IPL 2025: Leading contenders for a Top 2 finish in the group stage

It did not seem to take long for another edition of the Indian Premier League to reach the business end of the proceedings. IPL 2025 has showcased the ultimate thrill in the season so far as the campaign swiftly approaches the playoffs. From underdogs claiming the top spots on the points table to a former champion scripting a comeback for the ages, the 18th edition of the IPL has seen it all. And yet, a lot remains to unfold in the season. With numbered matches left at the league stage, eight teams still remain in contention to enter the IPL 2025 playoffs. However, the contrast is seamless to highlight, with some of the teams clearly leading the contest and positioning themselves to earn the cushion of finishing the group stage at the top two spots.

Top contenders to earn a Top 2 finish at the conclusion of IPL 2025 group stage

The teams that finish at the top two spots play the Qualifier 1. Even if a team loses the first clash in the playoffs, they get another chance to vie for a place in the IPL final. While the winner of the Qualifier clash directly enters the final, the loser gets to play the eliminator with the winner of the Qualifier 2. The second Qualifier, meanwhile, features the third- and fourth-placed teams on the points table at the end of the group stage. Clearly, any team wishes to finish the group stage at either of the first two spots on the points table. In IPL 2025, the likes of Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have put on performances fitting to conclude the group stage as the top-placed teams.

Mumbai Indians

Boasting five trophies in their cabinet, the joint-most in IPL history, Mumbai Indians have the notorious reputation of starting an IPL season with a defeat. IPL 2025 was no different, as the season started with a defeat against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings in the CSK vs MI campaign opener. However, concerns mounted when the five-time champions failed to pick up their form in the next matches as well. In the first five matches, MI, led by Hardik Pandya, could win only one match. However, when the form hit back, it made the group unmatched. A win against Delhi Capitals in the DC vs MI match in Delhi set the campaign afloat.

Since then, MI has notched five more victories on the trot, capturing the top spot on the IPL 2025 points table with 14 points in 11 matches. Needing just two wins in three matches to qualify, MI sit as the favorites for the ideal group-stage finish. Moreover, the form of the team only solidifies the belief. Rohit Sharma has redeemed his form, aligning perfectly with the batting order that only deepens with Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya. Moreover, the much-hyped pace attack with Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah has justified the hype, with the attack proving lethal for opposition, in addition to Deepak Chahar.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

It's not a story of comeback for RCB, unlike MI in IPL 2025. The fan-favorites have been consistent in their onslaught this season. Royal Challengers Bengaluru are yet to be challenged by any team in away fixtures so far. In the seven matches that the group has played away from Chinnaswamy, no home team has proved able to shield their fortress against RCB. Meanwhile, the home turf that played out of their favour finally warmed up to the team in the RCB vs RR match.

Finally earning the understanding of what Chinnaswamy requires this season, the Challengers have seemingly found the only piece missing from their puzzle to make this season historic for the team. Right now, RCB is placed second on the IPL 2025 points table with 14 points in 11 matches. Their next fixture brings them back home to face their arch-rivals, Chennai Super Kings, in the RCB vs CSK match at Chinnaswamy.

Gujarat Titans

A top order that rarely falters, Gujarat Titans locked their spot at the top of the points table in IPL 2025. Redefining consistency with their top order consisting of skipper Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler, Gujarat Titans have already accumulated 12 points. The IPL 2022 champions, meanwhile, still have five matches left at the group stage, with ample opportunities to break into the top two. With an NRR of +0.74, GT lag behind only MI in the net run rate race. As Prasidh Krishna and Sai Kishore continue to complement the in-form batting order seamlessly with their fine bowling onslaught, Gujarat Titans could challenge the currently better-placed teams on the points table.