IPL 2025: 4 Teams that might not qualify for the playoffs

As IPL 2025 enters the final phase of the group stage, the playoff race is heating up, and fans are beginning to get a clearer picture of which teams are likely to make the cut. Several top teams have surprisingly struggled this season. For some, the chances of reaching the playoffs are already hanging by a thread, and for others, it may already be too late to recover.

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Here are the four teams that might not qualify for the playoffs in the IPL 2025

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

The defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), entered IPL 2025 with high expectations, but their campaign so far has not unfolded as planned. Currently placed seventh in the points table with seven points from nine games and a net run rate of +0.212, KKR are in a tricky position. 

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One of the most glaring concerns has been their underwhelming performance at home — the iconic Eden Gardens — where they’ve failed to establish dominance. With five league-stage matches remaining, KKR must win all of them to reach a maximum of 17 points and stay in contention for the playoffs. 

Adding to the challenge is their upcoming fixture list, which includes tough opponents like DC, RR, CSK, SRH, and RCB. Given their current form and the quality of opposition, KKR’s road to the playoffs appears extremely challenging.

Rajasthan Royals (RR)

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RR secured a memorable win against GT in their last outing, largely thanks to a breathtaking 101-run knock off just 38 balls by their 14-year-old sensation, Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Despite that individual brilliance, RR continue to struggle as a unit and currently sit in eighth place with six points from 10 games, and a net run rate of -0.349.

One of the key setbacks this season has been the inconsistent availability of their regular captain, Sanju Samson. While Riyan Parag initially led the side in Samson’s absence, the skipper made a brief return before being sidelined again due to injury. 

This ongoing uncertainty has disrupted the team’s rhythm and created instability in the playing XI. With only four group-stage matches left, the maximum RR can achieve is 14 points — a tally that may fall short of securing a playoff berth.   

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

With one of the most explosive batting line-ups in the league and a runners-up finish last season, expectations were high for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) heading into IPL 2025. Many fans believed this could be their year. 

However, the campaign has not lived up to the hype. After nine games, SRH find themselves in the ninth spot with just six points and a worrying net run rate of -1.103. One of the biggest setbacks has been the underperformance of their top-order batters. 

Players who were consistent and dominant last season have struggled to replicate that form, and this imbalance has cost the team dearly. With only five group-stage matches left, SRH’s path to the playoffs looks extremely slim. 

They are set to face strong opposition in GT, DC, RCB, KKR, and LSG. Given their current form and position, SRH will need a near-miraculous turnaround to stay in the race.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

The most successful franchise in IPL history, CSK, are enduring a nightmare season in 2025. With just four points from nine games and a concerning net run rate of -1.302, CSK find themselves languishing at the bottom of the table. 

The season took a major hit early on when their regular skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad, was ruled out due to injury. As a result, the leadership duties returned to MS Dhoni. However, even Dhoni’s presence hasn’t been able to turn things around this time. 

With five league games remaining, the campaign is effectively over for them in terms of playoff qualification. CSK fans will now be hoping their team can end the season on a high note, playing the role of spoilers for some of the in-form teams still battling for playoff spots.

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