IPL 2025: How can Mumbai Indians finish in top two after qualifying for playoffs?

Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians (MI) have once again proved why they are one of the most consistent and dominating sides in the history of the Indian Premier League. With a clinical 59-run win over the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Wankhede Stadium on May 21, the five-time champions secured the final playoff spot in IPL 2025. In a virtual knockout game, MI displayed their best all-round performance to guide themselves over the line.

Now with MI officially qualifying for the knockout stage, their main focus is on the outside opportunity of finishing in the top two. The finish would give them an additional chance to reach the final by playing Qualifier 1, instead of the do-or-die opportunity of the Eliminator.

Current standings in IPL 2025 points table

Currently, the Mumbai-based franchise is fourth on the points table with 16 points from 13 matches. Their final league fixture is against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 26 in Jaipur. A win in that game would take them to 18 points, their maximum possible tally. However, even if they get the job done, a top-two finish is still not guaranteed.

The advantage lies in the hands of Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Punjab Kings, as they all sit above MI and each have two matches remaining. GT already have 18 points, while RCB and PBKS are close behind with 17 points each. MI will be hoping few results to land in their favour, to find themselves in the top two.

How can Mumbai Indians finish in top two?

For MI to reach the top two, two of the three teams (GT, RCB, and PBKS) must lose both their remaining matches. Apart from the given scenarios, MI not only need to win but also rely on the net run rate (NRR), which hopefully works in their favour (+1.292). 

Scenario 1: RCB and PBKS lose both matches

If both RCB and PBKS lose their final two games, and MI beats Punjab in their last match, MI will finish with 18 points. This would push MI into second place behind GT (22 points), giving them a top-two finish.

Scenario 2: GT and RCB lose both matches

If GT and RCB lose their remaining games while Mumbai beats PBKS, MI will finish with 18 points. In this case, PBKS top the table with 19 points, MI move up to second, and GT, despite holding the pole position earlier, will fall to third, giving MI the top-two advantage.

Scenario 3: GT and PBKS lose both matches

Lastly, if GT and PBKS lose both their remaining games and MI beat PBKS, RCB will top the table with 21 points. MI will again end with 18 points, which could place them second, ahead of GT and PBKS, either on points or Net Run Rate.