The race for IPL 2025 playoffs is excited as Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) have officially made their way into the top four after GT’s massive win over Delhi Capitals (DC) on Sunday night.
With one remaining playoff position still to be filled, the race is now down to the three teams: Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants. All of them are in contention, but the paths to qualification are different for each and full of ifs and buts.
Current Standings:
GT’s victory propelled them to the top of the table on 18 points, with RCB and PBKS close behind on 17 points. They are all on 12 matches, which means they all have two more league games left to play. For LSG, they can only get a maximum of 16 points if they win all three of their remaining games and that is only if MI and DC do not perform.
The May 21 showdown between MI and DC is likely to be the tipping point. For MI and DC, only one of the two can make it to 17 or more points as they are currently on 14 and 13 points respectively. Whoever loses that match will likely be eliminated whilst the winner remains in the hunt, but with variable outcomes still in places depending on their final match of the group and LSG’s results.
Scenario Watch:
- Delhi Capitals: They must win against MI on May 21 to stay in the tournament. They also have their final league match against PBKS.
- Mumbai Indians: If MI lose to DC then their tournament is precarious. MI must win against PBKS and hope that DC lose to PBKS and that LSG lose at least one remaining match.
- Lucknow Super Giants: To have a shot at reaching 16 points LSG must win all matches and also hope MI or DC don’t finish beyond 16 points.
A Historic Turnaround for PBKS
This season represents a considerable turnaround for PBKS. After stinking for years now, the franchise is assured of a top-four finish for the first time since IPL 2014, with new captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting showing consistency and resilience, making fans and analysts take note.
Top-Two Finish Still at Stake
While GT, RCB, and PBKS will be confirmed in the playoffs, the top-two finish is not yet determined. The teams who finish 1st and 2nd will meet in Qualifier 1, with winner moving directly to the Finals and the loser going to Qualifier 2 against Eliminator winner (the 3rd and 4th place teams). While there are minimum league games remaining, the IPL 2025 season is headed toward a dramatic end, especially for the final playoff spot and for the top two positions.
Read More: Clinical Titans Storm into Playoffs as Sudharsan, Gill Demolish Delhi Capitals
