Explained: How Punjab Kings Earned Two Shots at IPL 2025 Final Glory
NEW DELHI: In a breathtaking display of dominance, Punjab Kings (PBKS) clinched their spot in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025 with a commanding seven-wicket triumph over Mumbai Indians in their final league encounter at the iconic Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Monday. This victory catapulted PBKS to the summit of the points table with an impressive 19 points, marking their first top-two finish in 11 years—a historic milestone for a franchise long yearning for playoff success.
Under the astute guidance of head coach Ricky Ponting and the dynamic leadership of captain Shreyas Iyer, who sealed the win with a monstrous six over long-on, Punjab’s resurgence this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a blend of tactical brilliance and raw talent, they’ve turned doubters into believers. But beyond the euphoria of this achievement lies a crucial strategic edge: two chances to reach the IPL 2025 final. Let’s break down why this advantage could be their golden ticket to lifting their maiden IPL trophy.
The IPL playoff structure is designed to reward consistency during the league phase, comprising four high-stakes matches: Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Grand Final. The top two teams—currently led by Punjab Kings—face off in Qualifier 1. The winner books a direct ticket to the final, while the loser isn’t out of the race yet. They get a second bite at the cherry in Qualifier 2, where they’ll meet the winner of the Eliminator (a do-or-die clash between the third and fourth-placed teams). This format hands PBKS a valuable lifeline: win Qualifier 1, and they’re through; lose, and they still have a shot in Qualifier 2 to make amends.
For teams finishing third or fourth, the stakes are brutally high. A loss in the Eliminator means an abrupt end to their campaign, with no room for error. In contrast, Punjab Kings’ cushion of a second opportunity is a testament to their relentless form throughout the league stage, where they’ve notched up 9 wins in 14 matches, including a stunning streak of five consecutive victories leading into the playoffs. Their batting, spearheaded by Iyer’s composed 789 runs at an average of 52.6, and their bowling, led by the fiery pace of Arshdeep Singh with 22 wickets, have been pivotal to this success.
As PBKS gears up for Qualifier 1, the weight of history and expectation looms large. Having never won an IPL title since the tournament’s inception in 2008, the two chances to reach the final represent more than just a statistical edge—it’s a chance to rewrite their legacy. With momentum, belief, and a squad firing on all cylinders, Punjab Kings are poised to seize this opportunity. Will they capitalize on this advantage and etch their name in IPL folklore? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: under Ponting and Iyer, PBKS are no longer underdogs—they’re title contenders.