With the IPL 2025 playoffs on the horizon, the competition remains tight as Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Mumbai Indians (MI) vie for the coveted top two positions. Currently, no team has secured these spots, making the final league phase an exciting prospect.
In the IPL format, finishing in the top two grants teams a more straightforward path to the finals. The top two teams clash in Qualifier 1, with the victor advancing directly to the final. The defeated side gets another chance via Qualifier 2, facing the winner of the Eliminator, played between the teams finishing third and fourth.
Gujarat Titans find themselves at a crossroads. Despite topping the points table with 18 points and a net run rate of 0.309, their recent losses to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have thwarted them from clinching first place. If Tuesday’s game sees RCB triumph over LSG, GT could slip to third or fourth.
Both PBKS and MI have 17 and 16 points respectively, with their upcoming face-off in Jaipur being pivotal. “It’s a must-win game for both sides,” said former cricketer Tom Moody. The winner will leapfrog GT into the top spot. Conversely, the loser won’t make it to the top two.
A PBKS win guarantees them a top-two finish unless RCB secure a win against LSG by a significant margin. If MI emerge victorious against PBKS, they’ll soar past GT on net run rate, reaching 18 points. An RCB win after that could send them straight to the top.
RCB, with 17 points, hold leverage as they play the crucial last league match against LSG. According to a team insider, “RCB’s fate is in their own hands.” A win guarantees a top-two finish and potentially first place, depending on Monday’s outcome.
As the league phase ends, each match carries heavy implications for the points table. Fans can anticipate an entertaining and nerve-wracking finale to the league.
