After a nine-day break, IPL 2025 is set resume, and now, it’s entering a crucial phase. But just as the tournament gears up for its final sprint, several teams are facing a fresh challenge: the departure of overseas stars for international assignments. With only a handful of league matches left, seven teams are still in the race for a playoff spot, and every point matters. The road to the top four is tighter than ever, especially in a season where the qualification mark could go as high as 17 points.
For franchises still chasing the dream, this is the time to step up, but doing so without key players may complicate things. From power-hitters to death-overs specialists, some squads could be left with big gaps at a critical time. As we head into the end leg of the league, here’s a look at what each of the seven remaining contenders need to qualify, and which overseas names they might have to do without in their run to the finish line.
Gujarat Titans: 16 points, NRR – 0.793
Matches left: GT vs DC, GT vs LSG, GT vs CSK
Gujarat Titans are at the top of the table and need just one more win to reach 18 points, which will confirm their spot in the playoffs. Their upcoming games are against struggling teams — DC, LSG, and CSK — making things easier for them. They’re also aiming to finish in the top two.
However, they may lose some important overseas players. Jos Buttler, who has scored over 500 runs this season, has been named in England’s squad for their upcoming series against the West Indies. Sherfane Rutherford and Kagiso Rabada may also leave early for international duties.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 16 points, NRR- 0.482
Matches left: RCB vs KKR, RCB vs SRH, vs LSG
RCB are also just one win away from the playoffs and have a manageable set of matches coming up. They’re also in the race for a top-two finish.
The bad news is they might lose several overseas players. Romario Shepherd is part of the West Indies tour, and English players Phil Salt and Jacob Bethell are likely to leave too. Josh Hazlewood is expected to miss the rest of the season to prepare for the WTC final. This weakens their squad going into the playoffs.
Punjab Kings: 15 points, NRR- 0.376
Matches left: PBKS vs RR, vs DC, vs MI
Punjab Kings have relied mostly on their Indian players, so they won’t be heavily affected by overseas withdrawals. Marco Jansen and Josh Inglis might leave for the WTC final, but they’re likely to be available for the rest of the league stage.
Punjab need to win two of their last three games to qualify comfortably, although even one win could be enough. All their games are in Jaipur, which may help. Their game against RR will be especially important.
Mumbai Indians: 14 points, NRR- 1.156
Matches left: MI vs DC, MI vs PBKS
Mumbai Indians still have a strong chance to qualify but need to win both remaining matches to control their fate. If they lose even one, they’ll have to depend on other results. Their matches are against teams also chasing playoff spots, so it won’t be easy.
They will miss Ryan Rickelton, who’s leaving for the WTC final, and Will Jacks, who’s been called up by England. Still, their strong Indian core should help them.
Delhi Capitals: 13 points, NRR- 0.362
Matches left: DC vs GT, DC vs MI, DC vs PBKS
Despite poor form, Delhi Capitals have stayed in the race thanks to some interrupted games. Like MI, they now face virtual knockout matches. They must win at least two out of their last three games, all against top teams.
Their squad may face big losses: Jake Fraser likely won’t return and Tristan Stubbs is expected to leave for South Africa’s WTC duties. Their Indian players will need to step up.
Kolkata Knight Riders: 11 points, NRR- 0.193
Matches left: KKR vs RCB, KKR vs SRH
KKR are close to being knocked out and now depend on other results. For any chance to qualify, they need MI to lose both games, and DC to beat MI but lose their other two matches. Their qualification will also depend on net run-rate.The positive side is that they should be able to keep their full overseas squad.
Lucknow Super Giants: 10 points, NRR- 0.469
Matches left: LSG vs SRH, vs GT, vs RCB
LSG can reach a maximum of 16 points, so like KKR, they need other teams to slip up. Their best hope is for MI to lose both games and for DC to lose two of their last three. Their poor NRR makes things tougher.
They might lose Aiden Markram to the WTC final, but Mitch Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, and David Miller are expected to stay. They’ll need big performances to have any chance, especially since they play two top teams next. One more loss will knock them out.
