Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians (MI) stapled their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 playoff berth after getting the better of Delhi Capitals (DC) by 59 runs. Their decisive win over DC in a virtual quarter-final at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, May 21 means the playoff race is officially concluded. Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Punjab Kings (PBKS) had already qualified for the second round.
How can Mumbai Indians make it to top 2 after playoff qualification?
It's a rare occurrence in IPL history with all four contending teams decided with seven league matches still remaining. However, this doesn't diminish the excitement for fans over the next five days, as these four qualified teams are locked in a fierce contest for the coveted top two spots.
Just two points separate the four teams at present. Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans lead with 18 points from 12 games, while both Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings have 17 points each, also from 12 games. The Mumbai Indians, having played 13 games, currently sit with 16 points.
Having played one more match than their rivals and currently possessing fewer points, the Mumbai Indians (MI) no longer control their own destiny in securing a top-two finish. The five-time champions can only hope to claim a first or second spot if they win their final game against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Monday May 26, in Jaipur, and at least two of the three teams above them lose both of their remaining matches.
The schedule for the other contenders is packed. Before facing MI, PBKS will host Delhi Capitals (DC) on Saturday, May 24. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to play Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on May 23 and May 27, respectively. Gujarat Titans (GT) will host LSG and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 22 and May 25. Since the playoff system was introduced in 2011, a remarkable trend has emerged: the IPL trophy has been won by a team finishing in the top two in 13 out of 14 seasons. The sole exception to this rule was Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who lifted the trophy in 2016 despite not finishing in the top two.