IPL 2025 Playoffs Confirmed: Gujarat, RCB, Punjab Kings & Mumbai March Ahead as CSK Bows Out
The Race Is Over. The Dream Lives On for Four.
After nearly two months of heart-stopping cricket, stunning upsets, and last-ball finishes, the IPL 2025 playoff lineup is officially set.
✅ Gujarat Titans (GT)
✅ Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
✅ Punjab Kings (PBKS)
✅ Mumbai Indians (MI)
But amidst the cheers, there’s heartbreak too. One of the league’s most beloved franchises, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has been eliminated — falling short in what might be one of the most emotional exits in recent IPL history.
Gujarat Titans: Dominance in Silence
- Points: 18
- Strength: Seam attack & middle-order reliability
- X-Factor: Sai Sudharsan
GT continues to redefine consistency. Without much noise, they’ve finished on top of the table, once again showing why they are no longer a “new team.” With a rock-solid core and selfless leadership, they’re walking into the playoffs with momentum and belief.
“We’re not here to trend. We’re here to win,” said the GT captain after their final group stage win.
RCB: The Comeback Kings
- Points: 17
- Strength: Top-order firepower
- X-Factor: Virat Kohli (among top 3 run scorers)
RCB fans are no strangers to emotional rollercoasters, but this season might just top the list. Starting slow, they flipped the script mid-season and have now stormed into the playoffs. Their dressing room looks confident, their fans are fired up, and their dream is very much alive.
“We’ve suffered enough. Now it’s time we made it count.” — An RCB fan outside Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Punjab Kings: Quiet, Steady, Dangerous
- Points: 17
- Strength: All-round balance
- X-Factor: Sam Curran (match-winner in both innings)
This might just be the most mature version of Punjab Kings we’ve ever seen. No panic, no mid-season drama — just clean, focused cricket. They’ve won key games, trusted their bench strength, and are now on the brink of something special.
“No noise, just results. This is a different Punjab.” — PBKS coach post-qualification.
IPL 2025 Final Points Table
| Rank | Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | NR | Points | NRR | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Gujarat Titans (GT) | 14 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 18 | +1.034 | ✅ Qualified |
| 2️⃣ | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | 14 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 17 | +0.762 | ✅ Qualified |
| 3️⃣ | Punjab Kings (PBKS) | 14 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 17 | +0.523 | ✅ Qualified |
| 4️⃣ | Mumbai Indians (MI) | 14 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 16 | +0.441 | ✅ Qualified |
| 5️⃣ | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 14 | -0.102 | ❌ Eliminated |
| 6️⃣ | Rajasthan Royals (RR) | 14 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 12 | -0.288 | ❌ Eliminated |
| 7️⃣ | Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) | 14 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 12 | -0.314 | ❌ Eliminated |
| 8️⃣ | Delhi Capitals (DC) | 14 | 5 | 9 | 0 | 10 | -0.497 | ❌ Eliminated |
| 9️⃣ | Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) | 14 | 5 | 9 | 0 | 10 | -0.623 | ❌ Eliminated |
| 🔟 | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | 14 | 4 | 10 | 0 | 8 | -0.802 | ❌ Eliminated |
Mumbai Indians: Late Surge, Big Punch
- Points: 16
- Strength: Death bowling & big-hitter depth
- X-Factor: Suryakumar Yadav (unstoppable in the final stretch)
It came down to the final night, but Mumbai Indians know how to handle crunch time. Their 59-run victory over Delhi Capitals on May 21 sealed their spot and knocked CSK out. Experience, nerves of steel, and some SKY magic — classic MI style.
“We weren’t done yet. And now, we’ve got unfinished business.” — MI Captain after qualification.
CSK: End of the Road, End of an Era?
It’s hard to talk about IPL without CSK. But this year, it just didn’t click. Injuries, inconsistent batting, and a crucial loss to Rajasthan Royals on May 20 meant the five-time champions fell just short.
As CSK walked off the field that night, there were no angry faces — just quiet claps, tears in eyes, and a sense that something bigger might be ending.
“If this is Dhoni’s last dance, then thank you, Thala.” — a fan holding a yellow flag in Chennai.
Knockout Stage: What’s Next?
Here’s how the IPL 2025 playoff structure looks:
- Qualifier 1: GT vs RCB
- Eliminator: PBKS vs MI
- Qualifier 2: Loser of Q1 vs Winner of Eliminator
- Final: Winner of Q1 vs Winner of Q2
Venue Update: Ahmedabad will host both Qualifier 1 and the final, while Mumbai gets the Eliminator and Qualifier 2.
The Internet Reacts: Tears, Cheers & Memes
- “RCB vs MI final? Don’t do this to my blood pressure.”
- “Dhoni leaving? Don’t talk to me for 3 business days.”
- “Punjab lifting the trophy would be peak 2025 energy.”
Final Word: More Than Just a Game
IPL 2025 has reminded us why cricket is more than bat and ball. It’s heartbreak , hope and the roar of a crowd, the silence after a missed catch, and the belief that next year, anything can happen.
So here we are. Four teams, one trophy, and millions watching.
Let the playoffs begin.
FAQs
Yes. They were eliminated after their loss to Rajasthan Royals and MI’s win over Delhi.
Qualifier 1 will be Gujarat Titans vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The final is scheduled for later next week at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
