IPL 2025 Playoffs Begin: Punjab Kings vs RCB in Qualifier-1, A Chance for a New Champion

The stage is set for the IPL 2025 Playoffs, beginning today (May 29), with Punjab Kings taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Qualifier-1 at Mullanpur. As the top two teams on the points table, the winner will earn a direct entry into the final.

Highlights:

Qualifier-1: Punjab Kings face RCB in Mullanpur on May 29.

Eliminator: Gujarat Titans take on Mumbai Indians on May 30.

Only once in 14 seasons has a team from the Eliminator won the IPL title.

On May 30, Gujarat Titans will battle Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator, also at Mullanpur. The winner of that match will then take on the loser of Qualifier-1 in Qualifier-2, with a place in the final at stake.

Only One Title from the Eliminator Route

Since the introduction of the playoff format in 2011, only once has a team starting from the Eliminator gone on to lift the IPL trophy — Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016, led by David Warner. They defeated KKR, Gujarat Lions, and RCB in a historic playoff run.

In every other season, the eventual champion has come from the top two finishers in the league stage.

Tough Road for MI and GT

Mumbai Indians, with five IPL titles, face a tougher challenge this year. Despite a rich history, they’ve never won from outside the top two. They’ve been eliminated early in 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2023 after finishing in third or fourth.

Gujarat Titans, meanwhile, won the IPL in their debut season (2022), were runners-up in 2023, but underperformed in 2024. Now back in the playoffs, they aim to reclaim their dominance.

Will 2025 Bring a New Champion?

With either Punjab Kings or RCB guaranteed to play in the final, there’s a real possibility of a first-time IPL champion. RCB has reached the final thrice (2009, 2011, 2016) but failed to secure the title. Punjab came close in 2014, only to lose to KKR.

As the playoffs begin, fans eagerly await whether this season will finally crown a new champion.