Defending champions Gujarat Titans became the first team to qualify for the IPL 2023 playoffs after defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by 34 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With this victory, Gujarat have also assured a top-two finish in the league phase. Shubman Gill's brilliant knock of 101 and the Mohit Sharma-Shami bowling duo's performance clinched the victory.

Read Also: LSG vs MI: IPL 2023 Match Preview, Possible Lineups, Pitch Report, and Dream XI Team Prediction

Chasing the target of 189 runs, SRH were restricted to 154/9 in 20 overs, despite a half-century by Heinrich Klaasen. The South African registered 64 runs off 44 balls, packed with four fours, and three sixes. Mohammed Shami and Mohit Sharma were in stunning form and bagged four wickets each respectively for Gujarat Titans.

After batting first, GT posted 188/9 in 20 overs, courtesy of a maiden IPL ton by Shubman Gill. The opener slammed 101 runs off 58 balls, including 13 fours and a six. Meanwhile, Bhuvneshwar Kumar scalped five wickets for SRH which kept Gujarat quiet in the death overs.

IPL 2023: Qualification scenarios for the other franchises

Chennai Super Kings: 

CSK are currently sitting second in the standings with 15 points in 13 matches. They need to win their last match vs Delhi Capitals. If CSK loses, they can still qualify, depending on other results. Lucknow Super Giants will face Mumbai Indians in Match 63, a win for any of the sides will see them go above CSK to the second spot. Then, Chennai will need RCB and PBKS to not win both their remaining matches.

Mumbai Indians: 

MI are currently third in the table with 14 points in 12 matches. They will face LSG and SRH in their remaining matches of the league phase. If MI win both games, they will enter the playoffs. But if they win one out of the remaining two, they can still qualify but need other results to go in their favour. The Rohit Sharma-led side also has their net run rate to worry about.

Lucknow Super Giants: 

Krunal Pandya-led LSG are fourth in the table with 13 points in 12 games. They will face Mumbai and Kolkata in their last two league matches and need to win both to qualify for the playoffs. If they win only one of the two, then they can still qualify, but it will also depend on other results.

Royal Challengers Bangalore: 

RCB are fifth in the standings with 12 points in 12 matches. They will face SRH and GT in their last two league fixtures. RCB will need to win both their games, and it will also depend on other results. Also, the net run rate could play a big role. If they win only one of the two matches, it is still mathematically possible for them to qualify for the playoffs if LSG defeat MI and then Rohit's side loses to SRH. Net run rate will be a key factor as other teams might end up with the same amount of points.

Rajasthan Royals: 

RR are sixth in the table with 12 points in 13 matches. They will face Punjab Kings in their last match and need to win the match. Even after winning, they will not directly qualify, as it will also depend on other results and net run rates of other teams. If RR loses, they are knocked out, and if they win, they will also need MI or LSG, and RCB to lose both their remaining games and then the net run rate will be the deciding factor.

Punjab Kings: 

PBKS are eighth in the standings with 12 points in 12 matches. They will face DC and RR in their remaining matches and need to win both games. Punjab also needs other results to go their way. It is almost impossible for them to make it through due to a poor net run rate, the worst among the teams still in contention for the playoffs.

• The other three franchises, Kolkata Knight Riders, SRH, and Delhi Capitals are out of playoff contention.

IPL 2023 Points Table

The excitement of IPL 2025 is set to begin once again on May 17. However, the availability of foreign players has been a major challenge for many teams after the one-week postponement.

Many foreign players have returned to India for the remaining matches of IPL, but some have completely refused to come this season. One of them is the name of Australian legend Mitchell Starc. Starc was part of the Delhi Capitals team in IPL 2025.

Also Read: KKR Redefines Matchday Atmosphere with Unmatched Tifo Displays during IPL 2025

Starc returned due to India-Pakistan tension

However, Mitchell Starc returned to Australia due to tensions between India and Pakistan. Starc was also involved in the match when there was a sudden blackout in the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala.

Many foreign players who played in this match were in shock, but now the situation has become normal and the tournament is starting again. In such a situation, there are many foreign players who have returned.

There is talk of imposing a penalty on Starc

Mitchell Starc was an important player for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025, but Starc may be in trouble due to his non-return in the remaining matches. Starc was bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs 11.75 crore in the mega auction.

