IPL 2025 Playoff Race: Gujarat Titans Slip, RCB and Punjab Kings Eye Top-2 Finish

The league stage of IPL 2025 is almost complete, and the four playoff teams have been finalized:

• Gujarat Titans
• Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
• Punjab Kings (PBKS)
• Mumbai Indians (MI)

However, just before the playoffs, a major twist has taken place. Gujarat Titans, who were leading the table, may now miss out on a top-2 finish, giving RCB and PBKS a strong chance to move ahead.

Current Standings (Before Remaining Matches)

Team Matches Wins Points Net Run Rate

Gujarat Titans	13	9	18	+0.602
RCB	12	8	17	+0.482
Punjab Kings	12	8	17	+0.389
Mumbai Indians	13	8	16	+1.292

 

What Changed

Gujarat Titans lost a crucial match to Lucknow Super Giants, which means they now have only one match left. Even if they win that, they can reach a maximum of 20 points.

RCB and PBKS, on the other hand, have two matches remaining each. If both win their remaining matches, they can finish with 21 points—surpassing Gujarat and pushing them to third place.

Remaining Fixtures

• RCB vs Hyderabad and Lucknow
• Punjab Kings vs Delhi and Mumbai
• Gujarat Titans have just one remaining match
• Mumbai Indians can only reach 18 points, making top-2 unlikely despite the best net run rate

Why the Top-2 Spot Matters

Finishing in the top two gives a team two opportunities to reach the final:

• Qualifier 1: 1st vs 2nd — winner goes directly to the final
• Eliminator: 3rd vs 4th — loser is eliminated
• Qualifier 2: loser of Qualifier 1 vs winner of Eliminator

Conclusion

Gujarat Titans are in danger of slipping to third despite being the most consistent side through the league. RCB and Punjab Kings now have a golden opportunity to finish in the top two and take a crucial advantage into the playoffs.