Are All Four Teams Still in the Race to Finish in the Top 2 for the IPL 2025 Playoffs?

As the 64th match of IPL 2025 ended, there seems to be no movement in the points table, but the way other teams are closing in. Gujarat Titans’ 33-run loss to Lucknow Super Giants at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium has made their top-two finish a tougher climb. With Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings hot on their heels at 17 points, GT’s 18 points from 13 matches (9 wins, 4 losses) now feel less secure, and this defeat could dent their momentum heading into the playoffs.

LSG, already out of playoff contention, posted a daunting 235/2, powered by Mitchell Marsh’s blistering 117 off 64 balls (10 fours, 8 sixes) and Nicholas Pooran’s unbeaten 56 off 27 (4 fours, 5 sixes). Their 121-run second-wicket stand overwhelmed GT’s bowlers, with only Sai Kishore (1/34) and Arshad Khan (1/36) taking wickets. GT’s decision to bowl first backfired on a batter-friendly black-soil pitch.

Chasing 236, GT started strongly with 67/1 in the powerplay, but early losses hurt. Sai Sudharsan (21 off 16), Shubman Gill (35 off 20), and Jos Buttler (33 off 18) fell by the 10th over. Shahrukh Khan’s 57 off 29 and Sherfane Rutherford’s 38 off 22 kept hopes alive, but Will O’Rourke (3/27) and Avesh Khan (2/51) tightened the screws. GT finished at 202/9, with Ayush Badoni’s 2/4 in the final over sealing LSG’s consolation win.

What the Gujarat Titans Need to Do to Finish in the Top Two?

As the Gujarat Titans team looks to finish strong in the IPL 2025 league stage, they currently sit at the top of the points table with 18 points from 13 matches. With 9 wins and 4 losses, their campaign has been marked by consistency and control, reflected in a healthy net run rate of +0.602. Their recent form has seen three wins in the last five matches, although they come into the final league game on the back of a loss. The Titans now prepare to face Chennai Super Kings on May 25 in Ahmedabad, a crucial clash that could solidify their top-two finish. The scenarios for the Gujarat Titans team to finish in the top two are:

Scenario 1

With the calculators out for the Gujarat Titans, their path to a top-two finish in IPL 2025 hinges on their final league game against Chennai Super Kings and other teams’ results. Sitting at 18 points after 13 matches, GT’s loss to Lucknow Super Giants by 33 runs has made things tricky, but a top-two spot, which secures a direct shot at the final via Qualifier 1, is still within reach.

One for the greater good 🤝💜 pic.twitter.com/pft4fvVdJw

— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) May 22, 2025

If GT beats CSK on May 25, they’ll hit 20 points. To lock in a top-two finish, they need either Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB, 17 points) or Punjab Kings (PBKS, 17 points) to lose at least one of their remaining two games. If RCB win both, they’d reach 21 points, GT would have 20, and PBKS could hit 19, potentially pushing GT to second. Alternatively, if PBKS win both, they’d climb to 21, GT would stay at 20, and RCB could drop to 19, still giving GT a top-two spot. GT’s strong net run rate (+0.602) gives them an edge in tight scenarios.

Scenario 2

If GT loses to CSK, they’ll stay at 18 points, and things get tougher. In one scenario, Mumbai Indians (MI, 16 points) must beat PBKS, and PBKS must also lose to Delhi Capitals (DC), while RCB drops both their games. This would leave MI and GT at 18 points, PBKS at 17, and RCB at 17, with GT’s net run rate likely securing second place.

In another scenario, PBKS must beat MI, and RCB must lose both matches, resulting in PBKS at 19, GT at 18, RCB at 17, and MI at 16, again favoring GT for second due to their net run rate. GT’s fate depends on their CSK game and hoping RCB or PBKS stumble, but their strong season keeps them in a good spot.

What If Gujarat Titans Finish Outside the Top Two?

As things stand in favor of the Gujarat Titans, there are still scenarios where they could slip out of the top two in IPL 2025, despite their solid 18 points from 13 matches. With Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) each on 17 points from 12 matches, GT’s path to a top-two finish, which offers a direct shot at Qualifier 1, isn’t guaranteed.

You can't 𝙎𝙠𝙞𝙥 this! 📹💙 pic.twitter.com/7eTwgqcsS6

— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) May 22, 2025

Scenario 1

If RCB and PBKS both win their remaining two games, they’ll leap to 21 points each. Even if GT beat Chennai Super Kings (CS barkCSK) on May 25 to reach 20 points, they’d still finish third behind RCB and PBKS. If GT lose to CSK, they’d stay at 18 points, making third place certain as RCB and PBKS surge ahead. GT’s healthy net run rate (+0.602) won’t help if both teams hit 21 points.

Scenario 2

Another scenario sees GT losing to CSK, staying at 18 points. If RCB (facing SRH and LSG) and PBKS (facing DC and MI) each lose one of their two games, they’d both end up with 19 points. This would still push GT to third, as RCB and PBKS would edge them out. GT’s hopes of a top-two spot would then rely on their net run rate advantage, but only if points are tied.

Upcoming Matches of the IPL 2025

With four IPL teams confirmed for the IPL 2025 playoffs, Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Mumbai Indians (MI) — the race for the top two spots is heating up as the league stage wraps up. These final six matches, from May 23 to May 27, will decide who gets the coveted top two positions for a direct shot at Qualifier 1. On May 23, RCB faces Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Lucknow at 7:30 PM. RCB, with 17 points from 12 matches, need a win to reach 19 points and strengthen their top-two chances.

SRH, already out, could play spoiler. On May 24, PBKS takes on Delhi Capitals (DC) in Jaipur at 7:30 PM. PBKS, also on 17 points, can hit 19 with a victory, while DC, fighting for the fourth playoff spot, requires a big win to stay alive. May 25 brings a double-header: GT, with 18 points, meets Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Ahmedabad at 3:30 PM. A win could push GT to 20 points, securing a top-two spot, but a loss keeps them at 18, vulnerable to RCB and PBKS.

𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙨 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙙 🔢

Did your favourite team qualify for the Playoffs? 🤔#TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/LtiXumlWdq

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 22, 2025

Later, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) face SRH in Delhi at 7:30 PM, with KKR already eliminated. On May 26, PBKS plays MI in Jaipur at 7:30 PM. MI, with 16 points, need a win to confirm their playoff spot, while PBKS aim for 19 points. Finally, on May 27, LSG, out of contention, hosts RCB in Lucknow at 7:30 PM, where RCB could seal a top-two spot with a win. GT’s strong net run rate (+0.602) gives them an edge, but RCB and PBKS are hot on their heels, making these matches crucial for the final standings.