IPL 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings were the beneficiaries from Gujarat Titans' win over Delhi Capitals last night, as they have now officially qualified for the IPL 2025 Playoffs.
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While this is RCB's second-consecutive appearance after missing out in 2023, Punjab Kings qualify for their first playoffs since 2014, as the side, under the tutelage of Ricky Ponting, and captaincy of Shreyas Iyer have been in sublime form this season.
Throughout the 18-year history of IPL, it has never happened that RCB & PBKS qualified for the Playoffs within the same edition until yesterday, as two trophyless teams are potentially destined to end their barren run this season.
RCB have ended up as runners-up on three occasions (2009, 2011, 2016) but this time around, they look like a complete squad. However, with the recent break, few main players have not reported for the remainder of the matches, which can cause problems for the Bengaluru-based franchise.
PBKS, on the other hand, are amongst the most inconsistent teams this league has ever seen. Their only Final appearance came in 2014, where the all-iconic KKR squad registered a memorable win, thanks to Manish Pandey's ruthless 94. Since the mega event, PBKS have never managed to qualified to playoffs until yesterday, and with them adding Mitchell Owen to their ranks, Shreyas Iyer might just end their 18-year quest for an IPL title.
DC, MI, LSG Battle For The Last Spot
Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and Lucknow Super Giants now remain the only teams who are yet to either achieve qualificion or suffer elimination. The final spot remains open to these three sides, who now have to win all of their remaining games.
By the looks of it, the final group stage game between Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians will be a virtual knockout.