IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 Race

As IPL 2025 barrels toward its dramatic conclusion, four teams, Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, and Mumbai Indians, remain locked in a tight race for the coveted top-two finish. Let us look at the Details on IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 Race.

With just a few matches remaining in the league stage, the difference between playing in Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator could come down to Net Run Rate or even weather. Each franchise holds its own destiny to varying degrees, and the coming fixtures will determine who gets the upper hand going into the playoffs. 

The top-two finish is particularly significant, as it gives teams two shots at reaching the final, first through Qualifier 1 and then, if needed, through Qualifier 2. Here’s how each of these four sides can still make it to the top two and which two teams are most likely to get there. 

IPL 2025 Qualification Race:

Gujarat Titans

GT currently sit at the top of the table with 18 points and one match left against Chennai Super Kings. A win will all but guarantee them a top-two finish, if RCB and PBKS win one of their remaining two matches, GT’s main task is clear beat CSK and rest wait and watch for RCB and PBKS games. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

RCB have been the surprise package this season, flourishing under Rajat Patidar’s interim leadership. With 17 points and two matches left against SRH and LSG, RCB are very much in the race.  

Winning both will push them to 21 points and an automatic top-two spot. If they lose one match, they’ll need either GT to lose to CSK or PBKS to fail to win both their games. If RCB and PBKS win one of their two games, then the NRR (net run-rate) will come into play. But a loss in both fixtures likely to drop them to the eliminator.  

Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings, tied with RCB at 17 points, also have two remaining fixtures, against DC and MI. Like RCB, two wins push them to 21 and into the top two. But one win could still be enough, provided only one of GT or RCB finishes ahead of them. Their head-to-head with MI is critical, if they beat MI, they not only eliminate Mumbai’s top-two hopes but also bolster their own position significantly. 

Mumbai Indians

MI with 16 points and just one game left, are in the most precarious position. They must beat PBKS and hope for a specific set of results. PBKS must also lose to DC, GT must lose to CSK, or RCB must face defeats in both of their games. Fortunately, MI have the best NRR among all four, which keeps them in contention if multiple teams are tied on points. 

Which teams will finish in the top two?

Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the most likely to finish in the top two. GT have the edge in points and a relatively manageable fixture. RCB, with momentum and two games in hand, held their fate tightly. PBKS and MI need a perfect storm of results and may ultimately fall just short. 

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