The race to the TATA IPL 2025 playoffs is heating up and there is a lot at stake for the teams batttling for the Top 4 spots. Here's a look at how the teams stack up ahead of Match 59 between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings, and what the teams need to do to secure a spot in the final four.

Teams Eliminated:

1. Chennai Super Kings

2. Rajasthan Royals

3. Sunrisers Hyderabad

4. Kolkata Knight Riders

Playoff Qualification Scenarios: 1. Royal Challengers Bangalore Played: 12 | Points: 17 | NRR: 0.482 Remaining matches: SRH, LSG RCB need just one more point to confirm their spot in the playoffs. Although they currently have 17 points, qualification isn’t guaranteed yet, as five teams could still finish with 17 or more points. This scenario could unfold if Punjab Kings (PBKS) defeat Rajasthan Royals (RR) but lose their final two matches against Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI). If MI also beat DC, then RCB, MI, GT, DC, and PBKS could all finish with 17 or more points and eight wins each, making net run rate the deciding factor for playoff qualification.

2. Gujarat Titans Played: 11 | Points: 16 | NRR: 0.793 Remaining matches vs: DC, LSG, CSK

GT need just one more win to secure a playoff spot, with 18 points guaranteeing a top-four finish. However, if they lose all three remaining games, they risk elimination, as four other teams can still reach 17 or more points. GT have the advantage of playing their final two matches at home in Ahmedabad, and their net run rate is the second-best in the league.

3. Punjab Kings Played: 11 | Points: 15 | NRR: 0.376 Remaining matches vs: RR, DC, MI

PBKS need two wins to be certain of a playoff spot. While 17 points don’t guarantee qualification, PBKS can still qualify with 17 if they defeat DC and lose their other two matches, since MI and DC face each other and only one of them can finish on 17 or more. There's also a slim chance for PBKS to sneak into the playoffs even if they lose all three games and remain on 15 points. But for that to happen, DC must lose their two other matches to also stay on 15, and Lucknow Super Giants must win no more than two of their remaining three games. In such a scenario, qualification would be determined by net run rate between PBKS and DC. 4. Mumbai Indians Played: 12 | Points: 14 | NRR: 1.156 Remaining matches vs: DC, PBKS

MI still have a strong chance of making the playoffs. Winning both their remaining matches will secure their spot in the top four. If they end up with 16 points, they'll have to rely on other results to progress. However, losing both games would mean elimination. Their impressive net run rate of 1.156 could be a key factor if qualification is decided on that basis.

5. Delhi Capitals Played: 11 | Points: 13 | NRR: 0.362 Remaining matches vs: GT, MI, PBKS

DC must win at least two of their remaining three games to remain in the race for the playoffs. While 17 points may not guarantee qualification as previously mentioned, winning all three matches would secure their place. 6. Lucknow Super Giants Played: 11 | Points: 10 | NRR: -0.469 Remaining matches vs SRH, GT, RCB LSG’s only chance now is to win all three of their remaining matches to reach 16 points. If they lose any further matches, they will be eliminated.

- By Sudhir Aly

(Note: This article was updated after the rain-affected Match 58 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders, where both teams were awarded a point each.)