Explained! How Can GT, PBKS, RCB And MI Ensure Top 2 Finish In IPL Points Table (Source: BCCI/IPL)
The IPL 2025 playoffs spots are sealed, but there is still plenty at stake for teams. Gujarat Titans (GT), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI) have qualified for the playoffs, and interestingly, all have a chance to ensure a top two finish which will pave the way for a berth in Qualifier 1, gateway to the direct entry into the final.
How Can GT, PBKS, RCB, MI Ensure A Top 2 Finish?
Gujarat Titans: The Titans are placed at the top of the table with 18 points. A win in the final game against Chennai Super Kings will take their points tally to 20, and it would be enough for them to book a berth in Qualifier 1. In case they lose, their qualification will depend on the outcomes of the PBKS and RCB games. GT will need one of RCB, or PBKS to lose their last game to qualify.
Punjab Kings: PBKS have 17 points to their tally, and they need a win in the final game to reach 19 points. PBKS will then need one of GT or RCB to lose their last game. In that case, PBKS with 19 points will ensure a top-two finish, as the loser won't be able to cross the 19-point mark. If PBKS lose, they'll be stuck at 17 points and will then need both RCB and MI to lose their last game. They'll be tied on points with RCB if the team suffer a defeat in the final game, and thus the side with a better run rate will go through. If PBKS and RCB both win their games, PBKS should go through as they have a better run rate, and should hold onto the advantage unless RCB pick a real big win.
Royal Challengers Bangalore: RCB faces a similar situation to PBKS. They need to win the final game and hope that one of GT or PBKS lose the final game. If they lose, they'll need PBKS and MI to lose their final games. RCB, however, have an inferior run rate to PBKS; thus, even if MI and PBKS lose their games, there are chances RCB might not qualify; thus, a win is a must.
Mumbai Indians: MI have the least odds of qualifying inside the top two. They have 16 points to the tally and can reach a maximum of 18 points. If MI win the last game, and PBKS and RCB suffer defeats in their final games, MI will go through. If one of RCB and PBKS lose the game, along with GT, and MI win the final game, they'll have a good chance of qualifying as they will tie with GT at 18 points, and since they have a superior run rate to GT, MI should go through.
