IPL 2025 playoffs: MI, PBKS, GT, RCB - which team looks best placed to win the title?

IPL 2025 playoffs: The league phase of IPL 2025 has officially concluded, and the four playoff contenders were confirmed even before the final group fixtures wrapped up. However, the exact match-ups were only finalised after the last league game. Table-toppers Punjab Kings (PBKS) will face second-placed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1 on Thursday, while Gujarat Titans (GT) are set to play Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Eliminator on Friday. Both encounters will take place in Mullanpur, with Qualifier 2 and the Final scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad.

Interestingly, each of the four sides will be without a few of their key players going into these high-stakes matches. Taking into account current form, squad balance, and venue conditions — let’s assess, in order, which team appears to be the strongest contender for the IPL 2025 title.

Mumbai Indians

MI have shown time and again that they know how to deliver when it matters most (BCCI Photo)

Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Trent Boult – all seasoned campaigners with multiple IPL titles and plenty of knockout match experience – bring invaluable composure to high-pressure situations. How players manage pressure in the playoffs often determines a team’s success, and this experienced core could prove crucial in guiding Mumbai Indians all the way. Add to that the presence of Deepak Chahar and Mitchell Santner, and MI’s lineup remains strong despite the absence of two regulars, Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks. With five titles already in their cabinet, MI have shown time and again that they know how to deliver when it matters most – and there’s every reason to believe they can do it again.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

RCB's current form and sheer determination to lift their maiden IPL trophy suggest this could be their year (BCCI Photo)

Despite missing key players like Josh Hazlewood and Tim David, Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a memorable victory over Lucknow Super Giants. Hazlewood is expected to return for Qualifier 1, which would be a timely boost. RCB’s success this season hasn’t hinged on individual brilliance but rather on collective performance. Their biggest strength has been a well-balanced squad with dependable back-up options. While history may not be on their side, the team's current form and sheer determination to lift their maiden IPL trophy suggest this could be their year. Adding to their momentum is a flawless away record — seven wins in seven matches— which should only further fuel their confidence heading into the playoffs.

Punjab Kings

There’s a strong desire within the Punjab Kings squad to finally secure their maiden IPL title (BCCI Photo)

Shreyas Iyer appears to be a captain with a clear purpose. His leadership has stood out this season, with most tactical calls — be it team selection or changes in the batting order — paying off. Punjab Kings have been one of the most strategically sharp sides in the competition. Their top order has fired consistently, though questions remain over the stability of their middle order. Still, much like RCB, there’s a strong desire within the squad to finally secure their maiden IPL title.
However, Marco Jansen’s absence will be felt, both in terms of pace bowling and depth in the lower order. Whether Kyle Jamieson can step up to fill that void remains to be seen. On the brighter side, Yuzvendra Chahal, who missed the final two league matches due to a wrist issue, is likely to return for the playoffs — an encouraging sign for PBKS.

Gujarat Titans

Gujarat Titans will rely largely on individual brilliance (BCCI Photo)

The Titans were one of the standout teams in the league stage, thanks largely to their top-order trio — Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler — who together have contributed nearly 73 percent of the team’s total runs. With Buttler unavailable, the pressure now falls on Kusal Mendis to step up and plug that gap. Their middle order remains largely untested, which could be a vulnerability under the pressure of knockout cricket. Another concern is the relative lack of experience in key areas. The road is tough for them. They have defied the odds before and can do it again, but they will rely largely on individual brilliance to take the team to their second IPL title.