Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Gujarat Titans (GT) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) currently occupy the playoff positions and remain the frontrunners to qualify.
RCB, SRH and GT all have 14 log points after 11 matches, with three regular season matches remaining.
The Punjab Kings lie a further point back but have an extra game in hand, against eight-placed Delhi Capitals on Monday, and would go top with 15 points with a win.
RCB strengthened their position at the top of the standings with a dramatic last-ball victory over Mumbai Indians, a result that also eliminated the five-time champions from playoff contention.
Lucknow Super Giants have likewise been knocked out after failing to build momentum during the second half of the season.
RCB – due to a vastly superior net run rate – are all but assured of a passage through to the last four and the playoffs.
Punjab, Gujarat and Sunrisers are also all well-placed to secure qualification.
However, the Chennai Super Kings (5th) and Rajasthan Royals (6th) both have 12 points and are positioned to take advantage should any of the top four slip up.
Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders also remain mathematically in contention, although both sides are running out of room for error.
Net run rate is expected to play a major role should teams finish level on points, adding even greater importance to dominant victories in the closing league fixtures.
The IPL playoffs begin on 26 May with Qualifier 1 at Dharamshala, where the top two teams on the log will battle for a direct place in the final.
The Eliminator pits the teams who finished third and fourth against each other, while Qualifier 2will see the winner of that clash take on the loser of Qualifier 1.
The final takes place at the Narendra Modi Stadium on 31 May.
Photos: Sahiba Chawdhary/Reuters and X/Indian Cricket@IPL2025Auction
