IPL 2025 Playoffs Scenarios Explained: How MI, DC Can Book Top 4 Berth

As the IPL 2025 league stage nears its conclusion, the competition for the final playoff berth has intensified. With Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Punjab Kings (PBKS) securing their spots in the playoffs. With Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) bowing out after losing to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the focus shifts to Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC). Both teams face a unique set of challenges and scenarios to clinch the coveted fourth position. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining which team advances to the knockout stages.

Mumbai Indians (MI): In Control but Must Stay Vigilant

Currently positioned fourth with 14 points from 12 matches and a robust Net Run Rate (NRR) of +1.156, MI holds a favorable position. Their remaining fixtures are against the Punjab Kings and the Delhi Capitals. Winning both matches would elevate them to 18 points, ensuring a playoff berth and potentially a top-two finish. However, a single loss could complicate their path, especially if it comes against DC, who are direct competitors for the playoff spot. In such a scenario, MI would need to rely on their superior NRR and favorable outcomes in other matches to secure qualification.

Delhi Capitals (DC): Aiming for Consistency

DC stands fifth with 13 points from 12 matches and an NRR of +0.260. Their upcoming games against PBKS and MI are crucial. Securing victories in both would take them to 17 points, solidifying their playoff position. However, a loss in either match would leave their fate dependent on other results and NRR comparisons. The match against MI is particularly significant, as a win would not only boost DC's points but also hinder MI's progress.

Upcoming Fixtures

• May 21: DC vs PBKS
• May 22: MI vs DC

These matches are set to be decisive in shaping the final playoff lineup. Teams will need to not only focus on winning but also on improving their NRR to enhance their qualification prospects. As the league stage concludes, fans can expect thrilling encounters and high-stakes cricket.

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Man Sends Rs 50 Lakh Notice To Bengaluru Civic Body Over "Poor" Roads

A 43-year-old man in Bengaluru has served a legal notice, seeking a compensation of Rs 50 Lakh from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for the "physical agony and emotional trauma" caused by alleged broken and non-motorable roads in the city.

In his notice, Dhivya Kiran, a resident of Richmond Town, said that despite being a tax-paying citizen, he has continuously faced physical hardships and mental agony due to the alleged failure of the civic body to maintain basic infrastructure. 

He claimed to have made five visits to orthopedics and four emergency visits to hospitals, due to severe neck and back pains. These, he added, were "medically linked to the jerks and trauma caused while commuting on these treacherous roads". 

There was no immediate response from the BBMP on the notice.

Broken and waterlogged roads during times of rain in various parts of the city are often a nightmare for most people in the city. Unusually heavy overnight rains on Sunday brought the IT capital to its knees on Monday as people were spotted wading through water and evacuating their houses with the help of inflatable boats. 

"My client states that he was forced to visit 5 orthopedic specialists due to the intensifying pain. He made 4 emergency visits to St. Philomena's Hospital, undergoing injections and procedures to relieve acute agony. Further, have been on multiple medications and painkillers to manage the condition," Advocate K V Laveen, who served the notice on behalf of Mr Kiran on May 14, said.

"He has also experienced episodes of crying out in pain, loss of sleep, anxiety, and mental distress, all of which have deeply affected his well-being and daily functioning,"  he added.  

Mr Kiran also said he is unable to travel by auto or on two-wheelers, as the uneven and damaged roads have severely worsened his spinal and neck condition. "Even cab rides are difficult, though marginally more tolerable than autos or bikes. This severely limits his mobility and independence, affecting both his personal and professional commitments," his lawyer said. 

It is due to BBMP's "gross negligence and failure in discharging its public duty" that the man is facing "physical agony, emotional trauma, and financial burden", the notice said.

It added that Mr Kiran has demanded a compensation of Rs 50 lakh for the emotional and physical distress, and the costs of travel for medical consultations, within 15 days. Failure to do so will attract legal action, it said.

Mr Kiran also sought Rs 10,000 as charges for the legal notice issued to BBMP.

Speaking to NDTV, Mr Kiran said: "Bengaluru roads are a mess. Even the smallest pothole can cause so much distress." 

He said that he had flagged the issues to authorities in the past but in vain. "It is very sad that the city does not care for good infrastructure. That is why I have sent a notice to the authorities. If need be, I will file a PIL (Public Interest Litigation). Why should I suffer? The least the state can do is provide us with good roads," he said.
 

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LSG Star, Who Was Fined By BCCI, In Heated Spat With Abhishek. Reason Is...

