As the Indian Premier League 2025 enters its final stretch, the playoff battle has intensified with most teams having played 10 of their 14 matches. While some franchises have all but confirmed their spot in the top four, others are locked in a fierce competition to stay alive.

Here’s a look at how the table stands and who’s most likely to make it to the playoffs:

Current Top 4 (after 10 matches):

1. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – 14 points
2. Punjab Kings (PBKS) – 13 points
3. Mumbai Indians (MI) – 12 points
4. Gujarat Titans (GT) – 12 points (1 game in hand)

RCB has bounced back impressively with 3 consecutive wins, giving them a strong chance of securing a top-two finish. With four matches remaining, two more wins could guarantee their playoff qualification.

PBKS have been solid but inconsistent. With 13 points, they need just one more win to stay ahead, though their net run rate (+0.199) may be a concern in case of a tie.

MI and GT, both with 12 points, are neck-and-neck. GT, however, has an advantage with a game in hand and a superior net run rate (+0.748). Winning at least two of their remaining five matches should see them through.

Challengers Still in the Mix:

• Delhi Capitals (DC) – 12 points, NRR +0.362
• Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – 10 points
• Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – 9 points

DC is firmly in the hunt but will need to improve consistency after a mixed last five games. LSG and KKR will need to win at least 3 of their last 4 matches and hope other results go their way.

Teams Almost Out:

• Rajasthan Royals (RR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – 6 points
• Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – 4 points

CSK, the five-time champions, are officially out of the playoff race after securing only 2 wins in 10 games – their worst performance in years. RR and SRH also appear to be on the brink of elimination.

Prediction for Top 4 Playoff Spots:

1. RCB – Likely top finishers with strong form
2. GT – One game in hand gives a crucial edge
3. MI – Solid NRR and experienced campaigners
4. DC – Slight edge over PBKS due to momentum and NRR

As the league heads into its final four rounds, every run, wicket, and over will matter. The playoff picture is far from settled and promises high drama in the coming weeks.

In a historic display of talent and composure, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi etched his name into cricketing history by becoming the youngest centurion in men’s T20 cricket. Representing Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2025, Suryavanshi delivered a scintillating 101 off just 38 balls against Gujarat Titans, showcasing a blend of fearless aggression and mature shot selection.

Opening the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, the duo forged a formidable 166-run partnership, propelling Rajasthan Royals to a commanding eight-wicket victory while chasing a daunting target of 210. Suryavanshi’s innings was punctuated with 11 towering sixes and 7 boundaries, reflecting a strike rate of 265.78.

This remarkable feat not only made him the youngest to score a T20 century but also registered the fastest IPL century by an Indian, surpassing Yusuf Pathan’s previous record.  His performance drew accolades from cricketing legends, with Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh lauding his exceptional talent and temperament.

Hailing from Bihar, Suryavanshi’s cricketing journey has been meteoric. He made his first-class debut in the Ranji Trophy at just 12 and was signed by Rajasthan Royals for INR 1.1 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 season.  His rapid ascent underscores the depth of cricketing talent emerging from India’s grassroots.

As Rajasthan Royals strive to climb the IPL standings, Suryavanshi’s emergence offers a beacon of hope and a glimpse into the future of Indian cricket. His blend of youthful exuberance and cricketing acumen promises an exciting journey ahead for fans and the sport alike.

Former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin has sparked renewed debate over the future of cricket ties between India and Pakistan by calling for a complete boycott following the recent terror attacks in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

Azharuddin, speaking at a public event in Mumbai, stated that India should not only continue to refrain from participating in bilateral cricket series with Pakistan but should also withdraw from all matches involving Pakistan in ICC and ACC tournaments. His remarks come amidst growing public outrage and national mourning after the Pahalgam attack, which claimed several innocent lives.

“This is not just about cricket. When such horrific incidents take place, they demand a strong, symbolic stand. Sports cannot be insulated from the pain of a nation,” Azharuddin said. He added that while cricket has always been a unifying sport, it cannot be played in the backdrop of terrorism and national grief.

The former skipper was attending the inauguration of a new Orthopaedics and Joint Care unit at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai, where he also took a moment to appreciate the BCCI’s gesture of having players wear black armbands in IPL matches to honour the victims. He noted that while suspending the IPL was not feasible at this stage, such symbolic acts of remembrance are important in showing solidarity.

Azharuddin’s firm stance has added weight to a growing call within India to separate sports from diplomacy, especially in times of heightened political and emotional tension. His comments are expected to reignite conversations around the role of cricket in international relations and the responsibilities of sports bodies in times of national crisis.

As tensions remain high, all eyes are now on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian government for any potential policy shifts ahead of upcoming international fixtures involving Pakistan.