IPL 2025 Playoff Race Heats Up as Gujarat Titans Defeat KKR by 39 Runs

The playoff battle in IPL 2025 has intensified after the completion of 39 matches in the 18th season of the tournament. On Monday, Gujarat Titans faced Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens and registered a convincing 39-run victory, significantly improving their chances for the playoffs.

Gill Leads from the Front as Gujarat Outclass KKR

Opting to bat first, Gujarat Titans posted a strong total of 198/3 in 20 overs. Captain Shubman Gill led the charge with an impressive 90-run knock, while Sai Sudharsan added a steady 52 runs. Jos Buttler remained unbeaten at 41, guiding the team to a commanding finish.

In response, KKR faltered under pressure, managing only 158 runs in their innings. Ajinkya Rahane’s 50-run effort wasn’t enough to save the defending champions from their fourth loss of the season. This defeat has seriously dented KKR’s playoff aspirations.

KKR in Trouble After Fourth Defeat

KKR now sit at the 7th position on the points table with just 6 points and a significantly poor Net Run Rate (NRR). With only six matches left, KKR will need to win all remaining games — and do so convincingly — to stay in contention for the top 4. A single loss from here could mark their exit from the playoff race.

Gujarat Titans Strengthen Playoff Claim

The Titans, on the other hand, have shown consistent form this season. With this win, they have climbed up the table to 4th place, holding 12 points and a strong NRR of +0.984. Their chances of qualifying for the playoffs now look bright, especially if they maintain their current momentum.

CSK Almost Out of the Playoff Picture

It’s been a disappointing season for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most successful franchises in IPL history. After facing their sixth defeat of the season against Mumbai Indians on Sunday, CSK have slipped to 10th place on the table.

With only 2 wins from 9 matches, the best they can now aim for is 16 points, provided they win all of their remaining matches. However, the top 5 teams already have 10 or more points, which makes CSK’s playoff qualification an uphill, near-impossible task. Even a clean sweep might not guarantee them a spot in the top 4 due to NRR calculations and other teams' performances.

Teams like Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Gujarat Titans still have 6 to 7 games left, and if they win a few more, CSK’s elimination will be confirmed.

Current IPL 2025 Points Table Snapshot (Post Match 39)