- May 1, 2025
As a Punjab Kings fan, you’re probably in a familiar place–hopeful, with a calculator in hand, working out permutations and combinations each time they play a match. But it just seems a little different this time. After beating the well-known Chennai Super Kings by a convincing 4 wickets, they have leapfrogged the IPL 2025 points table from fifth to second in one game. They still have four matches left and with the possibility of a playoff still alive, the big question is: can they end the 11-year playoff drought? Let’s dissect it, shall we?
Momentum is Real: PBKS Peaking at the Right Time
Timing is all-important in the IPL, and the Punjab Kings appear to be hitting their stride at just the right time. Beating CSK – and especially at Chepauk – is tough. They are now at 13 points from 10 matches and on an uptick. They also did it in style, with disciplined bowling (and an amazing hat-trick over from Chahal in the 19th over!) which allowed Prabhsimran Singh and Shreyas Iyer to bat confidently and aggressively to chase down CSK.
History has shown us that teams usually need between 16 and 18 points to reach the playoffs, with 20 points comfortably landing a team in the top two, or double chance playoff position. With only four matches remaining, this is an excellent opportunity for Punjab Kings to finish with a rounded 21 points, if they can replicate their recent success.
The Home Advantage: Three Games in Dharamshala
PBKS are essentially camping up in the hills now, as their next three matches will be in their “second home” of Dharamshala, which is significant as less travel means fresher players, local fandom support, and conditions that play to their team strengths.
Here is their upcoming fixture list: May 4, vs LSG, May 8, vs DC, May 11, vs MI, May 16, vs RR (away, Jaipur).
Now, let’s be honest, none of these are gimme games. Lucknow and Rajasthan are trying to get into the playoffs as well, and MI might be inconsistent, but they will love to spoil parties. However, based on the current form of PBKS, especially that the top-order has clicked and their bowlers like Chahal and Rabada have stepped up, it seems achievable to think they can win three out of the four matches, which puts them on 19 points. What if the PBKS wins all four?? That would put them on 21 points and a possible top 2 finish, which would affect the playoffs.
It’s Not Just About PBKS: What the Others Are Up To
Although Punjab’s path appears encouraging, they are not isolated from the rest of the field. The playoff race is closer than it has ever been, and while RCB currently sits on top of the table, they can achieve a maximum of 20 points. KKR, LSG, and SRH all find themselves in that 10-to-12-point range. So, while PBKS will claim their spot in the playoffs, it would seem that they are reasonably assured to be the top team in the middle of the pack.
However, this is where net run rate (NRR) matters. PBKS must make sure that when they are tied with another team on points, they don’t give an NRR deficit. The large wins lately have helped, but they simply cannot get hammered at this point. Each run scored and saved could be the difference between celebration and regretting, going into the playoffs.
So, the Punjab Kings are in the middle of the IPL 2025 playoffs? Maybe. Will they? That’s for time to tell. It all depends on whether they can sustain this form, whether they can adjust to making Dharamshala a legitimate home ground, and what the other teams can do, don’t forget that. What we do know is they are not just in the conversation; they set themselves up as confident competitors.
What do you think – does PBKS make it this time? Let the debate (and nail biting) commence.
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