at six points, but the mid-table clash is very crucial.
• vs RCB - With RCB also under contention for the playoffs, the clash will be a potential knockout game. RCB are the table toppers as of now, and the game will be a decisive one for both teams.