Here’s how KKR can still qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs after defeat against CSK

Kolkata Knight Riders‘ hopes of defending their Indian Premier League (IPL) title have taken a significant hit after a narrow two-wicket loss to Chennai Super Kings at Eden Gardens. It marked CSK’s first successful chase of 180+ in over five years, their last coming in 2019. The win also snapped a four-match losing streak and handed them just their third win in a disappointing season.

Noor Ahmad’s brilliance and CSK’s nerve hold firm

Put into bat, KKR looked set for a massive total, especially after Andre Russell’s late blitz. But Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad turned the tide with a clever 4/31, dismantling the middle order and curbing momentum. KKR eventually settled for 179, a competitive but chaseable score on a true Eden surface.

CSK’s response began shakily, losing three wickets inside the Powerplay. But Dewald Brevis counterattacked with a blistering 25-ball 52, breathing life into the innings. Shivam Dube then played the anchor’s role, guiding CSK through the tricky middle overs. With pressure mounting and the game going to the wire, MS Dhoni calmly sealed the match with a six off the fourth ball of the final over, ensuring CSK crossed the finish line with two wickets and two balls to spare.

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KKR’s qualification scenario for the IPL 2025 Playoffs

Meanwhile, that defeat, against a team already eliminated from playoff contention, leaves KKR with just 11 points from 12 games, placing them in a precarious position with only two matches remaining in the group stage.

With just 11 points from 12 matches, KKR have only two games remaining, both on the road, against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Even if they win both and end up with 15 points, qualification is far from guaranteed. Currently, Gujarat Titans and RCB already sit on 16 points, and Punjab Kings are at 15 with three games still to play. For KKR to qualify, a highly specific sequence of results needs to unfold:

• KKR must win both remaining matches, reaching 15 points.
• Mumbai Indians must lose their final two matches and stay at 14.
• Among GT, RCB and PBKS, at least one team must falter significantly.
• Delhi Capitals, who are also chasing qualification, must not surpass KKR’s points or NRR.

In this event, KKR could end up tied with PBKS and DC on 15 points, making net run rate (currently a low 0.193) the deciding factor for the final playoff berth. In short, KKR need to win out and hope for a near-miracle collapse from at least two contenders, including MI.

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