After an intense league stage of the IPL 2025, the playoffs are going to be a spectacle of high-octane action and drama. The four qualifying teams; Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians have their own distinct stories, journeys and strengths which will be shown and developed in these playoffs.
Now, after a captivating league and playoff qualification, it is all about reaching a final goal, seeing how nerves, tactics, and the vagaries of a cricket match come together to see who will raise the trophy.
The Playoff Format
- Qualifier 1: The top two teams (GT and RCB at the moment) play against each other; the winners go directly to the finals. The losing team will have another opportunity to qualify as they will play in Qualifier 2.
- Eliminator: The two teams currently placed third and fourth (PBKS and MI) will play a knockout match. The losing team is knocked out while the winning team will proceed to Qualifier 2.
- Qualifier 2: The losing team from Qualifier 1 will play the winning team from Eliminator and the winner will proceed to the finals.
- Final: The winners of Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 2 will face off for the IPL title.
| Teams | Matches | Win | Loss | Net Run Rate | Points |
| Gujarat Titans (GT) | 12 | 9 | 3 | +0.795 | 18 |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) | 12 | 8 | 3 | +0.482 | 17 |
| Punjab Kings (PBKS) | 12 | 8 | 3 | +0.389 | 17 |
| Mumbai Indians (MI) | 13 | 8 | 5 | +1.292 | 16 |
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1. Gujarat Titans (GT)
GT have been the most complete team this season, currently in first place with 18 points and a superb net run rate. They have achieved this with a very strong batting unit led by Shubman Gill and flexible bowling resources with Rashid Khan and Mohammed Shami.
Path to the Final
GT needed only one win from their last two matches to assure a top-2 finish, which all but secured them as a participant in Qualifier 1. Their best case scenario for the final is a fresh win in Qualifier 1 – using the veteran experience, and calming presence of Gill and GT to overcome the pressure of big games.
2. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
RCB have highly relied on Virat Kohli’s batting, Faf du Plessis’ captaincy, and Glenn Maxwell’s all-rounder performance. Their bowling has improved from severe weakness into possible strength, particularly during the final overs. RCB’s problem may well be consistency and handling the pressure of knockout cricket, which has let them down in seasons past.
Path to the Final
RCB have positioned themselves solidly within the four to have a strong chance of making the final four. They have at least one win from two games remaining. If they lose Qualifier 1, they will play again in Qualifier 2, depending on whether RCB can put it together when it matters and get over their playoff jitters from the past.
3. Punjab Kings (PBKS)
PBKS have made the playoffs with momentum and an explosive batting order and bowling attack capable of surprises. Their challenges will be keeping themselves in games with inconsistency, mainly the biggest offenders are in the middle-order and death bowlers. The game against MI will factor into where they position themselves for the playoffs.
Path to the Final
PBKS are almost assured to play in the Eliminator match. To play in the finals they would have to win three consecutive knockouts, which is a little tough but also not impossible if they carry on their aggressive game.
4. Mumbai Indians (MI)
MI have made it into the playoffs through the smallest of margins, but they are still the most dangerous side when it comes to knockout games due to their pedigree of champions. Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav are the tail of a deep batting order while Jasprit Bumrah is the chief of an effective and dangerous bowling line. The net run rate coin they have has also proven to be psychologically helpful in pressured situations.
Path to the Final
MI’s most probable way is the Eliminator. Their attribute of having a lot of experience within games with stakes makes them a threat for their opponent at any given time of playoffs, especially if their form hits at the right time it could be their 6th title.
The Road Ahead
Whether it’s a GT vs RCB showdown, a PBKS fairytale, or MI’s knockout masterclass, the IPL 2025 playoffs promise a rollercoaster of emotions. With every ball, the hopes of millions will rise and fall. As the league’s best prepare for the final assault, one thing is certain: only the bravest, smartest, and most resilient will claim cricket’s most coveted T20 prize.
Written By Smita Singh
