The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is heading into its most thrilling phase yet, with playoff dreams hanging by a thread for several teams. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) strengthened their qualification prospects with a commanding six-wicket victory against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Sunday, a result that not only lifted them to the top of the points table but also pushed their playoff probability to an impressive 88%.

Following RCB’s win, the latest playoff qualification odds have come into focus, showing a mixed bag of fortunes for various franchises as per a Monte Carlo Simulation analysis.

RCB, GT, and DC lead the race; MI and PBKS in the hunt

RCB are almost certain to progress, likely finishing the league stage with 18 to 20 points, translating to nine or ten wins. Gujarat Titans (GT) are close behind with an 82% chance, banking on their games in hand to secure 16 to 18 points.

Delhi Capitals, despite their home loss to RCB, maintain a healthy 70% chance of qualifying. They are expected to close the league with around 16 points, thanks to their consistent performances earlier this season.

Mumbai Indians (MI), currently enjoying a winning streak, have a 65% chance of reaching the playoffs. Their fate largely hinges on the outcome of closely contested matches in the final rounds.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) stand at a 50% probability after a mid-season dip. Though their strong start has been offset by recent setbacks, they remain in contention.

Tough road ahead for LSG, KKR, SRH, RR, and CSK

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have only a 25% chance to qualify, with a near-flawless run needed in their remaining fixtures. Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) find themselves with just a 10% chance, relying heavily on other results.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have seen their playoff hopes dwindle to 5% and 3% respectively after a string of defeats. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), under MS Dhoni’s leadership, cling to a slim 2% chance, with even maximum wins possibly falling short.

Simulation methodology

The projections were drawn from simulating the remaining IPL 2025 matches 10,000 times using a Monte Carlo method. Each team’s final points tally was determined by simulating win probabilities, factoring in tie-breakers like net run rate (NRR) where necessary.

Former Pakistan pacer and iconic cricketer Wasim Akram recently narrated a remarkable story involving Bollywood superstar and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co-owner Shah Rukh Khan. Sharing the memory during a conversation with VU Sports, Akram highlighted Khan’s unwavering support towards his team during the 2012 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Akram, who served as KKR’s bowling coach from 2010 to 2016, revealed that ahead of an important knockout match, the team faced a hectic travel schedule that left little time for rest. Concerned about player fatigue, Akram approached Shah Rukh Khan with a request for better travel arrangements.

According to Akram, Shah Rukh Khan immediately understood the urgency and within just one hour arranged a full Boeing aircraft exclusively for the team. This gesture ensured the players could reach Kolkata comfortably and be well-rested ahead of the crucial match. Notably, the 2012 season turned out historic for KKR, as they clinched their maiden IPL title after defeating Chennai Super Kings in the final.

Rain forces washout of KKR’s latest match against Punjab Kings

Meanwhile, in the ongoing IPL season, Kolkata Knight Riders faced a setback as their recent match against Punjab Kings was washed out due to heavy rain in Kolkata. Punjab Kings had posted a strong total of 201 for 4, thanks to impressive half-centuries by Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya.

KKR managed seven runs without loss in their brief chase before a sudden thunderstorm disrupted proceedings around 9:35 pm. Despite the ground staff’s swift efforts to protect the pitch, persistent rain made a restart impossible, leading to the match being officially abandoned at 10:58 pm.

Both teams shared a point each following the no-result. With this, KKR now hold seven points from nine matches and stay at seventh position on the points table, while Punjab Kings moved up to 11 points.

Naga Chaitanya’s fans are buzzing with excitement as the actor officially launched the shooting of his much-anticipated project, tentatively titled NC24, a mythical thriller helmed by Virupaksha director Karthik Varma Dandu.

On Saturday, Chaitanya unveiled a captivating behind-the-scenes video titled “The Excavation Begins,” offering a tantalizing peek into the meticulous preparation behind this ambitious film, set to explore uncharted, rugged terrains and mystical realms.

The BTS video, shared by the film’s makers, showcases Chaitanya’s deep involvement in the project. Sporting a striking new look tailored for the thriller, the actor is seen engaging in intense discussions with Dandu, absorbing the director’s vision.

A standout moment features the duo examining a detailed model of deep caves, hinting at the enigmatic, otherworldly setting NC24 will unveil. The footage also highlights the elaborate production efforts, from constructing expansive outdoor sets to fine-tuning logistical details, underscoring the film’s grand scale.

Chaitanya’s hands-on approach, evident from the project’s ideation phase, has heightened anticipation. The makers’ caption fueled the hype, stating, “Years of ideation. Months of preparation. Endless rehearsals. This is just a glimpse of the storm brewing! #NC24 The Excavation Begins. Brace for a mythical thriller like never before.” Fans flooded social media with praise, eager for a cinematic experience that promises to push boundaries.

Backed by producer BVSN Prasad and Sukumar under SVCC and Sukumar Writings, NC24 is poised as a visually stunning mystical thriller. With music by Ajaneesh Loknath, the film aims to present Chaitanya in a bold, transformative role.

The cast includes Laapataa Ladies breakout star Sparsh Shrivastava in a pivotal role, with speculation swirling around Meenakshi Chaudhary as the potential female lead.

The Indian film industry’s growing appetite for genre-blending narratives, blending folklore with high-stakes drama, positions NC24 as a potential game-changer. As production accelerates, Chaitanya’s venture into uncharted cinematic territory signals a thrilling new chapter for the actor and his fans.