IPL 2025 Qualification Scenarios: How can Delhi Capitals still qualify for playoffs?

Published - 05 May 2025, 23:59 IST | Updated - 06 May 2025, 00:20 IST

The Delhi Capitals (DC), led by new captain Axar Patel in IPL 2025, have had a mixed campaign so far. They have won six matches and are currently standing in fifth position on the points table. DC started their season strongly with four consecutive wins but have experienced a dip in form recently by losing four matches in quick succession.

On May 5, DC took on the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. The match was washed out due to rain, and both teams were given one point each. DC remains in fifth place after today's result, and the 2024 finalists were officially eliminated from this year’s IPL.

The IPL has adhered to a 10-team format since 2022. Since then, the following trends have been observed:

Delhi Capitals have a total of three games ahead of them. The fixture list is as follows:

They likely finish in the top-two, if NRR stays above other teams such as GT, PBKS, MI, RCB and might become a strong contender for Qualifier 1.

The top-two finish for DC might depend on NRR and other results:

If RCB, PBKS, MI, and GT also reach 16 to 18 points, then NRR will become crucial for DC. (DC have a better run rate than KKR and LSG, but lower than PBKS, RCB, MI, GT).

DC will need multiple teams to finish on 14 or fewer points and a better NRR than the opposition, who are stuck at 14 or 15 points.

DC cannot qualify and will be eliminated from IPL 2025.

PBKS vs DC - The clash will be a direct playoff battle

GT vs DC - The clash is important for top-two finishes and for the NRR to increase for their playoff qualification

RCB, PBKS, MI, GT matches - These outcomes will directly affect DC's margin for error in the IPL 2025