IPL Playoffs: Five Teams In Fierce Battle For Top-2 Finish

After a week-long break due to India-Pakistan tensions, the IPL 2025 caravan is all set to resume. The action kicks off with a high-voltage clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday.

With only 13 matches left in the league stage, the playoff race is wide open - seven teams are still in contention, and even a single loss at this stage could be a major setback.

Top-2 finish now primary target

While securing a playoff spot remains the main goal, the top-performing teams are now eyeing a top-2 finish, which offers the crucial advantage of getting two chances to reach the final.

Gujarat Titans, RCB leading the charge

Gujarat Titans currently top the points table with 16 points from 11 matches and are just one win away from securing a playoff berth. RCB are right behind, also with 16 points, making both teams strong contenders for a top-2 finish.

Punjab, Mumbai, and Delhi Still in the hunt

Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, are third with 15 points from 11 matches. To break into the top-2, they must win all their remaining games and hope for slip-ups from Gujarat or RCB.

Mumbai Indians, in fourth, must win both of their remaining matches to stay alive in the race. Delhi Capitals, too, remain in contention but face a steep challenge - they must win all three remaining games, and by convincing margins, to have a realistic chance of breaking into the top-2.

IPL Updated Points Table as of May 17

1. Gujarat Titans: 8 wins, 3 losses, 16 points, NRR +0.793

2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 8 wins, 3 losses, 16 points, NRR +0.482

3. Punjab Kings: 7 wins, 3 losses, 15 points, NRR +0.620

4. Mumbai Indians: 7 wins, 5 losses, 14 points, NRR +1.156

5. Delhi Capitals: 6 wins, 4 losses, 13 points, NRR +0.221

6. Kolkata Knight Riders: 5 wins, 6 losses, 11 points, NRR -0.061

7. Lucknow Super Giants: 5 wins, 6 losses, 10 points, NRR +0.013

8. Sunrisers Hyderabad: 3 wins, 7 losses, 6 points, NRR -0.455

9. Rajasthan Royals: 3 wins, 9 losses, 6 points, NRR -0.672

10. Chennai Super Kings: 3 wins, 9 losses, 6 points, NRR -0.912

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