In such a situation, it is believed that the Delhi Capitals team can deduct the auction fee if he does not return for the remaining matches of the season, for which the Australian bowler is also said to be ready.

According to the report, Mitchell Starc may face a penalty of 400000 Australian dollars i.e. Rs 3.92 crore if he does not return to IPL 2025. This amount will be deducted from his auction fee.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Here are the overseas players who might not come for the remainder of the tournament

Starc's performance in IPL 2025

Talking about Starc's performance in IPL 2025, he has taken 14 wickets in 11 matches for Delhi Capitals at an economy rate of 10.16. Starc bowled very economically this season. So, his return could prove to be a big loss for Delhi Capitals as the team is in dire need of wins to make it to the top four of the tournament. 

Delhi Capitals are currently fifth on the IPL 2025 Points Table and are among the four contenders for the playoffs’ spot. They have three matches remaining, and a win in at least two of them will take them closer to the qualification. Winning all three, will guarantee a top four finish.

The City of Joy lived up to its billing during the IPL 2025 season as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) turned Eden Gardens into a pulsating theatre of colour, creativity, and fandom.

The defending champions took fan experience to new heights by unveiling an unprecedented 14 different tifos across 7 home matches, setting a cultural benchmark not just in the IPL, but in Indian sport.

A ‘tifo’ often refers to a choreographed visual display, typically involving large banners, flags, or signs, performed by sports fans.

Read Also | IPL 2025: Here are the overseas players who might not come for the remainder of the tournament

From electrifying player-centric designs to moments to commemorate the ‘home of champions’, KKR delivered multiple tifos throughout the season, with the marquee clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Eden Gardens witnessing a staggering seven unique tifos being unfurled.

Each tifo was conceptualised and executed to reflect the ethos of the franchise, reflecting fearlessness, expressiveness, and a deep connection to its city and its supporters, while also carrying the famous ‘Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo’ motto.

The unveiling of multiple tifos throughout the season not only added to the matchday experience but also reiterated KKR's commitment to their fans and the atmosphere at Eden Gardens. The initiative not only celebrated the team but also paid tribute to the loyal Knight Riders’ fan base, who have consistently packed the stands and brought the fortress to life.

RCB fans in Bengaluru to wear white for Virat Kohli Test tribute? Yes! Fans are planning a special "wear white" initiative and asking the crowd to show up in whites for the upcoming RCB vs KKR match at Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 17, 2025.

As the IPL is set to resume tomorrow, and we will witness Virat Kohli play his first match after his announcement of test retirement, fans are organising a heartfelt tribute for the King!

The viral spread of white wave

A fan-driven moment is going viral recently where they call the crowd to wear white for a collective tribute to Virat Kohli after his test retirement.

Whether you have a test jersey or not, all they ask for is wearing anything white instead of the jerseys of IPL franchises.

Discussions on Reddit

The white tribute takes shape on reddit as fans try to reach out as much as possible.

Fans pledge to wear white in Instagram comments

Fans leave heartfelt messages on comments section of official Royal Challengers Bengaluru Instagram page.

Hashtags like #WearWhiteForVirat, #KohliTestTribute, and #KohliTestFarewell are the ones people are using to make this a trend before the upcoming IPL 2025 match.

Content Creators spreading the word

Many content creators have joined hands to support this initiative and they are getting huge responses.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cricket Machas (@cricketmachas)

Harsha Bhogle reacts on Twitter 

Hey @RCBTweets fans, are you planning to turn up in white for the game on the 17th? Remember seeing a post suggesting that. It will be incredible and a sight for the ages if true and if you can pull it off.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 15, 2025

The comments section in response to the initiative is getting flooded with comments like "Count me in," and "Wearing white with pride!" 

Many are tagging their acquaintance with messages like "@[friends username] Let's do it!"

Will you show up on May 17 at Chinnaswamy Stadium in whites too?

As IPL 2025 faced disruptions and was suspended on 9th May, 2025, most of the overseas players returned back to their respective home countries.

The tournament is set to resume from 17th May, 2025, and it raises a crucial question about how many overseas players can rejoin their franchises.

Given their international commitments and other issues, check out the overseas players who might not come for the remainder of the tournament in IPL 2025 for each team.

