As the Indian Premier League 2025 league stage enters its final leg, the playoff race is slowly intensifying.
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With multiple teams still in contention and just a handful of games to go, every result can shake up the standings.
But among the remaining matches, a handful of games are absolutely pivotal. These fixtures will not only decide who qualifies but will also determine the top two seedings.
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Here is a look at these games that will shape the path to Eden Gardens.
Fixtures that will settle the playoffs race in IPL 2025
KKR vs CSK – May 7, Kolkata
Kolkata Knight Riders are hanging by a thread in the playoffs race, and this home game against an already-eliminated CSK side is their first of three must-win.
Their campaign has been patchy, but wins over CSK, SRH and RCB in their final three outings could launch a dramatic late charge.
For CSK, there is only pride to play for – they are already out of contention, but can still disrupt someone else’s season.
PBKS vs DC – May 8, Dharamsala
Both Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals remain in the thick of the playoffs race. PBKS are better placed with seven wins and need just one more from their last three games.
DC, on the other hand, have six wins and must take at least two of their final three outings. A loss here for Delhi would put them in dangerous territory with MI and GT still to face.
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LSG vs RCB – May 9, Lucknow
RCB are sitting pretty on 16 points and need just one more win to seal qualification. They also have a strong NRR and are eyeing a top-two finish.
LSG are in a far trickier spot. With only five wins from 11, they must win all three remaining matches to stay alive in the playoffs hunt. A defeat here could end their campaign altogether, while an RCB win could secure them a Qualifier 1 playoff.
DC vs GT – May 11, Delhi
By the time this fixture comes around, DC might be playing to stay alive in the competition. After back-to-back losses, their season is on the brink and facing a high-flying Gujarat Titans side is a tough task.
GT have won seven of ten and are just one win away from sealing a playoff spot. They will want to close the door early and maintain momentum heading into the knockout stage.
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GT vs LSG – May 14, Ahmedabad
If LSG manage to stay afloat until this game, they will face a massive challenge away to Gujarat. GT have made Ahmedabad a fortress and are closing in on the playoffs.
For Lucknow, this could be a do-or-die encounter -- especially if they haven't won their previous game against RCB.
Gujarat could potentially secure qualification by this point but they will still be pushing for a top-two finish.
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MI vs DC – May 15, Mumbai
Mumbai Indians have turned their season around in style and now find themselves close to qualification. They need just one more win from their last three games.
This home clash against DC could either be a formality or a full-blown playoff decider, depending on earlier results.
Delhi might still be in the hunt and a lot could ride on this match if they have managed to stay alive till this point.
RCB vs KKR – May 17, Bengaluru
RCB might be looking to finish in the top two and KKR could still be clinging to the last playoff spot if they have beaten CSK and SRH in the lead-up.
RCB will be keen to carry momentum into the knockouts and KKR will hope their campaign is still alive when they walk into the M Chinnaswamy.