IPL 2025 Scenarios: How MI, RCB, GT And PBKS Can Secure Top 2 Finish

With just two matches left in the league stage, the battle for a top-two finish in IPL 2025 is now in the hands of Mumbai Indians (MI) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). PBKS are currently sitting at 17 points while the five-time champions have 16 points. Apart from them, Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are also in the race with 18 and 17 points respectively. On Sunday, GT faced a shocking 83-run defeat against Chennai Super Kings and ended their league stage with 18 points.

All four teams are desperate to finish in the first two spots, in order to play the Qualifier 1 match in the playoffs. On Monday, PBKS will be taking on Mumbai Indians and this clash will seal one berth of the first two positions. 

The winner of the PBKS and MI match will secure a top-two finish as a victory would see the Shreyas Iyer-led side reach 19 points while MI will reach 18 points if they manage to beat their opponents today.

Mumbai Indians have the best NRR among the top teams at +1.292, followed by Punjab Kings with +0.327.

Here's what all the teams need to do, in order to have a top two finish: 

MI (16 pts, +1.292 NRR)

Win = Top two confirmed as their NRR is superior than GT. 

Lose = Will not finish in top two as PBKS will then have 19 points and GT already have 18.

PBKS (17 pts, +0.327 NRR)

Win = Top two confirmed as GT are stuck at 18 points and RCB can finish with only 19.

Lose = Must rely on RCB losing or not winning by huge a margin.

RCB (17 pts, +0.255 NRR)

Win = Top two confirmed as GT are stuck at 18 points and PBKS can finish only at 19.

Lose = PBKS must lose to MI and then hope that their own NRR should be superior than GT. 

GT (18 pts, +0.254 NRR)

GT lost their last league stage match against Chennai Super Kings by 83 runs. Now, their chance of a top two finish depends on the results of the rest of the teams. 

Either of MI or PBKS and RCB should lose their remaining matches in order to let GT finish in the top two.

With just four teams realistically in the hunt for the top two, the final league matches are critical. MI and PBKS control their destiny and look well placed to grab those spots. For RCB and GT, it's a long shot—but in the IPL, surprises are always possible.

Expect fireworks, drama, and a tense finish as IPL 2025 moves into its playoff phase.

Topics mentioned in this article

Mumbai Indians Punjab Kings Gujarat Titans Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2025 Cricket