The 2025 Indian Premier League playoff race has entered a chaotic phase after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinched a pivotal victory against Delhi Capitals (DC), throwing open the qualification possibilities for all ten franchises. This result has significantly impacted the top-four race and especially the contest for the top two spots, ensuring that even teams at the bottom aren’t mathematically out of contention just yet.

KKR boosts chances, DC slips

Kolkata Knight Riders showed grit to overcome a tough Delhi Capitals side, handing DC their third defeat in five matches. The loss has exposed vulnerabilities in a team that once seemed destined for a top-two finish. Now, with only four games remaining, the Axar Patel-led Capitals must win at least half to maintain control of their fate.

Where the teams stand now

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): With 14 points and four games left, RCB, under Rajat Patidar, are within touching distance of playoff qualification. Winning just two more would likely secure their place, but they are targeting a top-two finish for a safer path to the final.

Mumbai Indians (MI): In second place with 6 wins in 10 matches, MI have hit a golden patch, winning five consecutively. With four matches to go, even two more wins might suffice for qualification, but three would guarantee a playoff berth.

Gujarat Titans (GT): Led by Shubman Gill, the Titans have been one of the most reliable teams this season. With 6 wins in 9 games, just two more victories from their remaining five fixtures would likely see them through.

Delhi Capitals (DC): Despite a strong start, Delhi now find themselves vulnerable. To retain control, they need at least two wins from their last four matches.

Punjab Kings (PBKS): After 9 matches and a rain-affected fixture, PBKS are still in the mix with 11 points. They ideally need three wins from their last five games to ensure a spot in the top four.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): The heavy investment in Rishabh Pant hasn’t paid dividends yet. However, with four games left, LSG can still make it—if they manage to win at least three.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Fresh from their key win over Delhi, KKR now require at least three more victories from four remaining games to stay alive in the playoffs race. Winning all four would be the safest route.

Rajasthan Royals (RR): Still clinging to mathematical hope, RR need to win all remaining fixtures to reach 14 points. However, they also depend on other results falling in their favour.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Pre-tournament favourites on paper, SRH must win all their remaining five matches to have any shot at the top four, making their path the most perilous.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK): With just two wins in nine games and a very poor Net Run Rate, the legendary MS Dhoni-led side is almost out of the race. Even a perfect finish would only give them 14 points—an unlikely rescue scenario.

Playoffs equation more unpredictable than ever

As the league enters its final leg, the playoff puzzle has become a tightly packed contest with teams needing to balance points accumulation and Net Run Rate. KKR’s victory has not only kept their own hopes alive but also reignited chances for teams that were on the brink of elimination.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has continued to unearth promising cricketers from every corner of India, and one such emerging star is Yudhvir Singh Charak from Jammu and Kashmir. Charak, a right-arm pacer, found a spot in Rajasthan Royals’ playing XI against Gujarat Titans in Jaipur, stepping in for Tushar Deshpande.

This was Charak’s second appearance for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025, following his franchise debut against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur. Although he went wicketless against Punjab, Charak bowled first change against Gujarat Titans but struggled with his economy, conceding 38 runs in his three overs without picking up a wicket.

Journey of Yudhvir Singh Charak

Born in Roop Nagar, Jammu, Charak completed his schooling at KC International Pestle Weed School. Although a native of Jammu, his first-class debut came for Hyderabad in 2019 before he eventually moved back to represent his home state.

Charak, known for his raw pace, polished his craft in the domestic U19 circuit before stepping into senior cricket. His IPL journey began in 2021 when he was signed by a franchise but did not get an opportunity to play. It was in IPL 2023 with Lucknow Super Giants that he finally made his IPL debut, impressively taking two wickets in his first match.

Before the IPL 2025 season, Rajasthan Royals secured Charak for ₹35 lakhs. So far, he has featured in seven IPL matches across three seasons—three in 2023, two in 2024, and two in the current season—claiming a total of four wickets.

The cricketing world was left awestruck by Rajasthan Royals’ 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who smashed a stunning maiden century in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite the young sensation’s heroics in chasing down a massive target of 210 runs against Gujarat Titans, GT captain Shubman Gill’s reaction post-match has stirred controversy.

Speaking after the heavy defeat, Gill downplayed Suryavanshi’s achievement, stating, “It was his (lucky) day. His hitting was just tremendous, and he made full use of his day.” His restrained praise did not sit well with several cricket analysts and fans, many of whom expected a more generous acknowledgment.

Former India batter Ajay Jadeja notably expressed his disappointment with Gill’s remarks. During a broadcast conversation, Jadeja emphasized the importance of recognizing the magnitude of Suryavanshi’s feat. “But a 14-year-old to believe in himself, the amount that he believes in himself, and to take it that far, even if it’s, you know, one day like some player on television just said, oh, it was just his lucky day,” Jadeja remarked before his commentary was interrupted by the presentation ceremony.

Suryavanshi’s innings not only turned the match on its head but also etched his name into the record books. He became:

• The youngest player to score a T20 century,
• The fastest Indian to hit a century in TATA IPL history,
• The second-fastest player overall to achieve this milestone in the league.
  

Later, Jadeja delved deeper into the significance of the moment, applauding Suryavanshi’s fearless approach. “All of us who played cricket dreamt of moments like this. At 14, most can only imagine such glory, but he has lived it,” Jadeja noted.

He also praised the supportive environment created by the Rajasthan Royals coaching staff, led by Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour, highlighting how they allowed the youngster to “keep flowing and keep blossoming.” According to Jadeja, it was not just the skill but the mindset of Suryavanshi that stood out the most.

As reactions continue to pour in, Suryavanshi’s sensational innings has become a moment of pride and reflection for Indian cricket, showcasing the arrival of a remarkable new talent.