In the gripping race to the IPL 2025 playoffs, Punjab Kings (PBKS) have already clinched a coveted top-two position after a clinical victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) in Jaipur on Monday. This result has secured PBKS a direct shot at the final through Qualifier 1, while MI, finishing fourth, will face off in the high-stakes Eliminator on May 30 in Mullanpur. Now, all eyes turn to the final league clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow, a match that will shape the playoff destinies of RCB and Gujarat Titans (GT).
As the IPL 2025 league stage draws to a thrilling close, the playoff structure promises intense drama. The winner of Qualifier 1, scheduled for May 29 in Mullanpur, earns a direct ticket to the grand finale on June 3 in Ahmedabad. The loser, however, gets a second chance through Qualifier 2 on June 1, where they will face the winner of the Eliminator. With so much at stake, let’s break down how RCB or GT can secure a top-two finish and join PBKS in the upper echelon of the points table.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Scenarios (17 points, +0.255 NRR):
RCB, who have enjoyed a remarkable resurgence this season under the leadership of Faf du Plessis and the explosive batting of Virat Kohli, face LSG in a do-or-die encounter. A victory will guarantee RCB a top-two finish, potentially setting up a blockbuster Qualifier 1 clash with PBKS. To leapfrog PBKS for the top spot, RCB must win big—either by a margin of 34 runs if they post a score of 200 batting first, or by chasing a 200-run target with at least 21 balls to spare. Should they falter against LSG, RCB will slip to third place and face MI in the Eliminator on May 30. With Kohli in sublime form, having already crossed 600 runs this season, and young talent like Rajat Patidar stepping up, RCB will be confident of sealing the deal.
Gujarat Titans (GT) Scenarios (18 points, +0.254 NRR):
For GT, led by the dynamic Shubman Gill, the path to a top-two finish hinges on the outcome of the RCB-LSG clash. Even with 18 points in the bag—one more than RCB—GT’s fate is no longer in their hands after completing their league matches. If LSG manage to upset RCB, GT will secure the second spot behind PBKS due to their superior points tally. However, an RCB victory will push GT down to third, setting up an Eliminator showdown against MI. GT’s campaign has been powered by Gill’s consistent run-scoring (he’s among the top five run-getters this season with over 550 runs) and the pace attack led by Mohammed Shami. But for now, they can only watch and hope for a favorable result.
Playoff Schedule at a Glance:
– May 29: Qualifier 1 in Mullanpur (Top 1 vs Top 2)
– May 30: Eliminator in Mullanpur (3rd vs 4th)
– June 1: Qualifier 2 in Ahmedabad (Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator)
– June 3: Final in Ahmedabad
The IPL 2025 playoff race couldn’t be more exciting. With PBKS already poised for a strong title challenge under Shikhar Dhawan—boasting a balanced squad with the likes of Jonny Bairstow and Kagiso Rabada—the battle for the second spot adds another layer of intrigue. Will RCB, fueled by their passionate fanbase and Kohli’s hunger for an elusive IPL title, clinch the advantage? Or will GT sneak through with a bit of luck? One thing is certain: the final league game in Lucknow will be a spectacle of cricketing intensity, and we’ll be here to bring you every twist and turn as the playoffs loom large.