NEW DELHI: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has delivered its fair share of thrills, but the drama is far from over. With the conclusion of Match 63, Mumbai Indians (MI) sealed the fourth and final playoff spot with a resounding 59-run win over Delhi Capitals, ending the top-four race with seven league-stage matches still remaining.Now, the focus shifts to the final leg of the league stage — a high-stakes battle between the four qualified teams: Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Mumbai Indians (MI) — all vying for a coveted top-two finish. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The top two teams earn a direct berth in Qualifier 1, giving them two shots at reaching the grand final, a massive advantage in the playoffs format.Who's that IPL player?Surprisingly, in a twist few predicted, each of the current top three teams — GT, RCB, and PBKS — stumbled in their penultimate league games against already-eliminated teams. This opened up the race, ensuring that the final standings will only be confirmed after the last league game on Tuesday, May 27.Here’s a breakdown of what each team needs to do to finish in the top two:
Sai Sudharsan’s T20 Evolution: Where skill meets science | TOI Sports Exclusive
Gujarat Titans (18 points, 1 match left)Current Position: 1stRemaining Match: vs Chennai Super Kings on Sunday (May 25)Top-Two Qualification Scenario:
- Win: Guaranteed top spot with 20 points.
- Lose: Still possible to finish in top two, but only if RCB lose their final game.
Punjab Kings (17 points, 1 match left)Current Position: 2ndRemaining Match: vs Mumbai Indians on Monday (May 26)Top-Two Qualification Scenario:
- Win and hope either GT or RCB lose their final match.
'Better now than in playoffs': Phil Salt reflects on RCB's first away loss in IPL 2025
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (17 points, 1 match left)Current Position: 3rd (due to lower NRR than PBKS)Remaining Match: vs Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday (May 27)Top-Two Qualification Scenario:
- Win and hope either GT or PBKS lose their final match.
Mumbai Indians (16 points, 1 match left)Current Position: 4thRemaining Match: vs Punjab Kings on Monday (May 26)Top-Two Qualification Scenario:
- Win and hope either GT or RCB lose their final game.
The stage is set for a thrilling finish. With each team’s fate delicately intertwined, fans can expect a dramatic final week before the playoffs begin.
English (US) ·