Lucknow Super Giants spinner Digvesh Rathi, who was fined by BCCI over his controversial celebration, got into a heated spat with Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Abhishek Sharma during their IPL 2025 match on Monday. The incident took place on the 8th over of the SRH innings after Abhishek was caught in the deep for 59. The youngster looked in sublime form as he slammed 59 off 20 deliveries but he ended up gifting an easy catch to Shardul Thakur. Following the dismissal, Digvesh did his customary book-signature celebration but Abhishek was not happy as the duo got into a war of words. Replays showed that Digvesh gestured towards Abhishek after the dismissal and that could have flared tempers.

Abhishek Sharma is abusing digvesh Rathi pic.twitter.com/XqgWJuwX8O

— Rishabh pant FÇ (@rishabpantclub) May 19, 2025

Earlier, openers Mitchell Marsh (65) and Aiden Markram (61) hit fifties as Lucknow Super Giants set a 206-run target against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their IPL clash on Monday.

Marsh and Markram were in top form to put on 115 runs inside the first half but LSG lost their momentum in the second during which Eshan Malinga bowled an impressive spell of 4-0-28-0.

While LSG skipper Rishabh Pant (7) endured yet another poor outing, Nicholas Pooran (45) did well to help his side post 205/7.

Markram, Marsh and Pooran have also scored more than 400 runs in IPL 2025, making LSG the first team to have three overseas batters crossing the mark in the same season.

Marsh is the 10th-highest run-getter this season, with 443 runs in 11 innings at an average of 40.27 and a strike rate of above 157. He has five fifties, with the best score of 81.

Markram is the 12th highest run-getter this season, with 409 runs in 12 innings at an average of 34.08, with a strike rate of 148.72. He has scored five fifties, with the best score of 66.

Pooran, who played a fine hand of 45 in 26 balls, with six fours and a six at a strike rate of 173.08, is the team's top run-getter. He is the ninth-highest run-getter with 455 runs in 12 innings at an average of 41.36, with four fifties in the tournament and the best score of 87*. His runs have come at a strike rate of 197.82. 

(With ANI Inputs)

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Shreyas' Big Act Goes Viral After Getting Subbed Out During RR vs PBKS Game

Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer was subbed off at innings break during the IPL 2025 match against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday. Shreyas, who was suffering from a finger injury, was subbed off after scoring 30 off 25 deliveries, did not field at all during PBKS' bowling. While Shreyas was not on the field, that did not stop the Indian cricket team batter from getting involved. During the match, he was seen having a conversation with fielders at the boundary line and even helping stand-in skipper Shashank Singh with the field set-up. PBKS ended up winning the encounter by 10 runs.

Shreyas Iyer is giving regular inputs to the players from boundary rope

- Injured but giving everything for his team.

This is shreyas Iyer for youpic.twitter.com/42WhHE5fDi

— 𝑨𝒏𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒏(@anurandey_7) May 18, 2025

Left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar bowled a match-turning spell after Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh made bruising fifties as Punjab Kings edged closer to an IPL playoff berth with a 10-run win over Rajasthan Royals here on Sunday.

Like this tweet if you love Leader Shreyas Iyer. pic.twitter.com/bxABwi5x5Z

— • (@huserlame) May 18, 2025

Brar, who came in as a substitute for skipper Shreyas Iyer -- possibly unwell due to extreme heat -- was introduced in the fifth over and the left-arm spinner walked away with an impressive 3/22 in four overs, helping PBKS to restrict RR to 209/7 in the chase of 220.

The Punjab side had earlier made 219 for five riding on an unbeaten on 59 off 30 deliveries (5x4, 3x6) by Shashank and Wadhera (70, 37b, 5x4, 5x6).

With this win, PBKS (NRR: +0.38) climbed to 17 points and they are second on the table behind leaders Royal Challengers Bengaluru (17 points, +0.48) on net run rate difference.

The Ricky Ponting-coached side needs just one more point to secure a playoff berth for the first time since 2014.

Brar, who mixed up his angles, trajectory, and pace with precision, played a big part in that.

His scalps included the 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi (40 off 15; 4x4, 4x6) and Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had launched a brutal assault up front with his (50 off 24).

Together they flew off the blocks with a stand off 76 runs in just 4.1 overs. Azmatullah Omarzai (2/44) then landed a double blow, sending back skipper Sanju Samson (20 off 16) and Shimron Hetmyer (11 off 12), as RR's chase lost steam.

Dhruv Jurel (53 off 31 balls; 3x4, 4x6) hit form to score his second fifty of the season but it went in vain as Marco Jansen (2/41 in three overs) removed him and Wanindu Hasaranga in successive balls in the last over to end their chase.

