High-Stakes Clash: MI and DC Battle for Last Playoff Spot

That’s right — Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are officially out of IPL 2025 playoff contention, and now only one playoff spot remains, with Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) locked in a head-to-head battle for it. Here’s the updated playoff picture and what’s at stake: ✅ Teams Qualified for IPL 2025 Playoffs Gujarat Titans (GT) Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Punjab Kings (PBKS) 🔥 Final Spot Battle: MI vs DC Mumbai Indians (4th) Matches: 12 Points: 14 Net Run Rate (NRR): +1.156 Remaining matches: vs DC (home) – May 21 vs PBKS (Jaipur) – May 26 Delhi Capitals (5th) Matches: 12 Points: 13 NRR: +0.260 Remaining matches: vs MI (away) – May 21 vs PBKS (Jaipur) – May 24 🧮 Qualification Scenarios If MI beat DC on May 21: MI move to 16 points, qualify immediately. DC can reach only 15 → eliminated. If DC beat MI: DC move to 15 points, MI stay on 14. The final playoff spot will be decided in: DC vs PBKS (May 24) MI vs PBKS (May 26) Edge in NRR: MI have a significant NRR advantage, meaning: If both teams finish on 16 points, MI likely go through unless DC win by a massive margin and MI lose heavily. 📍Key Game: MI vs DC — May 21 at Wankhede Stadium Winner takes control of playoff destiny The identity of the fourth team in the playoffs could be revealed as early as May 21 or as late as May 26. But while the race to the playoffs could come to an end this week, the race to finish in the top two - and earn two shots at qualifying for the final - is likely to go on until the final stages of the league phase.