Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and Punjab Kings (PBKS) have all clinched their spots in the IPL 2025 playoffs. This confirmation came after GT’s triumph over Delhi Capitals (DC) on Sunday night, leaving just one playoff position up for grabs. The teams battling for this final spot are DC, Mumbai Indians (MI), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Following their victory, GT are now at the table’s summit with 18 points. RCB and PBKS are close behind, sharing second and third places with 17 points each, all having played 12 matches. The maximum points LSG can achieve, even if they secure victory in all their remaining matches, is 16. MI, currently at 14 points, and DC, at 13, face each other on 21st May, meaning only one of them can reach or surpass the 17-point mark.
The potential scenarios are straightforward: if DC lose to MI, it’s curtains for their playoff aspirations. Conversely, if MI fall to DC, they must win their last game against PBKS, hoping DC also falter in their final league game against PBKS, alongside needing an LSG loss in at least one of their upcoming matches.
With GT aiming for their third playoff appearance in four seasons, RCB make it for the fifth time in six years. PBKS, under their new leadership of Shreyas Iyer as captain and Ricky Ponting as coach, make a significant comeback, ensuring their first top-four finish since IPL 2014—a real milestone for the team.
While GT, RCB, and PBKS have secured their playoff places, the battle for top two positions is still on. Securing one of these spots offers a significant advantage, providing two chances at reaching the final. Teams finishing first and second will face off in Qualifier 1, giving the winner direct access to the IPL 2025 final. The team losing in Qualifier 1 will then meet the winner of the Eliminator, where the third and fourth-placed teams compete, for another shot at making the final.
