IPL 2025: How can playoff qualifiers secure a Top 2 finish?

Only two games remain at the group stage, and yet the Qualifier 1 has not found its prospects. IPL 2025 marked the earliest in the league's run that four contenders finalised their spot in the playoffs. However, from the qualifications till now, as the league stage stands on the verge of conclusion, it's been an interesting spectacle. The eliminated teams have ensured that the qualifiers work hard for an ideal finish ahead of the IPL 2025 playoffs. While Mumbai Indians had the least chance of claiming a Top 2 finish, the back-to-back losses of the higher-ranked teams have brought the former into contention. Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans, once the favorites for the top rank, fear an ouster now that their ranking has landed in the hands of others.

Scenarios for GT, PBKS, RCB, and MI to claim a Top 2 finish for the IPL 2025 playoffs

Gujarat Titans beat Delhi Capitals to qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs, taking Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru along with themselves. It was DC at the receiving end again as Mumbai Indians claimed the last remaining seat in the final four by winning the MI vs DC match by 59 runs. Seven matches still remained to be played at the group stage following the completion of qualification for the playoffs. However, the eliminated lot ensured that the season doesn't turn boring in this phase. The tides turned dramatically from there as the lower-ranked teams have consistently spoiled the party for the qualifiers.

While qualification into the playoffs is a significant achievement, the team's work doesn't cease just there. Any qualifier aims at a Top 2 finish to land a spot in the Qualifier. The teams ranked at the first and second spots on the points table at the end of the group stage get to play the first qualifier. A defeat in this fixture still restores a chance for the team to make another stride. The winner from Qualifier 2, played between the third and fourth-ranked teams, faces the loser from Qualifier 1 to take the spot in the IPL final. Clearly, any team aims to gain the cushion of two matches to grab a seat in the final.

Following the qualifications of the IPL 2025 playoffs, Gujarat Titans, with 18 points in 12 matches, were the favorites for a Top 2 finish. With two matches still remaining at the group stage, GT held the chance to reach 22 points, the highest possible among the final four. However, the situation has grown precarious as the Titans have lost both of their following matches. First, Lucknow Super Giants beat GT by 33 runs before their NRR was further dented in the GT vs CSK match, which they lost by 83 runs at home.

Now, GT could be overtaken by any of the three teams, with Mumbai Indians boasting a better run rate than the Titans. The equation now depends solely on the outcome of two key fixtures: the PBKS vs MI match in Jaipur and the RCB vs LSG match at the Ekana Stadium.

Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, currently sit on 17 points and have already clinched a playoff berth for the first time in over a decade. A win against Mumbai Indians in the PBKS vs MI contest will guarantee them a Top 2 finish with the possibility of moving to 19 points. A loss, however, will be enough to push Punjab Kings down to the Eliminator in the IPL 2025 playoffs.

Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians, captained by Hardik Pandya, are sitting in fourth place with 16 points. Before the heavy defeats for GT, MI looked the farthest in the race for the Top 2 finish. However, multiple equations have played in their favor with all, GT, MI, and PBKS losing their crucial fixtures. The task for MI from here is straightforward, beat Punjab Kings and book a Qualifier 1 spot. A defeat will push them into the Eliminator. Notably, all five of MI’s IPL titles have come in seasons where they finished in the Top 2 as they’ve never gone on to win the title after playing the Eliminator.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are currently at level with Punjab Kings on 17 points but are placed below them due to a weaker net run rate. Led by Rajat Patidar, they will face Lucknow Super Giants in their final league match on Tuesday. A win will cement their top-two finish. However, a defeat would rank them behind both PBKS and GT, placing them into the Eliminator. If both RCB and PBKS win their final matches, against LSG and MI respectively, they will occupy the top two spots, regardless of other results.

Gujarat Titans

Gujarat Titans, under the leadership of Shubman Gill, have completed their league fixtures and top the table for now. At the end of their 14 matches at the league stage, GT sit with 18 points and the NRR of +0.254. The two back-to-back losses at home have dented their chances for the Top 2 finish. While currently ranked at the top, GT is fated to be overtaken either by RCB or PBKS. Their position now depends on the other results. GT now depend on both PBKS and RCB losing their final games, only then will Gujarat Titans, alongside Mumbai Indians, secure the coveted top-two finish.