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After 58 matches in the IPL 2025 season, not a single team has officially qualified for the playoffs. While four teams have already been knocked out, the battle for the top four remains intense.

However, Sunday, May 18, could prove decisive as three teams have the chance to seal their playoff spots, according to former India opener and cricket analyst Aakash Chopra.

Double Header could decide the Playoff picture

Today marks the return of IPL action with the season's first double-header since the break:

Match 1: Rajasthan Royals (RR) vs Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Match 2: Delhi Capitals (DC) vs Gujarat Titans (GT)

The outcome of these two games could significantly clarify the playoff scenario.

1st: RCB – 17 points

2nd: GT – 16 points

3rd: PBKS – 15 points

4th: MI – 14 points

5th: DC – 13 points

7th: LSG – 10 points

If RR defeats PBKS & GT defeats DC

RCB qualifies with 17 points

GT qualifies with 18 points

(RR's win helps RCB; GT qualifies directly with a win)

If PBKS defeats RR & GT defeats DC

All three teams - RCB, GT, and PBKS - qualify

RCB and PBKS finish with 17 points, GT with 18

If both PBKS and DC win

No team secures qualification today

PBKS moves to 17 points, DC to 15

The playoff race stays wide open, and fans will have to wait longer for clarity.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – 8 wins, 3 losses, 1 no result, 17 points, Net Run Rate (NRR): +0.482

Gujarat Titans (GT) – 8 wins, 3 losses, 0 no result, 16 points, NRR: +0.793

Punjab Kings (PBKS) – 7 wins, 3 losses, 1 no result, 15 points, NRR: +0.376

Mumbai Indians (MI) – 7 wins, 5 losses, 0 no result, 14 points, NRR: +1.156

Delhi Capitals (DC) – 6 wins, 4 losses, 1 no result, 13 points, NRR: +0.362

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – 5 wins, 6 losses, 2 no results, 12 points, NRR: +0.193

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – 5 wins, 6 losses, 0 no result, 10 points, NRR: -0.469

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – 3 wins, 7 losses, 1 no result, 7 points, NRR: -1.192

Rajasthan Royals (RR) – 3 wins, 9 losses, 0 no result, 6 points, NRR: -0.718

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – 3 wins, 9 losses, 0 no result, 6 points, NRR: -0.992