(With PTI inputs)

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Lufthansa Plane Flew On Autopilot For 10 Minutes After Pilot Fainted: Report

 A Lufthansa flight to Spain last year went without a pilot for 10 minutes after the co-pilot fainted while he was alone in the cockpit, German news agency dpa reported on Saturday.

During the flight from Frankfurt to Seville, Spain, on Feb. 17, 2024, the co-pilot of an Airbus A321 fainted while the captain was in the restroom, dpa reported, referring to a report by the Spanish accident investigation authority CIAIAC.

The aircraft, which was carrying 199 passengers and six crew members, flew for around 10 minutes without a pilot in command of the plane, according to the report.

Lufthansa told dpa that it was aware of the investigation report and that its own flight safety department had also conducted an investigation. The company didn't disclose its results, dpa said.

Although the unconscious co-pilot apparently operated controls unintentionally, the aircraft was able to continue flying in a stable manner thanks to the active autopilot. During this time period, the voice recorder recorded strange noises in the cockpit that were consistent with an acute health emergency, dpa reported.

The captain initially tried entering the regular door opening code, which triggers a buzzer in the cockpit so that the co-pilot can open the door. He did so five times without being able to enter the cockpit. A stewardess tried to contact the co-pilot using the onboard telephone.

Finally, the captain typed in an emergency code that would have allowed him to open the door on his own. However, shortly before the door would have opened automatically, the co-pilot opened it from the inside despite being ill, dpa reported.

The pilot then decided to make an unplanned landing in Madrid, where his colleague was taken to a hospital.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Ishant Picks His "First Choice" For India Test Captaincy, "Only One Who..."

Veteran pacer Ishant Sharma is backing Jasprit Bumrah to lead the Indian team on the tour of England and said Shubman Gill could be handed the job only if the peerless fast bowler is not fit to last the full five-match Test series. The captaincy debate has intensified following Rohit Sharma's retirement from Test cricket, weeks before the Indian team's departure for England for the series that will run from June 20 to August 4. "If Bumrah is fit, I would say Bumrah. That's first choice. He is the only one who has so much experience. But if he won't play all the five Tests matches, then obviously Shubman," Ishant said on Saturday in response to a PTI query on Star Sports Press Room.

Bumrah, 31, has previously captained India in the rescheduled fifth Test against England in 2022, and in the first and fifth Tests of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. However, concerns remain over his fitness.

The pacer had undergone a back surgery two years ago due to a stress-related injury and missed a major chunk of international cricket, including India's triumphant Champions Trophy campaign after he left the field on the second day of the Sydney Test in January. He returned to action for the IPL.

Gill, 25, has impressed as captain of Gujarat Titans in the IPL, leading them to the top of the table this year.

"I was surprised, Virat could've played till 40"

Last Monday, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing down the curtains on a remarkable career in which he scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85 in 123 matches, including 30 centuries.

Reacting to the development, Ishant said he was taken aback by the decision, especially considering Kohli's incredible fitness and discipline.

"I think he is mature. He knows what he is doing. I didn't really talk to him after he took retirement. But everyone knows as long as you are playing, it is important to be as normal as you can be. And that is why I have friendship with Virat. We have never tried to put anything on our head," Ishant said on the eve of their IPL match against Delhi Capitals.

"At the end of the day, we are human beings. And we are good friends. He knows what he wants in life and he must have talked to someone. That's why he made such a big decision. Yes, I was surprised. Because he could have played for at least 2-3 years more. He could have played till 40." Speaking further on Kohli, Ishant said, "And right now, the kind of routine he follows and everything... I am not talking about numbers that he should have scored 10,000. That is a different thing.

"Talk about fitness first. If you are fit, you can score 10,000. You can take 500 wickets. You can play as long as you want. But his fitness is the answer even at 36."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Tiger Kills Man In Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat, Eats Up Half His Body

A tiger killed a man in Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat district on Friday and ate a sizable part of the body, a forest department official said.

The incident took place in Katangi forest, some 45 kilometres from the district headquarters, when Anil Aghansingh (33) was collecting tendu leaves used to make 'bidis' (cigarettes in which unprocessed tobacco is wrapped in leaves), he said.

"Half his body was eaten by the tiger. Local staff have been directed to patrol the area, and residents have been asked not to venture out of their homes at night. After getting the post-mortem report, his family will be provided financial assistance as per rules," Chief Conservator of Forests Gaurav Chaudhary told reporters.

According to Kasturabai, a woman who had gone with Aghansingh to collect tendu leaves, the tiger attacked suddenly.

She said she heard a faint noise and found Aghansingh's body when she went to check, following which the forest department was informed.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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