IPL 2025, after the playoffs scenario the top four spots were secured by Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Mumbai Indians (MI). As the tournament nears its conclusion, the remaining four matches – with each Playoff team still to play – mean the race for a top-two finish, and a double-elimination advantage, is still very much alive.
Race to the Playoffs: Updated Standings as of May 25, 2025
| Team | Match Played | Points | NRR(Net Run Rate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gujarat Titans (GT) | 13 | 18 | +0.602 |
| Punjab Kings (PBKS) | 13 | 17 | +0.327 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | 13 | 17 | +0.255 |
| Mumbai Indians (MI) | 13 | 16 | +1.292 |
As the competition heats up, here’s a breakdown of what each team needs to secure their spot in IPL 2025.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
Gujarat Titans next match is against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 25,2025 at Ahmedabad.
If GT Wins, they’ll lock in 20 points and officially seal 1st place, heading straight to Qualifier 1.
If GT Loses, they stay on 18 points and still in the race for a top-two finish, but it’ll depend on how RCB and PBKS perform in their final games. A loss from either team could still keep GT in the top two.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Punjab Kings next match is against Mumbai Indians (MI) on May 26,2025 at Jaipur.
If PBKS Win it, and they’re on 19 points – with a real shot at a top-two finish, but only if either GT or RCB slip up in their final matches.
If PBKS Lose, and they’re stuck at 17 points, most likely landing in 3rd or 4th position, which means a spot in the Eliminator, not the easier Qualifier 1.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru next match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 27,2025 at Lucknow.
If RCB win, it takes them to 19 points, keeping hopes alive for a top-two finish-but they’ll need either GT or PBKS to falter in their final matches.
If RCB loss, it leaves them on 17 points, most likely pushing them into 3rd or 4th place, and straight into the Eliminator, missing the Qualifier 1 advantage.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Mumbai Indians next match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 26,2025 at Jaipur.
If MI win, and they jump to 18 points, keeping a slim chance at a top-two finish-but only if both GT and RCB lose their final games.
If MI lose, and it’s a wrap at 16 points, locking them into 4th place and a ticket to the Eliminator, with no shot at the top two.
A clash of 2⃣ generations! 💙💛
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 25, 2025
Who's going to finish the league stage with 2⃣ points?
Updates ▶ https://t.co/P6Px72jm7j#TATAIPL | #GTvCSK | @gujarat_titans | @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/6lnHMImCKm
Final Conclusion of IPL 2025 Top-Two Race :
the final few league matches of IPL 2025, the race for the top two spots-which offer a second chance via Qualifier 1—is extremely tight among GT, PBKS, RCB, and MI. Below are the bottom lines:
Most Likely Top-Two Teams (Based on Current Points and NRR)
- Gujarat Titans (GT) – Already on 18 points with best chance to finish 1st if they beat CSK.
- Winner of PBKS vs MI – This match is a virtual knockout for the 2nd spot. If MI wins, their strong NRR (+1.292) gives them the edge.
GT is almost safe for the top two with a win. The PBKS vs MI clash is effectively a top-two eliminator, while RCB still has an outside shot if they win big and others falter.
The Final Countdown: Don’t Miss Below Last IPL 2025 Showdowns!
| Date | Time (IST) | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 25, 2025 | 3:30 PM | GT vs CSK | Ahmedabad |
| May 25, 2025 | 7:30 PM | KKR vs SRH | Delhi |
| May 26, 2025 | 7:30 PM | MI vs PBKS | Jaipur |
| May 27, 2025 | 7:30 PM | LSG vs RCB | Lucknow |
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