The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is heading into its final week, but the battle for the all-important top-two finish remains fiercely alive. With Match 66 (PBKS vs DC) in the books and just four matches left in the league stage, Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Mumbai Indians are locked in a nail-biting sprint toward Qualifier 1.
Losses faced by GT, RCB and PBKS have spiced up the situation and have given fans something to look forward to in the remaining games. This playoffs’ road to the final started in 2011, and phenomenally, only once has a team finishing below second managed to lift a title. That was obviously the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who finished third but still managed to beat RCB in the final in 2016.
Here’s a full breakdown of where things stand and what each team needs to finish in the top two:
Top Two Qualification chances
| Team | M | W | L | Pts | NRR | Top 2 Chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gujarat Titans (Q) | 13 | 9 | 4 | 18 | +0.602 | 76% |
| Punjab Kings (Q) | 13 | 8 | 4 | 17 | +0.327 | 47% |
| RCB (Q) | 13 | 8 | 4 | 17 | +0.255 | 40% |
| Mumbai Indians (Q) | 13 | 8 | 5 | 16 | +1.292 | 37% |
What do the Gujarat Titans (18 points, 1 match left) need to do?
Current Position: 1st
Next Match: vs Chennai Super Kings – Sunday, May 25
Top-Two Qualification Scenario:
- Win vs CSK: Guaranteed top spot with 20 points.
- Lose vs CSK: Still finish in the top two if RCB or PBKS lose their final game.
What do the Punjab Kings (17 points, 1 match left) need to do?
Current Position: 2nd
Next Match: vs Mumbai Indians – Monday, May 26
Top-Two Qualification Scenario:
- Win vs MI: Can reach 19 points, but still need either GT or RCB to lose.
- Loss vs MI: Out of the top-two race.
What do Royal Challengers Bengaluru (17 points, 1 match left) need to do?
Current Position: 3rd (lower NRR than PBKS)
Next Match: vs Lucknow Super Giants – Tuesday, May 27
Top-Two Qualification Scenario:
- Win vs LSG: Need PBKS or GT to lose.
- Loss vs LSG: Cannot finish in the top two.
What do the Mumbai Indians (16 points, 1 match left) need to do?
Current Position: 4th
Next Match: vs Punjab Kings – Monday, May 26
Top-Two Qualification Scenario:
- Win vs PBKS: Will reach 18 points but must hope RCB and GT lose their games.
- Loss vs PBKS: Eliminated from top-two contention.
The post IPL 2025 top two Qualification Race: GT, PBKS, RCB & MI jostle for Qualifier 1 berth appeared first on Inside Sport India.