Securing a big win over the Mumbai Indians in Match 69 of IPL 2025, the Punjab Kings have booked their entry into Qualifier 1. The playoff scenario is almost clear, but one important question remains: Will GT or RCB join Punjab in the first qualifier?
Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, are to take their first qualifier on 29 May at Mullanpur, which is their home stadium. Mumbai Indians, on the contrary, will shift to the Eliminator round, from where they were eliminated after being defeated.
There is just one group stage game remaining in IPL 2025, and that will decide the top two’s final positions. The current scenario is:
Gujarat Titans (GT): 18 points (All games played) Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): 17 points (One game remaining against Lucknow Super Giants)
Below’s how the possibilities work out:
If RCB Defeats LSG
RCB would have 19 points and secure the second position.
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Punjab Kings will play RCB in Qualifier 1.
GT will fall to third and play the Eliminator.
If RCB loses to LSG
RCB remains on 17 points.
GT makes it to Qualifier 1 with 18 points.
RCB falls to the Eliminator match.
If the Match is Washed Out
RCB earns 1 point, stands on 18 (same as GT).
Even with an improved Net Run Rate (NRR), RCB will remain third.
Why? Because GT has 9 victories, whereas RCB possesses just 8, the victory tally is the initial tiebreaker prior to NRR.
Current IPL 2025 Playoff Scenario
Qualifier 1: Punjab Kings vs GT or RCB (29 May, Mullanpur)
Eliminator: Mumbai Indians vs GT or RCB (31 May, Mullanpur)
Qualifier 2: Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator (Ahmedabad)
Final: Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2 (Ahmedabad)
GT or RCB: The Battle for a Direct Final Opportunity
This last group match is not merely about playoff qualification but about having two chances at reaching the final. The second-placed team joins Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1, wherein they will have an opportunity for a direct passage to the IPL 2025 Final.
The margin for both GT and RCB is thin. While Gujarat Titans have finished their fixtures and will now wait and observe, the fate of RCB is in their hands. A win puts them at number two, a defeat knocks them down to third, and rain can land them in trouble despite a healthy run rate.
GT or RCB – It All Comes Down to One Match
With IPL 2025 nearing its exciting playoff stage, everyone’s focus is on the final league game. The calculation is straightforward: RCB wins – they play Punjab Kings; RCB loses or rain breaks – GT qualifies for Qualifier 1. Whichever it is, between GT and RCB, there is going to be an intense contest.
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