After MI lost their last match against the PBKS, they got 4th place in the IPL Point Table in the IPL 2025 playoffs. The IPL 2025 season has reached its final stage, and Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Mumbai Indians want to secure a position between 1st and 2nd to secure their final position.
In this blog, we will see the pointer that will affect their position in getting 1st or 2nd place.
The Unfolding Drama: A Look at the Table
As of today, after the Mumbai Indians’ recent loss, the points table looks something like this:
- Punjab Kings (PBKS): 19 points from 14 matches (Q)
- Gujarat Titans (GT): 18 points from 14 matches (Q)
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): 17 points from 13 matches (Q)
- Mumbai Indians (MI): 16 points from 14 matches (Q)
Source: IPL Point Table
The Unfolding Drama: A Look at the Table
As of today, after the Mumbai Indians’ recent loss, the points table looks something like this:
- Punjab Kings (PBKS): 19 points from 14 matches (Q)
- Gujarat Titans (GT): 18 points from 14 matches (Q)
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): 17 points from 13 matches (Q)
- Mumbai Indians (MI): 16 points from 14 matches (Q)
Source: IPL Point Table
Mumbai Indians, even with their courageous attempts and high Net Run Rate (NRR), have completed their league stage games and, after their previous defeat, are now tied in the fourth position. That implies that their way to the final will be a do-or-die elimination game.
But the actual thrill is with PBKS, GT, and RCB. All three teams have shown periods of brilliance and resilience throughout the season, but their inconsistent form has left it at this thrilling point where the leadership position remains in the balance.
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The Significance of the Top Two Finish
For the newbie, coming in the top two is everything in the IPL 2025 playoff system of the IPL. Here’s why:
Qualifier 1: The Golden Ticket
The first and second teams on the points table at the end of the league stage compete in Qualifier 1. The winner of this game qualifies directly for the final, earning the team a big psychological and logistical boost.
Qualifier 2: The Second Bite of the Cherry
Even if a team loses Qualifier 1, they receive a second chance to qualify for the final. They play against the winner of the Eliminator (the match between the teams who finished 3rd and 4th) in Qualifier 2. This “second chance” is why a top-two finish is so coveted.
For third- and fourth-place teams, it’s a far more daunting ride. They play out the Eliminator, a single-elimination game in which one slip sends them home. No margin for error.
RCB's Fate in Their Hands: The LSG Challenge
The whole IPL 2025 playoff scenario now depends on one key game: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). This is not just some league match; it’s more or less a virtual decider for the top two, and even possibly for the top position.
If RCB defeats LSG:
If Royal Challengers Bengaluru manage to secure a victory against Lucknow Super Giants today, their points tally will go up to 19 points (17 + 2). This puts them on par with Punjab Kings in terms of points.
RCB have an NRR of +0.255 at the moment, marginally higher than that of Gujarat Titans (+0.254) but lower than Punjab Kings (+0.372).
In order for RCB to steal the number one spot away from Punjab Kings, they not only have to win but also need to win convincingly. The math is spot on:
- If RCB bats first and gets a total of 200 runs, they need to win by about 34 runs to surpass the NRR of PBKS.
- If RCB are chasing a score of 200, they need to get it with about 21 balls in hand to become the leader.
Even if they fail to achieve the giant win needed for first place, a mere victory over LSG will ensure RCB a place in the top two (first or second, depending on how heavily they beat LSG and the NRR differences). Thus, RCB would feature in Qualifier 1, earning that precious second chance. Gujarat Titans would thereby fall to third and play Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator.
If RCB Lose To LSG:
If Royal Challengers Bengaluru were to lose their vital game against Lucknow Super Giants, their points total would be 17 points. Their place will be cemented in third spot on the points table in that case.
RCB loss would result in:
- Punjab Kings will be left with their top position
- Gujarat Titans will take the second position, facing Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (3rd) will play Mumbai Indians (4th) in the Eliminator. It is a do-or-die encounter, and for a team such as RCB, which has never been lucky with the trophy, getting no second opportunities in the Eliminator puts so much pressure.
The Final Showdown: A Spectacle Awaits
The IPL 2025 league stage is concluding most thrillingly, leaving the spectators engaged right up to the last match. One solitary last game alone may alter the top spots on the points table, reflecting the challenging and fierce competition this season.
RCB’s match today against LSG is greater than a typical game. It may determine who reaches a top-two position, which provides a huge IPL 2025 playoff advantage, a second opportunity to make it to the final.
The question on everyone’s mind is: Will RCB’s big players rise and take that top-two position? Or will LSG deny them that and force them into the high-risk Eliminator game?