IPL 2025 playoffs race: Top-two qualification scenarios explained

With the league stage nearing its conclusion, four teams — Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Mumbai Indians (MI) — have secured playoff berths. Now, the race intensifies for the top two positions, which offer a direct path to Qualifier 1 and two chances at making the final.

Gujarat Titans (18 points) are best placed. A win in their final match against Chennai Super Kings on May 25 guarantees them the top spot with 20 points. If they lose, they can still finish in the top two if RCB lose their last match.

Punjab Kings (17 points) face Mumbai Indians on May 26. A win puts them in contention, but they must also hope that either GT or RCB lose their final match.

RCB (17 points), currently third due to a lower Net Run Rate (NRR), play Lucknow Super Giants on May 27. A win alone won’t ensure a top-two finish — they also need a loss for either GT or PBKS.

Mumbai Indians (16 points) need a win over PBKS and hope for a loss from GT or RCB to sneak into the top two.

The final week promises a dramatic finish as every result reshapes the playoff equation.

Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals

Punjab Kings’ hopes of securing a top-two IPL 2025 finish ended after a six-wicket loss to Delhi Capitals in a replayed match on Saturday. Despite posting a strong 206-8, led by Shreyas Iyer’s 53 and Marcus Stoinis’ explosive 44* off 16 balls, Delhi chased down the target with three balls to spare, finishing at 208-4. Sameer Rizvi starred with a blistering unbeaten 58 off 25 balls — his maiden IPL fifty — while Karun Nair added 44 in a key 62-run partnership. The game, initially abandoned in Dharamsala due to floodlight failure during air raid alerts, was replayed after the IPL resumed following military tensions between India and Pakistan. Mustafizur Rahman took 3-33 for Delhi, while Punjab pacers leaked heavily in the death overs. Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have joined Punjab in the playoffs, with final standings — and top-two home advantage — still to be decided. (With inputs from Agencies)