The Indian Premier League 2025 is reaching its final stage, and the competition is to finish in the top two in the points table. Securing a top-two finish provides teams the safety net of a second playoff chance via Qualifier 1, making it a strategic advantage worth fighting for.
Current IPL 2025 Points Table (AS of May 26, 2025)
| Team | M | W | L | NRR | Pts |
| GT | 14 | 9 | 5 | +0.254 | 18 |
| PBKS | 13 | 8 | 4 | +0.327 | 17 |
| RCB | 13 | 8 | 4 | +0.255 | 17 |
| MI | 13 | 8 | 5 | +1.292 | 16 |
| DC | 14 | 7 | 6 | +0.011 | 15 |
| SRH | 14 | 6 | 7 | -0.241 | 13 |
| LSG | 13 | 6 | 7 | -0.337 | 12 |
| KKR | 14 | 5 | 7 | -0.305 | 12 |
| RR | 14 | 4 | 10 | -0.549 | 8 |
| CSK | 14 | 4 | 10 | -0.647 | 8 |
Gujarat Titans (GT): Sitting on the Top
The Gujarat Titans have shown up as the table-toppers this season with 18 points from 14 games. Their disciplined bowling and solid top order have been important in securing their top spot. Gujarat Titans lock in a place in Qualifier 1.
Punjab Kings (PBKS): Dark Horses in the Race
Tied on 17 points with RCB but securing qualifier 2 in the points table with the help of NRR, Punjab Kings have shocked many with their consistency this season. Backed by power hitters like Liam Livingstone and dependable performances from their bowlers, PBKS could leap to the top if they win their final match and other results go in their favor.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Always Delivery Results
RCB has finally found its rhythm in IPL 2025, standing third with 17 points and a game in hand. Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli have had a good impact with the bat, while the bowling unit has stepped up in pressure moments. One more win will almost guarantee them a top-two finish.
Mumbai Indians (MI): Playoff Regulars Looking to Climb
MI is still in the hunt for a top-two finish with 16 points in 13 matches played. But their chances don’t just depend on winning the match; they also need a good net run rate and the result in the RCB vs. PBKS game. MI’s strong batting lineup is their biggest strength in these must-win situations.
Today, on 26 May at 7:30 pm, this match will be played between MI and PBKS, which will be played in Jaipur. Today’s victory will decide who will become Qualifier 2 on the points table. After this, only one match is left, which will be played between RCB and LSG.
Playoff Format: Why Top Two Matters
The IPL playoff format gives the top two teams an advantage. They face off in Qualifier 1, and the winner goes straight to the final. The loser gets another shot in Qualifier 2, playing the winner of the Eliminator (3rd vs. 4th place). This double chance makes the top two finishers a golden opportunity.
Every ball bowled could impact the points table because only a few matches are left to decide who is Qualifier 2. Gujarat Titans are in the safest position, but RCB, PBKS, and MI are competitive with each other to secure qualifier points in Table 2. After that, the net run rate could be the ultimate decider of who is the secure qualifier 2; expect aggressive strategies and high-intensity cricket in the coming days.