IPL 2025 Points Table

Firstly, see where each team stands before the tournament resumes.

Read Also: Top 5 underrated players in IPL 2025

Overseas players return status for the remainder of IPL 2025

The 18th season of Indian Premier League (IPL) will resume on May 17 after a week-long break with the remaining seven teams in contention for playoffs. According to the revised IPL 2025 schedule, the remaining 13 league matches will be played across six venues. The league stage commences on May 27.

The revised IPL 2025 schedule meant a few teams will be deprived of home advantage. While Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (16 points each) are most likely to enter the final four, things could get tight for the likes of Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings.

Also Read: Top 5 underrated players in IPL 2025

Ahead of the IPL 2025 resumption, let's take a look at the qualification scenarios of all the seven teams in contention for playoffs. Notably, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad are officially out from the race to playoffs.

Only five teams can reach to the 18-point mark after the league stage. That means, 18 points could possibly be the cut-off for the teams in the race for playoffs.

IPL 2025 Points Table before resumption

Rank	Teams	Matches	Win	Loss	NR	Points	NRR
1	Gujarat Titans	11	8	3	0	16	+0.793
2	Royal Challengers Bengaluru	11	8	3	0	16	+0.482
3	Punjab Kings	11	7	3	1	15	+0.376
4	Mumbai Indians	12	7	5	0	14	+1.156
5	Delhi Capitals	11	6	4	1	13	+0.362
6	Kolkata Knight Riders	12	5	6	1	11	+0.193
7	Lucknow Super Giants	11	5	6	0	10	-0.469
8	Sunrisers Hyderabad (E)	11	3	7	1	7	-1.192
9	Rajasthan Royals (E)	12	3	9	0	6	-0.718
10	Chennai Super Kings (E)	12	3	9	0	6	-0.992

Gujarat Titans (16 points)

With eight wins from 11 games, the Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans need just a win shy of confirming their place in the last four stage. They still have three games left in the league stage.

Remaining Games: vs DC (May 18), vs LSG (May 22), vs CSK (May 25)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (16 points)

Just like Gujarat Titans, RCB are also just a win away from securing their spot in the last four stage. RCB also have three games left, including two at home, starting with a clash against KKR.

Remaining Games: vs KKR (May 17), vs SRH (May 23), vs LSG (May 27)

Punjab Kings (15 points)

Punjab Kings breathed a sigh of relief when it was announced their called-off game against Delhi Capitals will be replayed. With three games left, Punjab Kings could possibly reach 21 points, thus securing their first playoff spot over a decade.

Remaining Games: vs RR (May 18), vs DC (May 24), vs MI (May 26)

Mumbai Indians (14 points)

After losing a few matches initially, Mumbai Indians won six matches on the bounce to enter the top four. The Hardik Pandya-led side need to win their final two games to enter the playoffs without needing a help from others. In case, Mumbai Indians lose one, they will be locked at 16 points and would hope Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals falter.

Remaining Games: vs DC (May 21), vs PBKS (May 26)

Delhi Capitals (13 points)

Despite making a roaring start with five wins in their first six matches, Delhi Capitals lost the plot to find themselves out of the top four in the points table. With 13 points in the pocket and three games left to play, Delhi Capitals need to win all their remaining matches to ensure smooth entry into knockouts.

Remaining Games: vs GT (May 18), vs MI (May 21), vs PBKS (May 24)

Also Read: IPL 2025 to resume from 17th May: Here is the revised schedule

Kolkata Knight Riders (11 points)

Things look dicey for defending champions KKR who have won five and lost six so far. Rain played spoilsport in one of their games. With two games left, KKR could go to 15 points even if they win their remaining games. KKR would also hope for other teams to falter in order to get a crack into the last four stage. For KKR to go through, Punjab Kings need to lose all their games.

Remaining Games: vs RCB (May 17), vs SRH (May 25)

Lucknow Super Giants (10 points)

With a new captain in Rishabh Pant, LSG need to win their remaining three games to get to a maximum of 16 points. Like KKR, LSG too need to look at other teams for a change of fortune. Even if LSG win their last three games, they would Mumbai Indian and Delhi Capital to not win more than one game.

Remaining Games: vs SRH (May 19), vs GT (May 22), vs RCB (May 27)