New Delhi, May 28 -- The IPL 2025 playoffs lineup throws some interesting narratives.

Two former champions clash in the eliminator. Two teams that are yet to win the coveted trophy play the important Qualifier 1 game.

The playoffs format was introduced for the first time in IPL 2011, largely as an incentive for the teams finishing in the top two positions.

Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings finished first and second in IPL 2009. The two sides lost to fourth-placed Deccan Chargers and third-placed Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the semi-finals, respectively. In the playoffs format, the loser of first vs. second have a second chance to play the final. On the other side, the winner of third vs. fourth must cross another hurdle in the ...